Professional+Development

= Professional Development Plan =

The drive to bring technology into schools too often focuses upon hardware and equipment. Without an emphasis on professional development, our school is unlikely to see a return on our investment. Our focus is on g ood teaching strategies not just good equipment. According to Jamie McKenzie, Editor, From Now On - The Educational Technology Journal, new technologies must be combined with “strategic teaching - the thoughtful application of best practices to the new tools.” “Learning digitally will only transform schools and student performance if we make wise program decisions, invest mightily in professional development and emphasize strategic teaching.” A combination of professional development models is ideal: || Integration || Teachers, organized in collegial circles, are guided through the process of developing lessons or units that effectively integrate technology into the existing curriculum, with an eye to national, state and local standards. ||  || ||
 * ** Title ** || ** Description ** ||
 * Software Training, online or in-person || Teachers learn how to use software/hardware for instructional and professional tasks.
 * Authentic
 * Classroom/Computer Lab Support || Consultant meets with teachers individually in the computer lab to provide demonstrations and suggestions for developing strategies to integrate computers with the curriculum. Consultant will help coordinate individual teachers’ style with the available technological resources. Consulting with teacher needs to be done prior to classroom visit.
 * Facilitation, online and/or in-person || Consultant will facilitate collaboration to provide a means through which teachers can work together to share successful lessons, ideas and techniques. Participants will develop strategies for sharing information and experience within their learning community/group.