How do you meet
the challenge of integrating technology in a true and
meaningful way?
The Grand Forks Schools has a strong commitment to
professional development as an integral part of the long
range plan for technology. As a result of this
commitment, a staff development program was initiated in
the Grand Forks elementary schools during the 1996-97
school year. This program supports elementary teachers in
full time positions as Elementary Curriculum Partners.
These teachers receive extensive training and are each
assigned specific buildings where they work directly with
the staff and students on a weekly basis.
Professional
Development Model Principles
- A partnership is established between the classroom
teacher and the trainer
- Training focuses on experiences that are relevant
to the teacher's curriculum
- Teacher support is ongoing and timely
- Partners and teachers collaborate during planning,
implementation and evaluation of projects
- Staff development in technology focuses on
enhanced student learning.
For example, an elementary teacher teacher may be in
the planning phase of a unit on endangered animals. The
technology partner suggests Internet, CD ROM, or
software-based resources that relate to this unit. The
teacher examines the resources and decides how and why to
incorporate them in the unit of study. In this case, the
students are going to create a slide show, a series of
computer screens that can incorporate text, graphics,
sound, movies and animation that communicates why the
animal of their choice is endangered and what can be done
to preserve the species. The research tools will include
Internet and CD ROM resources as well as traditional
tools. The skill level of the teacher determines how much
support is necessary from this point. The partner may
coach the teacher or become directly involved with the
students as the teacher learns right along with the
students. The partner may be involved at different
intervals during the project. Perhaps the teacher feels
comfortable using a CD but hasn't used the Internet or
isn't familiar with the software for creating the slide
show. The teacher may need help in setting expectations
and evaluating the projects when completed. In essence,
the teacher has the support necessary to help students
successfully complete this unit using technology tools to
support learning.
How does the
Curriculum Technology Partner collaboration influence
teaching and learning?
- Teachers are less fearful and encouraged to try
one thing at a time with my students.
- Teamwork provided immediate use.
- This organized my teaching and helped students to
understand things more clearly. I was also able to
find information on the Web for me and for my
students.
- I felt comfortable enough to allow my students to
use it. I may not have let the children explore the
Internet if I didn't become familiar with it
myself.
In general, a common thread of comfort level and
enthusiasm was evident throughout the evaluation
comments.
