Technology Flavor of the Week

At many schools, teachers suffer from the Technology Flavor of the Week Syndrome. Every time some new exciting technology comes out, we jump in with (a token pilot program in which we are told to make it look successful because they have a plan to jump in with) two feet. I believe I know what the powers-that-be must think: New technology makes us appear cutting edge; This is being given to us as a gift - let's show how much we appreciate our donor by putting it to really great use; and Other schools have it - we can't fall behind! The reality is that teachers cannot keep up with a new piece of technology every year that they are required to somehow work into their curriculum.

The irony is that each new piece of technology is great! Interactive whiteboard? Yes, please! Computers in my classroom? Absolutely! 1:1 iPad program? Sounds exciting!

So what's my problem with the technology flavor of the month?

Lack of Training.

Lack of training, for one. When teachers receive the technology moments before school starts and sit through a one-hour training on how to turn it on, they are being set up for failure. It takes hours and hours to figure all of this out on our own. Training should be available on a regular basis and should be the answers to the teachers' actual questions.

@kgallsedusvcs with flavors of the week, all of our mouths get full and eventually choke. We need to spit out what doesn't work #1to1techat
— Ryan Dumkrieger (@ryandumkrieger) November 22, 2012

One Size Does Not Fit All. 

The Science Department and the World Languages Department have different needs. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could have a say regarding which technology their departments would most benefit from?

Teachers Need Benchmarks.

It is overwhelming to start with new technology, and teachers are often required to use several new tools within one or two years. It is too much all at once. Teachers understand all too well how a student learns. Then we find ourselves in a situation with technology that is not conducive to learning - too much material, too quickly, little to no support, and no benchmarks.

As schools look toward new technology, administrator teams need to also consider how teachers will be supported in their quest to make their classrooms and their schools the best they can be. Teachers want to succeed. We want our students to be as excited about the course material as we are! We want it to be dynamic and life changing! We want to use the new technology!

Please, provide the training, give us a voice as to which technology the school uses, and have a clear plan so that teachers know what will be expected of them and by when!