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…
No comments:
Post a Comment