year?=20
We have monthly "tech classes" for an hour each month. Teachers are
required to attend and I usually have 100% attendance. Usually they are
given 4 choices to pick from, but occasionally we do whole staff
training, for example when we formally launched our social media
initiative.
How do you determine what to offer?
I ask teachers to fill out an interest survey at the start of the year.
After each class, I ask them to complete an evaluation that also
includes suggestions for future topics.
Do you mandate all teachers attend?
We have weekly staff meetings for an hour and once a month (minus Dec
and Mar) they are devoted to technology. We also do a session before
school starts as part of "work week." Occasionally we also do an 45-60
min session during our professional development days.
How successful is your program?
I think it's really successful. Three years ago when I started,
teachers checked email MAYBE once a week. Now, I hear about it when
email or internet or anything for that matter goes down. Teachers know
I'm invested in their growth, do everything I can to support them, and
we've built a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
How many of your teachers take advantage of this opportunity?
On average I have 95-100% participation.
Who conducts the training - Internal staff or is it out-sourced?
All tech training is internal. If it is a four choice option, I tap my
"techie" teachers to help out in leading. I've tried using staff that
are not "teachers" by trade and it doesn't always work out so well.
I've learned to be selective over the years about who I choose to lead.
Is it offered before, during or after school?
We offer after school.
One other thing. Two years ago I lost my computer lab to a tornado,
equipment, space, the entire network. When we rebuilt, I purposely
chose to get all teachers laptops and my technology classes are all
mobile. I purposely chose to be "on a cart" and go into every classroom
to teach. As a result, I have seen teachers sit down next to their
students during tech class and learn about Power Point, digital cameras,
wikis, podcasting, movie making, etc. There is TONS of informal tech
professional development that happens in our building, something I am
VERY proud of my staff for doing.
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