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Why do we give teachers tools if we do not take the time to train them how to use them?

I know how most teachers feel about professional development. Ugh!

In my experience as a teacher, I've been given a lot of tools, software, devices, programs. You name it and I probably have a teacher account that my district has provided. What is lacking is the training in how to use all of them or even most of them. So many times, teachers are sent tutorial videos to watch on their own time when given something new to learn. Other times, teachers have to teach themselves or find videos online to learn things. Something that I have noticed is that training is given for things that teachers do not even use on a daily basis. We have to change this.

As a future technology coordinator, I want to make it a mission to provide training for teachers often and make sure that it will actually be relevant. Teachers do not want to feel like their time is wasted on training for "nothing." This means that leaders need to get input from teachers on what they need and what will be the most beneficial. They also need to provide training on new things that will show teachers the ways to use them in their own classrooms. All of this leads to the video below that explains examples of how to make professional development work well.

             

This video is a great overview of why PD fails and how we can improve it in the future. I know that when I just have to sit and listen, I will "zone out" frequently. If someone gives me something to work with and practice, I will stay engaged and remember it better. This is how we are taught to teach our students, so why would teaching adults be any different. If the teachers can learn to use something new, they will be able to incorporate it in lessons to teach the students to use it. In the article, How to Introduce New Tech in Districts, Without Tech Burnout, Akilah Willery, a Texas-based K-12 education strategist is quoted saying, "Kids might be comfortable typing, turning their cameras on or learning from a video, but they still need someone to guide them through it." (Brereton, 2022). Teachers need guidance too. 

I want to make changes like this and become someone that will lead teachers to provide real learning experiences for their students. We are in charge of making the future better for them and the rest of the world.


Resources

GIF - https://giphy.com/

YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG7fXp5BmOE

Brereton, Erin. (2022, February 4). How to introduce New Tech in districts, without Tech Burnout. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/02/how-introduce-new-tech-districts-without-tech-burnout

Comments

  1. April ManerFebruary 16, 2022 at 8:22 AM

    As teachers we want our students to have the absolute best and the most up-to-date teaching tools. However, this can also become a stressor and just another "checkbox" if teachers are thrown materials and resources without having any prior knowledge. Teachers are drowning right now and the ability to learn about something new on their own terms and without any guidance is impossible. In order to reach these teachers, we must be intentional in our delivery methods as far as professional development and professional learning. Teachers shouldn't be forced to be trained on something they will never use because this will be considered a waste of their time and they will not retain or use any of the information presented. In research from Sheninger (2019, p. 143), "professional learning is characterized by sustained, collaborative, coherent, and job-embedded learning that leverages both traditional and digital pathways." Introducing technology should be on a preferential bases, especially the topic, and should be a collaborative experience.

    References
    Sheninger, E. C. (2019). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times (Second ed.). Corwin.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Technology 101 for Middle SchoolFebruary 16, 2022 at 5:38 PM

    I completely agree that there is lack of professional development or training for the tools, software, platforms for instruction that teachers are asked to use. As a teacher, we are suppose to teach our students how to use certain technology platforms but how can we teach our students effectively if we do not ever know how the manipulate the tools.

    Technology coordinators are suppose to plan, prepare, and purchase a variety of technology tools for the district they serve. When selecting the technology needs for the schools/teachers they need for professional development should be planned accordingly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wesley LawleyFebruary 18, 2022 at 10:57 AM

    That has been a major issue for me over the last two years. We have added tons of new programs and devices, but most of our PD has been virtual or online. Teachers have not had the chance to see things in person or have the true working sessions that are needed for learning. Many teachers would join a zoom on their device and be unable to use that device to practice what was being taught. I am trying to make up for that some in Bibb now that we can have more face to face trainings.

    ReplyDelete

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