Yesterday we had an institute day. We had our choice of technology related sessions to go to. I chose to attend a session on how to use OneNote. I decided it would be a good tool to use to organize my files, emails and attachments and to keep track of lists. After our technology sessions we met back with our departments. Each of us shared which tech session we went to, what we learned, and whether or not it would be applicable to our curriculum. The teachers who went to the Smartboard sessions said they felt like they either learned a lot or remembered tools they had previously been taught. They had felt that they could use everything they learned to enhance the curriculum. The rest of the teachers went to topics such as Office 2007, Tablet Use, PhotoStory, MovieMaker etc. For the teachers who went to Office and Tablet sessions they felt that they were more confident in being able to use their computer and more features than they were comfortable with before. However, they did not feel like the things they learned were directly related to the curriculum. For teachers who went to PhotoStory and MovieMaker they thought these were cool programs, but had a hard time figuring out how to use them in the math classroom. I think it’s easy to say “Geometry teachers can make a project about shapes.” But trying to fit such a project into the curriculum is a huge challenge. Also creating a project that is meaningful to the curriculum is a challenge. Geometry is about shapes, but how do you use PhotoStory to describe similarities, differences and properties of different shapes?
I like the idea of tech day. It gets teachers thinking about how they can use technology. Some teachers complained about not getting to spend time working on curriculum. But I think if a teacher can become more familiar with their computer and more comfortable with technology, they will be more likely to try new technology related lessons in the future.
It seems like our school now needs to find technology related sessions that will help all teachers improve their curriculum. I think I will have to suggest sessions on Webquests and Instructional Videos!
Good to hear that your school at least tries to initiate technology-enhanced education with the teachers. Now it is teachers who need to come up with ideas of how to use technology in their class. I agree with you, Rachel. Teachers need some exposure and training of new technologies so that they feel comfortable using it before they can start thinking of using it for their class. After reading your post, I did some google search with “photostory and geometry class” and found a bunch of cool ideas of using photostory in geometry class. Some teachers already started using the tools out there and you and other teachers in your school can explore those possibilities if you are brave enough to start it.