EDLD 5364 Week 4 Reflection

This week, we took a look at professional development in regards to technology. Although it seems as if districts are adding more technology to their professional development, what is being taught is not as effective as it could and should be. “Without significant district and building level commitment, ongoing support, and organized efforts, that reality is not likely to change” (Soloman, 2007). Everyone needs to be on board and there needs to be continued support. “Traditional staff development has tended to be based on one model: a one-day session, often four hours right after school when everyone is tired and focused on other issues. Frequently the school hires an expert who arrives, delivers the programd and goes home. Most typically, the entire teaching staff is required to show up for the session” (Soloman, 2007). I whole certainly agree with this quote taking from this week’s reading. Staff shows up, gets their so-called technology hours signed off then goes home. Nothing is followed up from there. As a technology teacher who performs staff development sessions, I find it key to find ways to follow up. Perhaps send out tips and reminders throughout the year, or encourage staff to share how they implemented what they were taught.

Cooperative learning structures was another topic covered in this week’s readings. “Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face” (Pitler, 2007). I agreed with this quote because I am constantly doing group technology projects within my business classes. I do one within the first few weeks of the class to help students get to know each other and to feel out students who are self-motivated and those who are not. It also allows me, as the teacher, to view who is proficient in multimedia which will help me determine groups leaders for more technology infused projects in the future. “[Students] are actually participating in cooperative teaching” (Pitler, 2007) when they lead their group.

Pitler, H., Hubbel, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculm Development.

Soloman, G. & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, New schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.