Earnest - Week One Blog

The first week of lessons was really more of a review for me. I have been in the computer science field since 1977 and in education since 1989, so much of what the first assignments were focused on were things I already knew. However, it never hurts to be reminded of those skills and knowledge! Since I do not currently hold a teaching position in my school district, I am answering the required questions as applicable to my current job. Something that I learned that I immediately put to use is the information on learning styles and multiple-intelligences. As I teach teachers and other staff members, I have to remember that they are in the role of the student and that I must engage them and provide multiple ways of learning for them as they encounter new technologies in our district. As I plan for professional development in technology for our staff, I will try to keep in focus the different ways I can present information so that all the staff members will learn and feel comfortable. The challenges that I will have are much like any normal classroom of today. Some of the staff members will have great amounts of background knowledge that they'll bring to the table, while others will have none. If I can utilize those who have the basic knowledge in the role as coaches, then we should all learn more quickly. The other obstacle that usually faces us when planning technology professional development it time. Sometimes we are given bits of time within the initial PD sessions for the new school year and sometimes we are not. If the latter is the case, then I have to find other ways to provide training for our staff. Sometimes that means after-school sessions of one to two hours. Sometimes that means meeting during their planning periods during the school day. Sometimes that means developing an online method of communicating the material. Whatever is needed is what I have to do. I want the teachers and other staff members to feel comfortable with the technologies available to them and ultimately, I want them to use the technologies each and every time it is appropriate for them. The ultimate goal is to give them the tools and the skills they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. If I can do that, then my year will be a success!