Jan
27
My Found Article- The Ten Pillars
January 27, 2008 | |
When finding an article, I wanted to find something that addresses the issue of how to utilize technology effectively in the classroom. I found an article, The Ten Pillars of Successful Technology Integration in K-12 Schools on http://www.pitt.edu/~poole/, that gives ideas for integration.
This article relates to what I have been suspecting as I have thought about access and specifically, Solomon #3 and #4. There must be involvement with everyone committed, time for training with teacher training and needs coming first.
I have been quick to say teachers are not always on board with integrating technology into their own classroom. However, based on the dedicated, professional teachers I work with everyday, I knew there were other factors influencing the slow incorporation of technology. This article summarizes, in an effective way, some of those reasons. Someone has to support and train teachers to want to use technology and that support must come from leaders down.
I agree teachers need to have constant, credible support when not only bringing technology to the classroom, but bringing anything new into the classroom. Teachers need to feel ownership of what they bring into their classroom. Good teachers will adapt what they need into their teaching style to reach students. Most professional development of technology I have been involved in was a one time introduction and then a statement of “let me know if you need anymore help” The technology was not something offered over time or with continuous support. The technology was not developed to meet the teachers needs, it was used because the district had paid money for a program and now expected teachers to use it.
I feel if districts can incorporate even part of these ten pillars, teachers and students can reap the rewards. Teachers can utilize technology effectively and not feel like they are lagging behind their own students when it comes to technology.
Comments
1 Comment so far
I think pillar VII–An ongoing technology training program must be in place is a much needed aspect of technology integration into the curriculum, as you have already stated. The webquest from the site appears to be interesting and tied to the content, which is a big barrier, I think for teachers because everything needs to be part ot the core content.