For my interview I talked with a
former teacher who now trains teachers how to integrate technology into the
classroom, and how to do it well. This
woman spent about 20 years in the classroom, but was put into the position of
technology training about 5 years ago.
She travels to various schools in the district, and leads classes and sessions
of teachers and future teacher about how to integrate technology effectively. During the interview one of the important
facts that I found was the importance of the technology personnel developing
personal relationships with teachers so that they trust them and value the
information they are presenting. It’s
important to give teachers the insight as to why you think the technology is
important and examples of how it has worked.
It’s a great idea to do the research, find great ways to integrate
technology, but if the teachers don’t buy into the practice that is presented
it will not get used in the classroom. I
believe this will help me in the future because I think this concept applies to
all educational situations other than just educational technology. If teachers do not develop good relationships
with one another and value each other’s educational expertise, than chances are
they will not work together in the most effective ways.
I feel that you identified a very important point. This concept is important in just about any situation where people have to work together. As educators, we have to lead by example, not only for our students, but for our fellow educators. It’s relatively easy to pick out a new technology and advise others that they must use it. However, without the appropriate training and understanding of why it’s beneficial, many will be apprehensive to use the technology in their classrooms. A few years back, I began using an internet based scheduling program for our adjunct instructors. It was initially met with some resistance. However, after training was complete and they understood all of the benefits, we can’t imagine functioning without it.
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