PROFFESIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS

Integrating ICT into the classroom requires teachers to be competent in the use of ICT equipment. Clear instructions for both the lesson outcomes and also for the use of ICT is also an important skill for teachers to have. How do teachers not only obtain these skills but keep up with the speed of which technology is evolving? Professional development (PD) days play a key role in keeping teachers informed and feeling confident to use and teach information technology skills.

E. A. Ashburn and R. E. Floden, discuss the benefits of “professional development for meaningful learning using technology” and links key areas to running successful PD days (2006, page 2). The key areas include linking PD to student learning and performance, teaching strategies and inquiring into ICT. Allocating teachers leadership roles and building a culture of sustainable and professional learning. Developing specific skills and knowledge in technologies that support meaningful learning and strategies to implement and share with others (E. A. Ashburn and R. E. Floden, 2006, pg. 2).

E. A. Ashburn and R. E. Floden acknowledge the fact that technology is changing and advancing at a rapid rate and that there is still so much researching that needs to be done to find the full impacts and benefits to using IT in the classroom. Therefore if is so important to not only have full or half days dedicated to PD but also to have consistent time set aside to play and explore the skills being taught. This allows for teachers to feel confident in what they are presenting and gives a higher percentage of teachers who then go on to use ICT in the classroom. Teachers who do not have the time to practices using the tools that they have learnt in PD days will not integrate them into lesson plans as they have do not have the confidence due to not having enough time to plan and practise with the IT equipment (2006, page 161 – 177).

Reference list

Ashburn, E. A., Floden, R. E. (2006) Meaningful Learning Using Technology - what educators need to know and do. New York, Teachers College Press.