Technology Implementation

[airskeeter]

Hi Guys,

I am preparing a lesson for my masters classes and I wanted to get some input from my ACTIVfamily:

Question 1:

What do you think are the three to five most important skills a teacher needs to acquire to climb the digital mountain and implement any type of technology in their classrooms??

Question 2:

What do you think are the top three to five skills that are necessary to implement the ACTIVclassroom?

Thanks to all that reply!!!

Bill

[caryn]

In answer to your first question
1. ENTHUSIASM - ENTHUSIASM - ENTUSIASM
2. Being prepared to devote a considerable amount of their own time to learning new technologies
3. A great forum (like this one) where your questions are answered quickly and you are never made to feel like an idiot!!!!!

The answers to your second question in my opion are the same as the first (although I don't think anyone would like to eat them - I prefer chocolate!!!):eek:- typo-
Seriously, I think if anyone has the three above they only need a basic computer knowledge. The beauty of what is being introduced in our classrooms is that the manufacturers have made it very user friendly and once a teacher sees the benefit to the students they are prepared to spend the time and effort because they see such great results.

[Peter Lambert]

Caryn has nailed it.
Its really about when teachers adopt the software when using their boards. Activprimary ensures an unthreatening (is that word in a dictionary?) way in.
When teachers adopt the Activ software, we always see the WOW factor!;)

[saha]

The biggest thing in my opinion is for the teacher to realize that technology will definately improve the quality of teaching and learning for both teacher and student, however the teacher has to realize it will come at a cost and there is a price to pay for this.
The cost and the price is not financial.

It is the need to devote countless hours learning it (like anything), be willing to learn it, overcome problems ( as with anything in life). The teacher's job will not become easier with technology but will make the teacher more effective.

[lisa.pumphrey]

Bill

the main skill a teacher needs is the right mindset - they must be willing to change the way they teach - "this is not the way I've always done it" - needs to be replaced with - "this is cool, how will it improve my students' learning"

they need a willingness to learn and use new products

they need to have basic computer skills and a lack of fear of the unknown


for activsoftware specifically

they need to begin by using it as a "glorified overhead projector"

be willing to learn "ad-hoc" and strive to learn one new thing about the software each week

realize that the kids are willing to let you learn as you go as long as you let them know that is what you are doing and allow them to participate in the leaning process with you

hope this helps

Lisa Pumphrey
Cope Middle:o

[amyj]

I think the most important thing it for them to want to do it. I have seen cases where the teacher didn't want it and the Activboard was therefore just not used. If you want to do it you put in the time and are inspired about what you can create.

They also need to see the technology not as the end product but as a means to get there - as a tool to be used, not the lesson to be taught. really valuable learning happens when there is a need for something to be used not just used because it's there.

People also need to have the mindset that let's them be able to figure things out - if they can do that then they can work their way through any piece of software, and be able to produce some really exciting lessons - and what a cool skill to teach the kids!

I also think that the person needs to be creative. Kids need to be inspired and while the technology make being creative easier, there are always more exciting, challenging, new ways to achieve something that makes learning really inspirational.

Of course you need some basic it literacy - but if you're keen i don't think it's a major (the kids will be able to do it anyway)

Amy

[davidlloyd]

You're spot on Amy although I would add good support like this forum too.

[airskeeter]

There you go! Thanks, keep the comments coming. I am trying to develop a unit of multimedia instruction that gets beginning teachers to a level where they feel comfortable with implementation.

Then develop their 21st century skills while implementing the ACTIVclassroom.