The first stumbles along the path…

Well, most things are moving right along. I did have to send a friendly e-mail reminder to complete and return some surveys. If I do not receive them by Friday I requested an e-mail telling me they have withdrawn because I have no idea who has or has not returned the survey.

Our school has started TCAP this week, so things have been a little stressful for some. I was just informed that the Site Assessment Leader will not be able to work with me until mid-March, so I have to make some adjustments to my time-line, but I am not overly concerned (for the moment).

Going over what data I have, one trend I have noticed is a strong correlation between the technical skills and knowledge of the smartboard software and amount of time spent creating resources to use them. Those with minimum skills with the software spend “hours and hours” a week creating resources for the smartboard. While those who know the ins and outs of the software spend 20-30 minutes a week developing resources for the smartboard.

I wonder what’s around the bend…

As the Journey Continues…

     Well, as I carry on, there are two overwhelming questions I cannot believe I did not think of before I started my survey and focus group.  Where do teachers mostly acquire their technical skills?  Should teachers be required to take college level computer classes, as most science majors are? Is it ethical for me to ask follow-up questions of my participants after the survey and focus group has been done?

     My focus group went very well for me. The technical skills of my participants seem across the board from basic to advanced levels. There was interest expressed in learning more about database management for better data management. This is an important skill considering how data-driven education is and was considered a fundamental requisite for highly effective teaching. Of course, this is the “clerical” use of technology integration. Where can teachers go to learn these skills if they do not have them other than taking a class?

     Many participants complained of the Promethean (smart-board) PD’s provided by the district as severely lacking and not much help. They were unorganized and many felt more confused after the PD’s than before. The presenter was hard to follow along with and there was not any end objective. A good PD would use a completed project that incorporated essential skills into creating it. In one word “teach”.

     As I continue my journey, I wonder what I may stumble upon…