What stood out for me from reading this article was how much better the teachers were able to use the technology once they had professional development time to learn about it and use it. I feel that every minute of my teaching day is filled. I wouldn't even want to try to use a Promethian board unless I had time to learn how to use it, expecially since I don't consider myself to be tech saavy. And I think the training would have to be more than a two-hour in-service session in August. If we as teachers as expected to implement technology in our classrooms, we have to be given the training and the time to incorporate it for everyday use. An underutilized Promethian board would be such a waste of resources! and such a missed opportunity for students!
This article includes quotes from the teachers that participated. It discusses what they said about the benefits and the drawbacks of using AT in the classroom. These teachers taught students with developmental disabilities and students who were considered "at risk." The technology they were able to use sounds like it would benefit any classroom.
I hope I get the chance some day to incorporate more technology in my classroom. I think it could prove to be an invaluable tool to enhance my students' learning experiences.
Source
Parette, H., Stoner, J., & Watts, E. (2009). Assistive Technology User Group Perspectives of Early Childhood Professionals. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 44(2), 257-70. Retrieved from Education Full Text database
Eve, I agree that it would benefit teachers, as well as students, if teachers were allotted more professional development time to learn about electronic resources and tools such as the Promethean board. At my school, voluntary training workshops have been offered during after school hours and I try to attend the meetings when possible because I consider myself proficient in the area of technology and I enjoy learning more about how it can be used to improve instruction. The two workshops I attended focused on Activstudio and Activinspire, which I have seen can be very interactive and effective teaching tools. While I don't have a Promethean board in my classroom and I have had almost no first-hand experience using one, I can see the benefits of creating flipcharts or using pre-made ones for instruction or assessment. The turnout of staff at both of these workshops was less than 5 people each time because I think many teachers find it difficult to find time outside of teaching, planning and personal commitments to attend voluntary professional development trainings. I agree with you that trainings should be done as a paid in-service session. One way that my school's media specialist introduced a new technological resource, which was effective, was by devoting half of a mandatory staff meeting to exploring and familiarizing ourselves with the basic functions. That might be one suggestion you can share with or advocate with your team.
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