Greg Bagby is the coordinator of instructional technology for Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tenn. He focuses on methods of creating tech teams for classrooms, schools, and districts. Describing why it’s important to have teams that work together, he says, “In creating technology teams, it’s an idea that everyone doesn’t have the same gifts. It’s often talked about that the smartest person in the room is the room itself. If you have a group of technologically savvy teachers, district administrators, or people in your district who are available to assist with others, you want those folks on your team.”
Blending a Personalized Approach to Learning
Training and supporting educators and administrators in the technology space is an ever-evolving practice, and often takes on elements of personalized learning models that are used with students. From the district perspective, training is taking on a more personalized approach than ever before.
Providing Options with PD
As Bagby explains, “A lot of districts (including ours) allow for the whole edcamp model with regard to district training. Teachers can actually choose the PD that fits best with them. Teachers are creating their own professional development and having the option to choose where they go for their learning. It is making a huge impact on how teachers see their professional development as something for them, not just a district PD.”
Coaches are being added to the professional development process as a means to speed up technology integration. “Coaches around the U.S. are playing significant roles in the learning and development of educators to catch them up to speed and [get them] in a position of being comfortable and taking ownership of learning,” adds Bagby. Engagement training is also seeing great results in the professional development area.
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