I do not know if this is the best way to go about this problem, but i am starting by modeling my expectations. Basically, I’m not talking too much about authentically integrating technology into the education landscape, but more importantly just doing it. I am trying to set the stage with examples. Now that I have been modeling, I have had inquiries about this integration. When this happens I give them more information and more classroom application. Essentially, I want to shift things from my examples and modeling to the teachers driving the integration with my systemic support, staff development, and refinement and assessment of the effectiveness of the integrated technology.

Will this work who knows – I’ll let you know.

If there was one other genesis of this, I would have to point the finger at ourselves. The fundamental way that we are educating students from scripted and tightly bundled curricula, is it any wonder teachers and students are having difficulty problem-solving, engaging in complex thinking, and authentically applying learned material (actually if they are applying it, the chances that they have learnt it multiply).

I hope that discussions like these provide the embryonic muster to influence change that we so importantly need – Regards – Todd.

One thing that always strikes me is your candor when addressing educational issues: both in person or on the web. As a middle school teacher I agree with your ideas regarding the shortcomings of professional development. Every year I have learned to “address” a host of new system initiatives that often focus on the weakness of the last instructional year. We have professionals come in, along with cases of their publications, to instruct us on the “cure” to our current ailment. (This reminds me of the flaw often found in the study of military history: countries more often than not are always prepared to fight the last war!) These cures stack up year after year until it seems that the available time to really focus on our teaching is all but evaporated. Many teachers throw up their hands and a negative mood creeps into your building.

How do you turn this PD situation to your advantage? Resolve to get as much out of each new initiative as possible. Find real world techniques that you can actually use in every PD.

Where does the use of technology come in to play? Well I like to consider myself one of the 1-2 teachers that Karen cites as self-starters. If you wait for administration or some other group to set aside the time and resources you will never really get to embrace technology in your classroom. In the Army we were always hit with “training distractors.” Some Senator is visiting next month so we will trim every bush, repaint every stone, you get the idea! Well they only distract you from your mission if you let them and often teachers get similarly sidetracked.

You have to ignore the distractions as best you are able and remember that your primary mission is to teach. If you focus on your classroom, be positive, and use technology to engage the kids you will find that you will meet great success.

Karen thanks for sharing your thoughts with us all.