Chapter 5 - professional development

In the past few decades, a transformation has occurred in American public education; now, teachers are expected and required to use educational technology in one form or another in their classrooms (Collier, Weinburgh, & Rivera, 2004). In order to accomplish this transition from teachers' teaching to technology teaching. The government published the National Educational Technology Plan (U.S. Department of Education, 2004).

The plan lists seven major steps and recommendations for implementing technology in the schools:

1. Strengthen leadership
2. Consider innovative budgeting
3. Improve teacher training
4. Support e-learning and virtual schools
5. Encourage broadband access
6. Move toward digital content
7. Integrate data systems (U.S. Department of Education, 2004, n.p.)

Beside this, communities of practice also are assisted by following suggestions in organizing and planning the way these communities are structured (Susan Taylor, 2006, n.p.).

• Establish regular times for team interaction
• Send agendas to participants beforehand
• Designate a team librarian
• Build and maintain a team archive
• Use visual forms of communication where possible
• Set formal rules for communication and/or technology use (n.p.)

Professional development and web 2.0 tools

Below is a PowerPoint of professional development and Web 2.0 tools, hope it is may give you some inspiration and help you understand this chapter.

 

Blogging

Blogs can be used to promote teachers' comfort with and understanding of Web 2.0 tools, and some teachers already use them to create their own professional and personal networks. Individuals within learning communities can determine their topics of interest, identify ways to find information, and share conversations and knowledge (Solomon & Schrum, 2007).

*Recommend website: The Fischbowl

Podcasting

Schools are starting to make professional development training sessions, lectures, and ideas available through podcasts, which leads to individualized professional development on demand (Solomon & Schrum, 2007).

* Recommend website: LearningTimes 

Wikis 

One of the most exciting opportunities for professional development is to allow all members of a community to participate in the creation of a goal, plan, or direction or to simply discuss the way a new activity is working. Wikis present the ideal manner in which to accomplish this and, at the same time, educators learn about the potential for using this tool in their classrooms (Solomon & Schrum, 2007).

* Recommend website: Wikispaces

NETS-T (National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers)

All classroom teachers should be prepared to meet the following standards and performance indicators.

3. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum

Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers:

A. facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.

B. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.

C. apply technology to develop students' higher-order skills and creativity.

D. manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.

Citations

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0, new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: Intl Society for Technology in educ.