We currently have an excellent system of technology training in my county. The professional development staff provide a wide range of trainings though a wide range of methods. Teachers sign up on our county website using Blackboard, which monitors their progress towards their plu goals. The selection of technology trainings is huge, and content training can be done at the school (if enough teachers at a school request the training), at our county training facility, or even over Blackboard (both self-directed or as we do in MEDT courses). These varied methods allow faculty and staff to use the training in a way that is most comfortable for them, thereby increasing the likelyhood they will go through our county for training. The staff is knowledgable and courteous, always willing to work with faculty and staff on designing training that will work well for both.
I currently use our internal shared drive to provide cheat sheets and training information to my faculty. I have a folder in which I keep all of the material, and have provided an internal link to everyone. I keep an updated FAQ there for teachers to use, saving me a tremendous amount of time.
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I'm impressed by the technology training plan that exists in your school system. Not only is there a great selection, but there are also different methods for learning. This user-friendly approach speaks to learners' needs and styles. Combining this with having kind and capable training staff must make a huge difference to empowering the teachers. Your updated FAQ must be a valuable resource since most likely it attends to current needs and questions. What a great approach and a wonderful model for other school systems!
Contrast this to our local system who's technology director left a month ago and the school system isn't replacing him due to saving money. Those who are left in that department are having to spread themselves thin just maintaining all of the systems. Little time is left for training others in the use of technology!
Wow! I am really impressed! Most counties are not that technologically innovative. You should conduct a workshop in other counties to teach them how to do this also. I really like that you offer PLU's and that the meetings are not mandatory. Teachers are more inspired to learn new things if they have the freedom of choice. Yes, I agree that technology is the new wave of the future in the education of our students. Therefore, I also believe that most teachers know this and would be very willing to learn the new technology and its impact on teaching. Keep up the good work!
What a great idea to have technology training options available through the county that teachers can utilize towards gaining PLUs. That is the ideal situation for everyone. You have an audience who wants to be there and who has chosen to participate in that specific training. Since no one is "forced" to attend, you would likely have a more cooperative audience. I am surprised there is an extensive selection of training sessions. I have not heard of any other county approaching technology training in this fashion, and I think this approach encourages teachers to find new technology that works for them in their specific situations.
Todd I am impressed with the technology training that is offered in your district. It sounds like you have a lot of great opportunities. Also I am glad to see that you are offering training as the media specialist. Do you have a tech person in your building, or are you required to do a lot of technology for your school. Just curious? Krista
My county also provides easy access to technology training and various other areas that may be needed. I think you are wise to keep information available for the staff on the server. I find that after I file hard copies I either can't find them or am not in my classroom. The server offers easy access to everyone in the school and is easy for you to update as well.
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