I interviewed the Principal of Middle School A. Although optimistic about the increasing level of technology, the principal explained that a lack of training and not enough time was the largest gap for the technology they had. Although they had the means to provide free training from an outside source, the district still could not afford to pay teachers for the required amount of training time. Instead, it was expected that teachers learn as they teach, from peers, or from the Technology Coaches.
This is a 1:1 iPad school. I know from my participation in School Site Council, that this school learned from the mistakes of other schools. While other schools, gave the students iPads with little training and let them take it home, School A took a different approach. Not only were students trained, but parents too. Students checked out their iPad at school and checked them back in at the end of the day. It seems like the other challenges, like bandwidth have been dealt with. So, what remains? Adequate and on-going training for teachers and students. The principal's closing remarks were: “These are exciting times with technology. But time and training is needed. A common misstep is believing the students can do everything in technology just because students are digital natives. We still need to teach them tech literacy.” Click Module 1 Assignment to view a more detailed slideshow.
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AuthorPassionate Adult ESL Instructor and TOSA at Grossmont Adult School. Former Adjunct at San Diego Community College District. Seeking the best ways to utilize technology in the classroom and in professional life. Archives
April 2016
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