Implementing the Professional Development Program

Methods Of Implementing The Professional Development Program

Professional development related to technology integration in classrooms is currently experiencing needed changes. Technology skills are no longer just for those who teach computer programming or application skills and are necessary for all teachers at all levels (Plair, 2008). Over the last few years, standards have been created at local, state, and national levels that mandate technology integration in the classrooms. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has called for technology integration and has issued National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) as well as National Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). Major reforms are needed to successfully integrate technology in classrooms. Professional development training is playing an important role in reforming education by offering training for teachers who are technologically challenged. Designing and implementing quality professional development programs that better prepare teachers to integrate technology into their classroom can be a daunting task for those involved in the process. Educators must not lose sight of professional development’s primary goal to improve students’ learning (Yoon, Duncan, Lee, Scarloss, & Shapley, 2007). Professional development programs must provide the technological and pedagogical components that prepare teachers for tech savvy students. According to Keengwe and Onchwari (2009), “Integrating technology tools into instruction refers to the process in which technology is used as a tool to actively support the tasks of teaching and learning” (p. 210). For professional development programs to be effective, key elements must come together. Teachers’ motivation, administrative support, proper equipment, and technical support are among those key elements. Technology leaders must ensure that administrators and teachers who use technology effectively should take advantage of all opportunities to model that technology use. As more and more teachers and administrators adopt technology and share the benefits, others are more apt to follow.