What a Teacher Needs to Do to Implement Technology in School

Training the Principal

Encouraging and training the principal to use technology for communication with staff will set an important example. His leadership is paramount to the project as without a confident leader the staff will not likely embrace the new concepts. If the principal is trained prior to the actual workshop implementation, he will demonstrate to teachers how embracing the concepts will help them in their classrooms. The teachers will be inspired to implement what is learned and also provide an ongoing supportive role for the principal in the school’s efforts.

Additional Planning Time for Technology in the Classroom

By allowing additional planning time for teachers to collaborate and research lessons that incorporate technology, the administration will reinforce the need for the change to staff while acknowledging the time and resources necessary. The staff will see that the principal respects them and values their work. Undoubtedly the implementation curve of the new concepts will be accelerated and technology based workshops will be more successful. Without such acknowledgement by administration, staff may not be eager to make change occur in their classrooms. Older, more reticent staff may find that receiving time and help from colleagues and watching others achieve results is inspiring. 

A Technology Team

Designating a technology team of one subject area teacher per grade to communicate needs and uses of technology to the group will create a chain of command that supports the administrative goals and make the staff more comfortable with changes. Since many teachers are not technology-savvy, the team would provide those teachers with a private way to ask questions without the embarrassment of the open forum workshop. The more confident, lead teacher would be able to share what they are doing with a peer before having to demonstrate their new talents in their observations as part of the assessment process. The lead teacher would also be available for immediate help and frequent questions so teachers who are learning can receive instant feedback.

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