Should tech training be required for all current teachers?

Teachers must, at the very least, be able to keep pace with their students. That being so, it is imperative that all teachers be tech-proficient. It doesn't matter whether they take a test to prove proficiency or complete a technology course to do so. The bottom line here is that any teacher worth her/his salt should be ...must be... willing to do at least this much. Times are changing; teachers must keep up.

OK, really a computer lab teacher, but I like to think of myself as moving up a step. I think that the technology training needs to go up a level. All teachers should be Internet of Office software proficient by now. To add rigor and relevance I think all teachers should be introduced to computer science concepts, the backbone of digital computing. With so much free software from Scratch, WeScheme, Kudo, Alice and lots of others, teachers need to learn the basics if programming. All teachers should learn a little about HTML as that code can be used on blogsites. Even this site, has the "Allowed HTML" button.

Bir çok ülkede teknoloji ile daha yeni tanışıyor.Türkiye'de bunlardan biri .Ancak kendi imkanlarımızla birazcık vermeye çalışıyoruz .Ama yeterli olmadığını düşünüyorum.Sizce teknolojisiz bir hayat sınıfta ders işlenir mi? Nasıl ? Teşekkürler.

For real? This is something that should be debated?

Read this: http://technologyinclass.com/blog/2010/10/11/the-teachers-that-discourag...

Tech training should be required if a teacher has not had much. But it needs to be done gently because many older teachers are afraid of technology. I know an assistant principal who hates email. Rather than large classes, I think it should be done one on one with a more experienced teacher teaching a less experienced one (technologically) what she needs to know. I called my system's assistive tech dept. frequently, but not for assistive tech. I needed to know how to do a Powerpoint.

It also needs to be differentiated with special educators learning more about assistive tech and regulars getting an overview of the same but more intensive training in subject oriented tech they would use. Special ed. should be able to opt in to those courses or get an overview to see what applies to them.

For things like Microsoft office and special equipment like Skype, Smartboards and the more advanced equipment, everyone should take it, but in small groups with a lot of support unless they can demonstrate proficiency before they take the course. Large group classes are frustrating and it is impossible for the less technological to keep up. Getting frustrated makes a teacher feel incompetent and unwilling to use technology. It is like when a math teacher goes on to a new concept before the child has learned the previous one but she says you can "learn it later" or "finish it at home" (where, of course you won't learn it because you don't understand it).

Let's rationalize this:

1. We train instructors on delivering in the classroom, and utilizing pedagogy. Utilizing technology in the classroom is obviously now a component of that, but any instructors that haven't taken technology courses need to be up to date. Since when is lifelong learning optional for faculty? It’s important for faculty to keep their courses up to date at all times, technology is just a part of that.

2. Instructors should also be learning how to deliver courses effectively online, as online delivery is part of most disaster plans, even if there are no fully online courses delivered.

3. This type of training should never be forced. It should be introduced to a willing few volunteers, who advocate the message. Forcing the issue does not promote effort, or a willingness to continue learning afterwards.

There is so much in the "work" of teaching and managing day to day in a classroom, that to think I will just "pick it up on my own" is silly. When push comes to shove, I will focus on the daily housekeeping rather than try to learn something new. If it were mandatory and followed up properly, I know I would be doing much more with technology than I am right now. I simply cannot keep up with curriculum and testing demands and try to fit in a training session here and there. I would like to have time to enjoy my family too!

As an Online Learning Assistant, I truly enjoy sharing resources and articles related to elearning, design, tools, and more with instructors. Often, I get an email response from an instructor who thanks me for the information, and says they will "check out" what I have sent them when they have the "time." I believe that by requiring some type of education on technology and uses in the classroom, instructors will get the time they need to explore all the possibilities.

I really like the idea mentioned by one commenter, to require a final project in which a student determines and demonstrates how they plan to use technology in their course. A series of training, followed by an opportunity for instructors to actually implement what they have learned would be really effective.

Technology is a foundational tool and mastery of it is a requisite for STEM education. Even a cursory examination of the scientific literature will highlight the importance of technology understanding for STEM. The day has long passed when teachers can argue that their students are technology natives while the teachers are technology immigrants. Those who espouse "lifelong learning" need to lead by example. Thorough and ongoing professional development for technology ed. should be instituted in every school system. At least initially, curriculum needs should drive technology integration, but innovative teachers will find that they need a higher level of technology understanding.