Technology across the curriculium (Ellsworth article) The need for effective professional development

Technology can have a definite impact on student learning but this is only possible when and if teachers are comfortable with the technology they are embarking upon. Simply putting students in front of a computer screen is not effective, rather the learning must be authentic and relevant to the curriculum at hand.

For teachers with little computer knowledge, or who have no idea how to incorporate technology into instruction, the transition to a student-centered model that is technology-driven can be very challenging. It is imperative that teachers be well versed in techniques to identify and integrate technologies that will enhance the learning, which takes place in the classroom. In many cases this can be achieved through effective professional development.

The primary focus of professional development should be on providing time for teachers to collaborate with colleagues within the school environment rather than on one-shot in-services. Teachers who are not afforded the time will likely become frustrated and therefore be unsuccessful in integrating technology in the classroom.

When given ample opportunity for professional collaboration with their colleagues, teachers gain much insight from each other. Giving teachers the opportunity to learn how to integrate technology into their professional skill set should be a priority for provincial and district officials, and for school administrators.

To achieve optimal results provincial and districts officials, school administrators and teachers must first see professional development as an integral part of a schools development and technology plan.

The focus should be on learning ‘to’ not ‘how’. Working collaboratively with colleagues, educators will gain much insight form each other. Wheelock (2004) surmises that when teachers learn collaboratively in their schools the result is increased student improvement. If school districts and administrators want to build a technology culture within their schools, professional development is essential.

Wheelock, A. (2000). Conversations Turning Points Transforming Middle Schools
Center for collaborative Learning Vol1 (1). Retrieved November 8,2008 from
http://www.turningpts.org/pdf/Conversationsfall00.pdf