This week has been spent meeting with a colleague to discuss a propject that we both need for our masters. The other teacher is becoming more technology savvy and knows that I use technology every day in my class. He proposed that we present to our middle school staff together; I agreed as this is required for this course and hopefully will stimulate use in other classrooms as well.
I have posted to three other student's Bloggs and listen to Podcast as well. My Project is almost finished, Hopefully by Wednesday!
Response to Podcast: I have experienced many barriers to technology use. Often, a Site will attempt to be a technology leader and purchase software that is cutting edge but not take into account that only two or three on staff are able and willing to use the product as intended. At my site, there are many software programs that were purchased on a whim and have yet to be opened due to a lack of interest.
Another barrier to technology use is the training necessary to use the product is not factored into actually implementing its use. For example, last year our site spent about $110,000 to purchase computers and SuccessMaker software. While the new computers were welcomed by many teachers, almost half stated that they "did not have the time" or Know-how" to use them as a learning tool in the classroom. We spent two half-days in training to use the SuccessMaker software as it was implied by administration that the computer teacher would impliment the majority of the software useage. This left me with the impression that the software would be used by those with the skills or desire to impliment its use.
Finally, the most often expressed barrier is time. Many teachers will state that they lack time to impliment technology as they perceive making a lesson with technology as creating a lesson twice. I have discussed this with all of the middle school staff and all but two teachers feel this way (myself and one other). This is why I felt driven to do a project where I can present to my colleagues how I am able to us etechnology and it will actually lessen my time spent making a lesson.
The outcome of not changing this misperseption is that our students will also not by up todate on technology, which innthe work force can be devastating as fastfood service, customer service, and" blue collar" work requires technology use.
I have posted to three other student's Bloggs and listen to Podcast as well. My Project is almost finished, Hopefully by Wednesday!
Response to Podcast: I have experienced many barriers to technology use. Often, a Site will attempt to be a technology leader and purchase software that is cutting edge but not take into account that only two or three on staff are able and willing to use the product as intended. At my site, there are many software programs that were purchased on a whim and have yet to be opened due to a lack of interest.
Another barrier to technology use is the training necessary to use the product is not factored into actually implementing its use. For example, last year our site spent about $110,000 to purchase computers and SuccessMaker software. While the new computers were welcomed by many teachers, almost half stated that they "did not have the time" or Know-how" to use them as a learning tool in the classroom. We spent two half-days in training to use the SuccessMaker software as it was implied by administration that the computer teacher would impliment the majority of the software useage. This left me with the impression that the software would be used by those with the skills or desire to impliment its use.
Finally, the most often expressed barrier is time. Many teachers will state that they lack time to impliment technology as they perceive making a lesson with technology as creating a lesson twice. I have discussed this with all of the middle school staff and all but two teachers feel this way (myself and one other). This is why I felt driven to do a project where I can present to my colleagues how I am able to us etechnology and it will actually lessen my time spent making a lesson.
The outcome of not changing this misperseption is that our students will also not by up todate on technology, which innthe work force can be devastating as fastfood service, customer service, and" blue collar" work requires technology use.
Labels: session 6
posted by Coach lynn at 6:51 PM
2 Comments:
Hey Robert,
That's really a shame that more thought wasn't put into the implementation of your computers and software (especially for all of that money!!). Sometimes it makes me wonder if they people who have the power to spend, really look at the best current possibilities and uses or if they just get sucked into a sales pitch and get gung ho!
Anyhow, I am impressed that you actually got some time set aside for some training, sounds like maybe they just need some better support and follow up now. Best of luck!
I applaud you for demonstrating how technology helps save you time and/or effort. This is in my mind the key to more technology adoption. Humans tend to adopt tools that they see as being advantageous to themselves! I know I do.
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