Module Four (Heather Summers)

What are your thoughts about effective professional development strategies?

I believe that the most effective professional development is the hands-on procedures, such as mentoring/coaching, action research, and job-embedded strategies. These methods allow teachers to apply their new knowledge or technology, rather than listening to and watching videos on how it should be integrated. They experience first-hand how the product/concept works and its flaws. Once they asses it themselves, they can then formulate a plan to incorporate the product/concept and work around its glitches.

What is the PD strategy or strategies you plan to use in your Technology Initiative?

                I thought about using the mentor/coaching, as well as the action research strategy. The specific technology that I’m looking to integrate has a free webinar for teachers interested in incorporating the program into their classrooms. This contact person would be beneficial in answering all their questions during the session. Also, I plan on having an experienced IT technician to be at the webinar to make sure that we aren’t going into this blind. Moreover, I plan to have the teachers, who dive in the first year and try this product, lead and direct the following teachers next year. That way, the experienced teachers can answer the questions for the upcoming educators before they need to ask. Moreover, the first year teachers will be able to assess the program to see if it is worth continuing the initiative the following years.

Share any literature or resources you are using to refine your focus and develop your plan:

Resource for teachers using InterClass

News articles relating to InterClass:
The Journal
Technology Blog

Teacher Handouts:
Directions
Brochure

Research on classroom management in computer labs:
Why Classroom Management Software?
Teaching in a Computer Lab
Managing Students with Computers: Best Practices