Exploring Technology Professional Development Needs of Digital Immigrant Teachers and Digital Native Teachers in China

Author(s):  
Yi Li ◽  
Qiu Wang ◽  
Jing Lei

This study examined if professional development needs of digital natives and immigrant teachers differed for technology integration in a Chinese education setting. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from 500 teachers at six schools in China. The digital native teachers and immigrant teachers were compared in terms of their different technology use behaviors and integration skills. The findings indicated that even though the digital native teachers had greater comfort with basic technology than the digital immigrant teachers, they still required training for effective integration of technology in their teaching. The digital immigrant teachers needed more basic technology operations training connections between technologies and teaching. Future technology professional developments in developing countries should: 1) consider the different needs of digital native teachers and digital immigrant teachers; 2) prepare them to make meaningful connections between technologies and their teachings; and 3) adopt individual coaching with on-site designated specialists.

Author(s):  
Jeffrey Maiden

The professional development of teachers in instructional technology is of paramount importance. This chapter provides an overview of the topic, beginning with adult learning as a foundation. Teachers are adults, and any type of professional development, whether related to technology or not, should meet the needs of adult learners. The chapter subsequently provides a review of professional learning communities (PLCs), which may provide a venue for impactful, sustainable technology professional development. Next, teacher-led technology professional development and peer coaching are addressed, followed by a discussion of the use of the community, corporate, and university partnerships that may enhance professional development through symbiotic relationships. The chapter concludes with a discussion of virtual professional development, which may serve a dual purpose of enhancing professional development sustainability as well as modeling technology use for instructional purposes.


Author(s):  
Jeffrey Maiden

The professional development of teachers in instructional technology is of paramount importance. This chapter provides an overview of the topic, beginning with adult learning as a foundation. Teachers are adults, and any type of professional development, whether related to technology or not, should meet the needs of adult learners. The chapter subsequently provides a review of professional learning communities (PLCs), which may provide a venue for impactful, sustainable technology professional development. Next, teacher-led technology professional development and peer coaching are addressed, followed by a discussion of the use of the community, corporate, and university partnerships that may enhance professional development through symbiotic relationships. The chapter concludes with a discussion of virtual professional development, which may serve a dual purpose of enhancing professional development sustainability as well as modeling technology use for instructional purposes.


2014 ◽  
pp. 1073-1087
Author(s):  
P.G. Schrader ◽  
Neal Strudler ◽  
Loretta Asay ◽  
Terra Graves ◽  
Shawn L. Pennell ◽  
...  

An online, statewide technology professional development project was implemented for middle school teachers in Nevada. This document reports the preliminary findings associated with the planning, development, and implementation of Module 1 of the Pathway to Nevada's Future project. Baseline data, participant characteristics, findings, and results from participation in Module 1 are reported. Data sources include online surveys, online discussions, and informal interviews of project personnel. During the planning phase, the milestones outlined in the grant proposal were accomplished. In terms of project implementation, Module 1 was designed, developed, and implemented. A schedule for Module 2 was developed for the summer and implemented during June and July 2010. At the beginning of Module 1, base-line data were collected and examined to describe the general profile of Pathway participants. Overall, these data suggested that the population of participants was an appropriate cross section of Nevada teachers. Participants indicated that they held a high opinion of the role of technology in the classroom and reported being moderately skilled in technology use. There were many areas, however, in which they were not skilled and had room to benefit from the planned modules. Overall, the group was well suited to interact with the professional development materials, provide formative feedback for refining the modules, and apply their learning in classrooms across Nevada. Module 1 primarily involved an overview of resources, tools, and strategies intended for a variety of settings. Activities ranged from conceptual readings, webinars, videos, and discussions, to hands-on assignments that exposed participants to a range of tools. Results indicated that participants significantly increased in their knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy associated with technology and technology integration. However, analysis of progress, assignments, and online discussions indicated that the amount of material was overwhelming for the majority of participants. As a result, adjustments to the delivery of Module 1 were implemented during the professional development. These modifications were also implemented in subsequent Modules, allowing participants to explore applications of interest at a deeper level.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016264342110335
Author(s):  
Emily Hoeh ◽  
Tara L. Kaczorowski

The Innovations and Special Education Technology Professional Development Committee would like to extend its appreciation to the following leaders in the field of Special Education. Each of the following individuals volunteered to speak during the 2020–2021 ISET Expert Panel Discussion series and shared expertise on a variety of pressing topics during remote instruction due to the COVID pandemic. The information sharing is a testament to their unwavering support for the members of ISET and all of the stakeholders involved in supporting individuals with disabilities.


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