T & L Colleagues,
Thanks to Chris Cooper for highlighting a need that I believe many of us here face, what I will call How to Help teachers who are not well-versed in current technology, a problem that might include a range of issues. We could look at this from the perspective that Chris does, as someone who helps education programs and teachers with technology solutions -- and as Chris mentions -- outside the classroom as well as inside. We could look at it from the perspective of teachers helping each other to adopt new technologies. We could look at it from the perspective of professional developers who offer face-to-face or online technology training (courses, webinars, technical assistance by phone, tweet, IM, etc.) There may also be other perspectives on the problem or need.
But first, let's get a clear picture of the problem or need that How to Help teachers who are not well-versed in current technology suggests to you. If this topic resonates with you, reply by describing a problem or set of problems you face now, or have faced, having to do with helping adult basic skills (defined broadly, from basic literacy through transition to higher ed, and including English language learning) teachers or tutors become more comfortable with using technology for learning with their students.
- Describe your role (a teacher helping teachers, a professional developer, a technical assistance provider, or other).
- Explain what you think the need, problem, or opportunity is, what problem or need you believe a technology solution can help address.
- Explain what some of the challenges have been in introducing a technology solution, what you have tried, and how it has worked.
- If you have specific questions, ask them!
You can be brief or lengthy in your description, but please provide enough information so we can understand the situation. We can, of course, ask you questions to provide more information or to clarify.
The idea of this discussion thread is to use this CoP as a colleague-to-colleague opportunity to explore common problems in implementing technology for learning, to provide a place for describing problems or challenges, and getting useful questions and suggestions from others here who may have faced the same problems or challenges. In some cases, a problem may be widely shared, but few or no solutions may be offered. Then we will all know that at least the problem we experience is a common one, and realizing that might provide some solace, if not satisfaction. However, knowing the depth of experience of many who are part of this community, and their generosity in sharing their experience and expertise, I believe this could be a rich and rewarding thread for everyone.
Let's try it! Thanks to Chris for articulating the need in his introduction.
David J. Rosen
Technology and Learning CoP Moderator
djrosen123@gmail.com