Professional development
is an essential part of education in today's society, especially with
technology. Researchers are finding and creating new and improved programs,
methods, pedagogy and much more every year. What I learned in my undergraduate
program 2 years ago has already been updated to a completely different strategy
of teaching that is seen today. Professional development allows for all
educators to review and refresh on the most current information that is out
there and how it could apply to their classroom or content. "Transforming
schools into exciting and motivating arenas for student learning does not
happen overnight,"(Meltzer, 2012) but a step in the right direction is by
learning, and that happens through professional development.
Pedagogy and technology
integration can work together to make a successful classroom. The way in which
the teacher is able to teach in his or her classroom while using technology can
enhance the learning experience, but can also complicate it for students.
Depending on how familiar and comfortable the educator is can have a big impact
on the effect technology has in the classroom. I have seen through many
observations that teachers will use technology just because they have it, and
that should not be the case. Teachers need to differentiate instruction so that
students are learning the objective in multiple ways. By differentiating with
technology students will have “digital age literacy, inventive thinking,
effective communications, and high productivity,” (Smith & Throne, 2007).
Those are all great outcomes, but how can we expect our teachers to do this
without any training.
A huge piece of
technology today is communication with colleagues, parents, administration and
students. The technology integrator plays an important role in this essential
practice. Offering professional development, especially to new teachers, to
show how the grading system and what the parent sees are so important. Also
showing the students how they can access their own grades, can demonstrate
their responsibility and independence. Technology allows for “parents to stay
informed and participate in their child’s education,” (Edutopia, 2010).
In addition, there can
be many limitations which can also effect a teachers use, such as
"developing learning objectives, selecting methods of instruction,
feedback, and evaluation and assessment strategies including follow-up
activities," (Okojie, Olinzock, & Okojie-Boulder, 2014). Although
there are difficulties and limitations students and tecahers are still eager to
involve technology to improve and update their practice. “In order to meet
modern expectations, teachers need to improve and adapt their skills and
knowledge. This can only be done through sustainable and effective professional
development," (Meltzer, 2012).
Works cited:
Edutopia. (2010). Technollogy provides parents a window on the classroom by linkin home to school. Retrieved
Edutopia. (2010). Technollogy provides parents a window on the classroom by linkin home to school. Retrieved
Meltzer, S. (2012). Step-by-Step Professional Development in Technology. New York:
Eye on Education.
Okojie, M., Olinzock, A., & Okojie-Boulder, T. (2014). The Pedagogy of Technology
Integration. Retrieved from
Smith, G. & Throne, S. (2007). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K–5
Classrooms. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/DIFFK5-excerpt.pdf
