Teaching+with+Technology+Week+4+Update



**Teaching with Technology** **Week 4 Update**
=This week’s readings were insightful. While reading __Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools__ by Solomon and Schrum, I was struck by the crucial need for improving teacher professional development. Our district is very much entrenched in the Working on the Work design method for teachers but a downside with the professional development is that it still is go to a workshop, learn and hopefully, come back and implement in the classroom. The technology training also offered by the district is not within the classroom. I provide teachers with optional professional development but the time I am given is afterschool, when teachers are tired and would like to go home. I have found this year’s trainings more frustration due to lack of attendance by teachers. The time spent preparing for the lesson and to have slim to no attendance is disheartening. But, who can blame them for not adding one more thing to their list of things to do. Administration needs to help encourage teachers that the training is beneficial. I believe students do need to become more engaged in learning and that teachers have a great resource with the use of technology. Not only will the students become engaged in their learning but they will learn necessary skills beyond the technology such as cooperation. = =I also enjoyed the videos from Edutopia, especially, the one from High Tech High. The ending idea about asking teacher what is the most/favorite lesson they remember from their school years is something that I would love to try with my campus. Because it is so true that engagement will bring long lasting learning and teachers need to really ask, am I teaching in a way that is engaging to learn. Not only ask for their own reflection but ask the students. =