Subscribe To
Posts
Comments
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My Internal Struggle Over a Tech Academy
At the beginning of the school year, my staff development coordinator and I discussed the idea of having a summer tech academy for teachers. Now that it's March, we're trying to make arrangements so this can happen. Do we call it a Tech Academy? I like the way it sounds, but I feel like we are constantly separating technology from curriculum content. Is it okay to address technology as a stand alone? If so, how do we get teachers to see that tech is not an add-on? I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This is a hard one. I think that in order for teachers to see that technology is not an add-on, you need to start with the expectations and then explore the tools. This is how I try to start all of my inservices too. When teachers see that technology can help meet the expectations, then they have their "aha moments." While this may be harder to do with calling it a "Tech Academy," it's going to be more about what you do at this academy than what it's called. I think that the power of this message will definitely be delivered in the different presentations that you have, and I can't wait to hear about how this great idea evolves!
ReplyDeleteAviva
Through our participation in a PLP cohort, a group of teachers and I are also planning a "tech academy" (love that name, by the way). When we surveyed and interviewed teachers we overwhelmingly got the same response:
ReplyDeleteWe need to learn how to use the tools and have time to practice using them, AND we need to know how we can use those tools to help students learn.
So our plan is to do a morning session where we focus on tools and troubleshooting. We're hoping to have beginner, intermediate and advanced sessions. Then in the afternoon the plan is to break out into subject area sessions to show teachers how to use the tools from the morning as part of their instruction.
We're still in the beginning stages of this so we'll see what happens, but we're really excited about the whole adventure.
We had similar pangs when planning our 3-day workshop for teacher-librarians. We are tentatively calling it something like "tech boot camp". After some debate, we decided to keep the name so that people knew we were using technology to help us learn and help students learn (through the expectations and such). We won't be locked to our computers all day, but we didn't want people to come unless they were willing to integrate technology into their teaching practices.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Couros always talks about "Innovative Instruction" instead of "Integrating Technology", kind of a great way to keep the technology tied to the practice.
ReplyDeleteFor these teachers, do treat tech as a stand-alone and then it is manageable and digestible for them. Then, once they start to wrap their heads and actions around the tech pieces they are learning, it is natural that if it is going to work for them it will become an integrated part of things, just like any other best practice.
ReplyDelete"Innovative Instruction Academy" - Send out a survey now about what teachers think school will look like in 5, 10, 15, 20 yrs to begin them talking. Begin the PD w/ all teachers' most tech-based lesson / unit.
ReplyDeleteOr. . . Technology Integration Academy: Learn tech techniques to enhance and enrich learning opportunities for students.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm so excited by all of your thought-provoking comments. I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with this concept. Thanks Jesse for that reminder about 'innovative instruction.' I remember George talking about that at Educon and I loved that term. Do you think 'innovative instruction' and 'tech integration' sometimes scares those who are already uncomfortable? Is 'tech academy' more user-friendly? How do we meet people where they are while also modeling best practices?
ReplyDeleteOur summer program is simply called "Garden Spot University" and there are a variety of session offerings, including many on technology. But if you call it something generic you can take it in any direction. Anything with the name "learning" in it would help teachers see the design of such a program is to enhance their own professional learning!
ReplyDeleteHow about T & C Academy...Technology & Curriculum...they go Hand in Hand! I think people need to see the relationship to the curriculum. I think it's great that you are offering such a program during the summer - way to go!
ReplyDeleteI love the "Innovative Instruction" term. All of these suggestions are great! This will definitely give Brooke and I the boost needed to get our stalled talks moving. Are there any great on-line tutorials to assist with innovative instruction you would recommend?
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if the main issue is to first target the audience. I think that "Tech Academy" lures in those who think it's just about the technology - meets them where they are. "Tech and Curriculum" or "Tech and Instruction" makes that next step to those who already get it that technology isn't an add on. So, I am answering your query with my own question...Who's the audience?
ReplyDelete