Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1536] technology training
From: Brent Muirhead (bmuirhead@email.uophx.edu)
Date: Thu 12 Apr 2001 - 05:52:32 MEST
From: "Brent Muirhead" <bmuirhead@email.uophx.edu> Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1536] technology training Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 23:52:32 -0400
Greetings Colleagues!
Today, integrating technology into the curriculum is failing because teacher
training is the missing ingredient in educational reform efforts. I have
observed how metro Atlanta, Georgia public school districts have created a
flawed educational system. Sadly, the current administrative structure fails
to adequately prepare teachers to effectively use their computers and
computer labs. Often, the technology staff devotes most of their time to
repairing computers. In fact, my school system has state of the art
equipment: all buildings are wired for computers and cable televisions, a
network system that continues to add more sophisticated software packages
and the financial resources to provide live television shows between
schools. Yet, the absence of consistent technology instruction for teachers
has created an unnecessary barrier to creating relevant technology
applications. Unfortunately, students are given an illusion of
computer-mediated instruction.
I have noticed that teachers are trying to compensate for the lack of
professional instruction by helping each other learn new software programs.
Ultimately, school districts are going to have to invest more money and
personnel into training their teachers. The American public has high
expectations for their teachers. Yet, they are often not willing to provide
the basic resources for them to effectively do their jobs.
Brent Muirhead D.Min; Ph.D.
faculty, University of Phoenix
bmuirhead@email.uophx.edu
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