Educational technology has gone from 0 to 60 in the last five years. It has changed our practice, our technique, our world. But the truth of it is, it is our future and it's not going anywhere. Whether your school is just hopping on the bus or is still trying to get it jump started, it's important to have a plan in place for professional development of tech integration. It's time to turn on the GPS.
Rule Number 1: Find your teacher leaders. These might be names that jump into your mind or there might be some quiet leaders waiting for their chance. Leave it open for volunteers. Taking chances, mentoring, willingness to share successes and challenges--these are all characteristics that make the best leaders.
Rule Number 2: Meet 'em where they're at. This line may be overused. We use it when we talk about our students and fellow educators. But it's true. Show respect for where the staff is in their technology knowledge. Make them feel safe. You can't expect a first year teacher and a tenured teacher to have the same level of understanding and capability. Take these levels into consideration when planning your tech PD. Please, please don't make the whole staff sit through the same PD. Differentiation is what we do, use it in all aspects of your professional development too. Listen to what they need and provide it.
Rule Number 3: Start a mentoring system. Use small groups or pairs, whatever works best. This chart helped our staff identify what skills they had. We asked them to choose one track/skill and move up two steps throughout the WHOLE year. Each group met monthly to set goals and revisit the progress made. The mentor could provide individual attention and support, as needed. As the year progressed, the staff became more experienced and confident, even teaching one another and giving suggestions.
Rule Number 4: If that doesn't work, bring in a pro. Some staff would prefer to learn from an 'expert' and aren't as receptive to learning from one another. It's the cold, hard truth. Find a teacher from another school, get on Twitter, attend conferences/edcamps and bring someone back to school with you. It might help get it started. Whatever it takes, do it.
An important thing to remember when you are getting started--
There are schools all over the world that have been where you're at. You aren't alone. We're all on this bus together.
Interested in helping me with some research? Please click here!
Take hold of the wheel,
Mindy
Rule Number 4: If that doesn't work, bring in a pro. Some staff would prefer to learn from an 'expert' and aren't as receptive to learning from one another. It's the cold, hard truth. Find a teacher from another school, get on Twitter, attend conferences/edcamps and bring someone back to school with you. It might help get it started. Whatever it takes, do it.
An important thing to remember when you are getting started--
There are schools all over the world that have been where you're at. You aren't alone. We're all on this bus together.
Interested in helping me with some research? Please click here!
Take hold of the wheel,
Mindy
#leadwithtaillights
#proveemwrong
#indeed
