Technology training in schools looks a whole lot different today than in did 5, 10, 15 years ago. Who am I kidding; it looks different than it did 2 years ago. There is no denying that technology is changing at a scary rate and most of use are left trying to figure out the old version of something just as a new and better version is being released. So, how does that relate to education and specifically to the media specialist? It means hold on to your boots and get ready for the ride because we are in the front seat of this roller coaster! We are MEDIA specialists, no longer the "keeper of the books." Our job is defined as not only having the technology available to our patrons, but also being able to help them with it. There are a lot of awesome tools out there, but let's be honest, some of them are unused due to lack of professional development and support. Technology can be very intimidating. It is part of the media specialist job to calm some of those fears, get the needed support for the staff, and get the technology in use both by teachers and staff.
I am very fortunate to be at a school that truly embraces technology (for the most part) and have a principal that is constantly pulling people in for collaboration plan days that almost always involve some technology training. Why? Because our teachers voiced a need and she acted on it. The training is very productive because it is run by teacher needs and concerns. Each grade level determines what they want to focus on making the learning relevant.
When thinking about Do's and Don'ts, there are a couple of things that come to mind.
*Do make the training relevant to the audience. *Don't use the cookie cutter approach (not everyone needs the same thing).
*Do ask the teachers for input about the specific technology training they feel they need. *Don't make everybody sit through the same training 3 times because someONE said it was needed.
*Do revisit the topic of training once teachers have a chance to utilize the resource. *Don't give them a 45-minute overview and expect them to be experts. Hello-remember the technology-intimidating factor?
We need to help people relax about the scary technology monster and just embrace what they can. We are long past the days of all being on a similar playing field. When it comes to technology, we are all over the place with what we know and are comfortable with. We can try to make it better, but we need to accept the fact that everyone is not nor ever will be a tech guru...and it is OK. They can still utilize components they feel comfortable and supported using.
It is true that we are media specialists, not librarians. If we are to help patrons gain access to technology, we are to be able to use it when they ask for assistance. While most schools now do have separate technology specialists, the media specialist is still responsible for the equipment not only in the media center, but also in each classroom. One of the main goals of a media specialist should be to collaborate with teachers to help improve student achievement. How can we do this if we are unable to use the technology that students use in the classroom? Educating students is our first priority, and effectively using technology training will help us meet that goal.
Technology is intimidating for many and unpredictable much of the time, especially in school settings. Technology engages students and offers a variety of formats that address learning styles. Many teachers need our help to take away the intimidation factor associated with technology. I have found that using the technolgies available in the media center can demonstrate for teachers what they can use in their classrooms. I have given teachers opportunities during the day to come and play around with various techology with my assistance or to stay after school and I'll help them with certain tools or websites, but only a few have shown interest. I have gone to a few classrooms to individually assist teachers with the technology they should use to make learning more fun. They see the value, but continue to avoid using it. It's hard to make some see that if they will take the time to practice they will become more comfortable and enjoy teaching with these tools. Like helping students find that book they like to read, it's the same with helping teachers find that technology tool they love to use. We make training available using various formats and times and it's up to them as to whether they embrace the training or not. Having the support of administrators can help impact the motivations teachers may have for learning and using technology. I agree with you that the need for training is individualized and we must find ways to meet teacher's individual needs. I also think we must use peer tutoring as we do with students in our classrooms. Thanks for your honest post. I must admit I still feel intimidated at times by the monster!
Jodye - I think it is awesome that you take that time to work with your teachers that want to learn about technology. I have found that the only way to truly learn how to use a technology is to play with it. A lot of teachers want to just set it up and be done - I like to look around, find what is useful, create samples, figure out what everyone does. Half the time, I just play with the new program when we are learning about it. I think that's how a lot of people learn, especially our kids. We need to try to get our teachers curious about new programs that we can use. I love when someone sees something you had the kids do with a cool program and then being able to teach them about it. I just wish others were are eager to learn about new technologies as I am!
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ReplyDeleteTechnology training in schools looks a whole lot different today than in did 5, 10, 15 years ago. Who am I kidding; it looks different than it did 2 years ago. There is no denying that technology is changing at a scary rate and most of use are left trying to figure out the old version of something just as a new and better version is being released. So, how does that relate to education and specifically to the media specialist? It means hold on to your boots and get ready for the ride because we are in the front seat of this roller coaster! We are MEDIA specialists, no longer the "keeper of the books." Our job is defined as not only having the technology available to our patrons, but also being able to help them with it. There are a lot of awesome tools out there, but let's be honest, some of them are unused due to lack of professional development and support. Technology can be very intimidating. It is part of the media specialist job to calm some of those fears, get the needed support for the staff, and get the technology in use both by teachers and staff.
ReplyDeleteI am very fortunate to be at a school that truly embraces technology (for the most part) and have a principal that is constantly pulling people in for collaboration plan days that almost always involve some technology training. Why? Because our teachers voiced a need and she acted on it. The training is very productive because it is run by teacher needs and concerns. Each grade level determines what they want to focus on making the learning relevant.
When thinking about Do's and Don'ts, there are a couple of things that come to mind.
*Do make the training relevant to the audience.
*Don't use the cookie cutter approach (not everyone needs the same thing).
*Do ask the teachers for input about the specific technology training they feel they need.
*Don't make everybody sit through the same training 3 times because someONE said it was needed.
*Do revisit the topic of training once teachers have a chance to utilize the resource.
*Don't give them a 45-minute overview and expect them to be experts. Hello-remember the technology-intimidating factor?
We need to help people relax about the scary technology monster and just embrace what they can. We are long past the days of all being on a similar playing field. When it comes to technology, we are all over the place with what we know and are comfortable with. We can try to make it better, but we need to accept the fact that everyone is not nor ever will be a tech guru...and it is OK. They can still utilize components they feel comfortable and supported using.
It is true that we are media specialists, not librarians. If we are to help patrons gain access to technology, we are to be able to use it when they ask for assistance. While most schools now do have separate technology specialists, the media specialist is still responsible for the equipment not only in the media center, but also in each classroom. One of the main goals of a media specialist should be to collaborate with teachers to help improve student achievement. How can we do this if we are unable to use the technology that students use in the classroom? Educating students is our first priority, and effectively using technology training will help us meet that goal.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is intimidating for many and unpredictable much of the time, especially in school settings. Technology engages students and offers a variety of formats that address learning styles. Many teachers need our help to take away the intimidation factor associated with technology. I have found that using the technolgies available in the media center can demonstrate for teachers what they can use in their classrooms. I have given teachers opportunities during the day to come and play around with various techology with my assistance or to stay after school and I'll help them with certain tools or websites, but only a few have shown interest. I have gone to a few classrooms to individually assist teachers with the technology they should use to make learning more fun. They see the value, but continue to avoid using it. It's hard to make some see that if they will take the time to practice they will become more comfortable and enjoy teaching with these tools. Like helping students find that book they like to read, it's the same with helping teachers find that technology tool they love to use. We make training available using various formats and times and it's up to them as to whether they embrace the training or not. Having the support of administrators can help impact the motivations teachers may have for learning and using technology. I agree with you that the need for training is individualized and we must find ways to meet teacher's individual needs. I also think we must use peer tutoring as we do with students in our classrooms. Thanks for your honest post. I must admit I still feel intimidated at times by the monster!
ReplyDeleteJodye - I think it is awesome that you take that time to work with your teachers that want to learn about technology. I have found that the only way to truly learn how to use a technology is to play with it. A lot of teachers want to just set it up and be done - I like to look around, find what is useful, create samples, figure out what everyone does. Half the time, I just play with the new program when we are learning about it. I think that's how a lot of people learn, especially our kids. We need to try to get our teachers curious about new programs that we can use. I love when someone sees something you had the kids do with a cool program and then being able to teach them about it. I just wish others were are eager to learn about new technologies as I am!
ReplyDelete