1Education’s IT Partner

SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES

TEACHING TECH TO TEACHERS

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AS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMS OUR SCHOOLS, LEADERS ARE DISCOVERING ONE THING:

Modern educational tools can make a tremendous impact on student outcomes—but they are only as effective as the teachers who use them. Teacher training is essential.

Want to help your teachers become technology experts? The following tips can make the difference:

Tip #1: Start with a solid foundation

Tip #2: Invest in “Why”

Tip #3: Make professional development time count

Tip #4: Remember—it’s a process, not an event

Tip #5: Reward teachers

Tip #6: Include everyone

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A great educational technology initiative starts with three components.

1 Start with a solid foundation

PLANNING STUDYING PILOTING

The most effective schools budget time for training, considering teachers’ already full schedules. Shoehorning technology training into time needed for lesson planning is counterproductive.

Study the tools you’re considering before you train teachers to use them. Poor technology choices are not only a waste of time, they also discourage teachers from embracing subsequent initiatives.

Rather than roll out to everyone at once, pilot professional development initiatives with a small group of teachers. This is a good way to clear up confusing content and streamline training. Include teachers with varying levels of technology literacy.

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Common pain points alleviated by educational technology:

• Difficulty implementing methods such as flipped classrooms and differentiated instruction

• Limited time for lesson planning

• Unclear communication with students, parents, and other staff

• Unengaged students4

Teachers who understand and buy in to your vision for technology implementation will be more willing to invest their time, energy, and creativity.

While educational technology should be a tool that enhances teaching, some seasoned professionals see it as more of a distraction, complicating their work instead of making it easier. The most effective schools address this concern head on.

Start with pain points. Introduce technology as a solution to an existing problem and teachers will be less likely to see it as a new one.

2 Invest in “Why”

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Professional development time is precious. Use it wisely by following these strategies for maximizing learning while minimizing frustration.

3 Make professional development time count

Make and Take

“Make and take” workshops make excellent use of educators’ time. In these sessions, teachers use technology to create a lesson plan, a rubric, or other curricular item with

immediate value.

Avoid overloadNew systems can overwhelm teachers. When possible, make

training bite-sized, allowing staff time to process, experiment with, and ask questions about the tool in stages.

Create a low-pressure environmentNew technology can be intimidating enough. When

you add aggressive goals and evaluations, teachers may get discouraged. Focus on the positive impact technology can have in their classrooms, and teachers will be more likely to buy in.

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Don’t expect teachers to be proficient with a new technology tool after one training session. After the introduction workshop, give them time to work with the tool in the classroom and then give them opportunities to ask questions and share issues they encountered. The following are creative ways to keep your staff learning:

4 Remember—it’s a process, not an event

FORMAT PURPOSE

Online training seriesAllows self-directed learning of new skills

beyond basic proficiency

Small after-school group sessions

Helpful when a group of teachers have similar questions or requests

One-on-one coachingProvides focused time for teachers with specific

or unique training needs

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Teachers who invest in the professional development process and commit to learning must be encouraged and rewarded. Recognize and support this attitude—it can be contagious!

• Consider including a stipend for training events in your technology budget.

• Celebrate baby steps.

• Tap technologically savvy teachers to lead, mentor, and support each other.

5 Reward teachers

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Professional development is typically focused on teachers. But including a broader group in your technology training makes it clear that technology should be a priority for the whole school.

AdministratorsWhen leaders join teachers in learning new technology, they demonstrate commitment to the project. Including administrative staff in the training process is a great way to build credibility.

StudentsToday’s students are digital natives—they have been surrounded by technology their entire lives. Consider selecting a group of students to support teachers in learning new systems.

6 Include everyone

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VARtek has more than 27 years of experience helping schools make the most of modern educational tools and technologies. As education’s partner for managed IT services, VARtek provides professionals to teach, train, and support schools as they prepare students for college, careers, and life.

To find out more about VARtek, visit our website at www.VARtek.com, or call us at 800-954-2524.

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