1. Examine and explain the need for professional development as it relates to technology integration in schools.
2. What is the connection between pedagogy and technology integration?
3. What challenges do schools and technology integration specialists face when trying to implement technology programs?
4. Cite all sources used and link to sources within the blog post.
Professional development is key to technology integration; however, Meltzer (2012), points out that how we choose to train using professional development is the key to the success of the technology integration (p. 1-3). Meltzer (2012) states that
"Teachers attending a workshop or training on a new curriculum or behavior-management
technique begin the day with a strong command of the vocabulary of teaching and dealing with
children and considerable classroom experience. This is not the case, however, when beginning
a workshop on learning how to use newly purchased software or how to integrate computers in
the classroom" (p. 3).
We have to be cognizant of what teachers know and do not know before beginning a technology training session as well as how we might be able to offer a differentiated training environment to meet those needs. The key ingredient to successful technology professional development training is for teachers and administrators "to have a solid understanding of the difference between technology use to enhance learning of the curriculum and technology use for productivity--as well as the ability to make distinctions in the various kinds of supports that will be required for each" (Staples, Pugach, & Himes, 2005, p. 306). Staples, Pugach, and Himes (2005) explain in their study that a "clear vision of the goal of technology as it relates directly to the curriculum" is also necessary for the successful integration of technology in education.
Curriculum and how we teach it are interrelated to technology integration. I like to think of the TPACK framework when looking at how technology relates to pedagogy. When teaching I have to think of ways to deliver the content to my students in a way that is best suited for them. When I add technology into the mix I have to assess which piece of technology will add in not only delivering the content, but aid students in showing me their understanding of that content. The TPACK framework is combining our content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and out technology knowledge to deliver curriculum and drive instruction. Here is a short video over TPACK in case you are unfamiliar:
Now, when integrating technology, teachers, administration, and the technology integration specialist can come across many challenges. According to Meltzer (2010) "Teachers who implement changes based on research are more likely to reform their classroom instruction and provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in today's ever-changing world" (p. 1). This is an important quote because I find that professional development training often lacks research that explains the relevance of what teachers are being asked to learn. I am the type of person who has to know the "why" of things before I can truly bite into them. I feel that professional development should lead with the research and then the "how" in order to be more appealing and relevant to teachers.
Another challenge, can be the fact that teachers often are overwhelmed with their current tasks and lack the time for training. Staples, Pugach, and Himes (2005) point out that technology integration "requires administrators and teachers to invest real time and effort, real fiscal and human resources in acquiring and learning to use the technology itself and keeping up the technology precisely so that it can serve the curriculum" (p. 306).
Meltzer, S. (2012). Step-by-step professional development in technology. Larchmont, NY: Eye on
Education.
Staples, A., Pugach, M., & Himes, D. (2005). Rethinking the technology integration challenge: Cases
from the three urban elementary schools. Journal of Research on Technology in Education,
37(5), 285-311.
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