Field of Action: Professional Development and Tech Integration at a K-8 Elementary School
Problem: Teachers are feeling frustrated, anxious and overwhelmed when faced with integrating technology into their curriculum and classroom as a learning tool.
Possible Solution: Provide professional development tailored to the individual needs of the staff using Design Thinking principles.
Library search terms: professional development, design thinking, technology integration, motivation to change, differentiation, professional training, engagement, professional learning communities, technology coordinator,
Outcome: A happier staff and classrooms wherein teachers and students are actively utilizing the technology because they are more comfortable and confident.
Research Questions: (a work in progress) Here are the questions I am attempting to answer as I navigate and explore this new world:
1) What questions arise out of my experience to which I would like to search for answers?
- how can I support teachers so that they feel more comfortable?
- how can PD be differentiated to meet the individual needs of the teacher and classroom or grade level?
2) What might be the answers to these questions?
- differentiation
- 1:1 support
- professional goals tied to technology integration
3) What do I think might be the underlying causes of the situation for which I have these questions?
- lack of time
- lack of support
- money
- did I mention time?
- the need to do too much in a short period of time
- not applying what is known about how individuals learn to PD and adults
4) What alternative answer might exist
- restructure PD
- restructure the classroom
5) Where do I fit into the situation as defined by the questions?
- Technology and Curriculum Coordinator and working with administration and staff to support integration into the classroom
6) What opposition will I encounter?
- time
- attitudes
- money
- support from all parties involved
- resources
7) Where are the sensitive issues?
- change. people are scared, intimidated, opposed, etc to change
- previous experiences have made it so that it is difficult for teachers to 'buy in"
- time constraints
- teachers already feel bogged down by their many and various responsibilities
8) What are the constraints?
- time
- money
9) Who needs to be involved?
- myself
- teachers
- administration
- IT?
10) Whose support do I enlist?
- teachers
- administration
- computer lab aide
- ???
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