FEEDING THE NEED.

 The rapid and constant change in technology is creating both opportunities and challenges for schools. It’s imperative that teachers learn how to use technology in today’s digital world. The caption below gives us a challenge which must be overcome if teachers are not to be left behind.

               Technology   won’t replace teachers...........

              .......but teachers who use technology will probably replace those who do not.

The professional development needs of my colleagues at Kitante Hill School include the following:

Ø  They need to learn how to use the basic technology applications such as Data base software, Spreadsheets, Interactive Whiteboard software, Content specific applications etc

Ø  Many of them lack personal technology devises such as laptops, iPads, smart phones, Desktops etc. This makes it difficult to start using technology if they have to go to the school computer laboratory which has only desktop computers.

Ø  They also do not know how to access relevant information and data from the web and also where it can be accessed.

Ø  Finally, they also have a need to easily access the computer lab at school especially for those colleagues who do not teach computer as a subject.

I would like to recommend the following to try and address these needs. Concerning basic technology applications, they should go for short term computer courses as well as utilising the computer teachers at school to help them practise what they learn. They should also have a positive attitude concerning technology integration as well as a commitment in terms of time. It takes time to learn how to search the web, where to look for information and how to retrieve or download it. I would also recommend buying of some basics such as personal laptops, smart phones, flash disks among others on a hire-purchase system if it’s not possible at one go. The school should also officially allocate time in the computer lab to teachers who handle other subjects other than Computer to enable them prepare, plan, organize, look for and download resources for their students.

SINCE I STARTED my journey of staff development, I can now say with confidence I no longer feel lost.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  By Lao Tzu.

                   

In the few miles that I have taken, I have developed a platform for accumulating and sharing professional development resources and ideas. Most important of all, I have learnt HOW and WHERE to access the resources that I need.

I have learnt how to collaborate in group discussions and wikis, joined social media networks like Twitter and Google Plus, how to download videos from YouTube and also to create my own videos, how to create Playlists, how to sort, organize and curate resources, how to create and populate Blogs and Wikis, make survey questionnaires etc

I have also learnt where to access useful resources eg YouTube Videos, Educational Blogs such as The Innovative Educator.com, Educational Wikis such as EduTechWiki . Education Organisation Sites such Edutopia, people resources like Ben Johnson at johnsoneducationgroupinc,com.

All in all I feel I have taken off in my journey of professional development and I am keenly awaiting the next stage.