As the digital age advances with new technology, many people are resistant to the change. With federal funds steam rolling into the educational setting, school districts are spending more money on the latest technology (Smart-boards in particular) in order to move students to proficiency level. This may sound good for technology savvy teachers, but the district forgot about the older generation (educators).
The laggards, older teachers, refuse to comply to the new method of teaching (student-centered lessons with the integration of technology). These particular teachers continue teaching skills and concepts the same way that they were accustomed to. As a technology savvy teacher, I encouraged the older educators to implement the Smart board by explaining its many features and components that are suitable for the students. The Smart board provides multiple accommodations and modifications for the diverse learning environment.
To change the views of these particular teachers, the teachers must set measureable goals and become comfortable with the new technology.
Using the Keller’s ARCS model, I can motivate the older teachers by:
A-Attention
First I must explain how society has changed and that children learn differently (auditory, visual, etc.) from when they were students. Many students will lose interest or find their attention wandering when instruction is always the same and therefore highly predictable (Driscoll, 2005). I must become knowledgeable of the older educator concerns with technology, especially the Smart board, and present possible solutions. After learning from their opinions and concerns with technology, professional developments will be provided to gain familiarity with the technology.
R-Relevance
Relevance, in its most general sense, refers to those things which we perceive as instrumental in meeting needs and satisfying personal desires, including the accomplishment of personal goals (Driscoll, 2005). After the educators attend professional developments, pair these teachers with expert teachers of the Smart-board. The old educators will create mini-lessons with the Smart-board.
C-Confidence
Confidence can make or break a person depending on the individual’s self-esteem. Allow for small steps of growth during the learning process (Learning Theories, 2008). First I will not lead the older educators at a hectic pace while teaching them the Smart-board components. This will ensure that information is retained. The mini-lessons that were created will be presented to their grade level professional learning communities (PLC’s). The grade level PLCs is a comfortable setting for the older educators. Immediate feedback will be provided to assist as a learning tool.
S-Satisfaction
Make the learner feel as though the skill is useful or beneficial by providing opportunities to use newly acquired knowledge in a real setting (Learning Theories, 2008). After making corrections, based on feedback, the older educators will create a lesson and present it to their class. The educator will be videotaped to critique oneself. The mentor will also review the tape and provide feedback. The educator will receive praise (4 to 1 ratio) to build self-esteem. Learning must be rewarding or satisfying in some way, whether it is from a sense of achievement, praise from a higher-up, or mere entertainment (Learning Theories, 2008).
Sources:
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Learning Theories. (2008). ARCS model of motivational design (Keller). Retrieved on May 10, 2010 from:
http://www.learning-theories.com/kellers-arcs-model-of-motivational-design.html#more-5
Sites that provide information on the benefits of the Smart Board:
http://www.ehow.com/list_5790676_benefits-smart-board_.html
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/smartboard
About Me
- lilkisha20
- A hard working, determined young woman who is very independent. I enjoy having fun and living for the moment. I live every day to the fullest and leave no regrets.
I find it interesting that we both chose the same topic although we live in different states and never discussed our plan with each other. We can see the progress of integrating new technology reaching across our country.
ReplyDeleteYou discussed some very relevant tips such as taking the time to assess the mindset and adjusting pacing to meet the needs of the learner. From the traditional teacher to the graduate student, I have trained educators on the Activboard. As bad as this is going to sound, I have found that just demonstrating the proficiency and intensity of teaching is not always effective. To get some teachers to use the Activboard, the notion that they fall easily into the "glorified whiteboard" technique is appealing to many. Horrible for the actual usefulness of the technology, but it has motivated some to implement simple tools. The great thing about that is that it is just a start not the end of implementation (well, for the majority).
Sharing my flipcharts also captures attention. Many teachers don't have the time to learn how to create a resource, but they will happily use what you have. This leads to questioning and further demonstration of the technology.
It is a lot of work to learn something new, especially when you consider all the steps. Your notion of chunking is the best advice for this. Don't give it to them all at once. Spend 30 minutes a week until you have built confidence and see teachers taking the initiative to create activities on their own.
I enjoyed reading your post as I can relate to all you discussed, plus, it was very well written.
Nikisha,
ReplyDeleteI can truly relate to your situation. You give very precise steps for leading the older teachers into the use of technology which by all accounts should be successful. You are wise to chunk this knowledge into manageable parts so they gain confidence with their new skills.
Too often older teachers are reluctant to try new technology because they see it as unnecessary,or simply another thing to learn on the job. I get the idea that they don't like learning along with their students, although I've always thought that was exciting. Keep encouraging their participation. I know the ones who try to do as you ask will thank you.