RE: Technology training for teachers

Technology training for teachers must look considerably different than what the state advocates. One day workshops are pointless. They are costly and, for the most part, ineffective in changing the way a teacher uses technology in the classroom.

Technology Staff Development must be cognitive, sustainable, and meet adult learning needs. It is much more effective if it is integrate through a systematic plan at the site level. It is more effective if you use site mentors to model, teach, and advocate the technology...but none of this works without site leadership walking and talking the power of technology for learning. 

This is not a case of attaching technology to the system, it is a matter of total integrating into the learning fabric of a school. It isn't about technology, it is about authentic learning. 

IMHO, standards are not raising any bar. They are forcing teachers to teach data and information for these standardized tests. This information is the lowest form of knowledge! The lowest! And this is what we are pushing in the schools...teacher's jobs, principalships, and board members are all concerned that when their district scores are published...it will mean jobs.

It is difficult to get teachers to look at technology when they have stacks of test prep materials that they must cover.