December 1998 — Features
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Schools Have Their Computers, Now What?
Across the nation many schools are bombarded with technology: new computer labs, media retrieval systems, business partnership software programs, etc. Students are exposed to so many technological devices and information resources that one would think the transition from school to workplace would be second nature. However, according to recent projections, only about 22 percent of people currently entering the labor market possess the technology skills that will be required for 60 percent of new jobs in the year 2000.[1] The United States Department of Education indicates that 59% of all students are utilizing computers in the classroom and one in four elementary students are using computers at home.[2] Are schools getting today's students prepared for their technological future?
The problem schools face today in preparing these students lies in limited and/or inadequate staff development - not in funding, the time to provide training, or the ability to learn on behalf of the teacher. Schools are currently in the "blame frame." They are struggling with the decision of what to do next with existing technology.
If staff development is really the key to integration, then why are computers collecting dust when many teachers have already been sent to technology workshops? One-shot workshops, added expense of training, lack of continued support, isolated knowledge, unawareness of school needs, lack of knowledge and support from leadership all contribute to the ineffectiveness of technology staff development.
In order to implement and integrate technology in our district, the following plan became a solution to the above problems. The Teachers Teaching Teachers Technology (T-4) staff development model has proven successful for all of the schools in our district because it:
- Uses experts at the building level;
- Provides an ongoing support system;
- Involves a large percentage of participants;
- Is cost-effective;
- Addresses individual technological needs; and
- Motivates and encourages change in instruction.
What is the T-4 Plan?
The T-4 Plan is built on the premise that technology training can support a school's advancement toward technology integration using a team effort. Technology is changing so rapidly that the only way to keep current is to create a system whereby information can be shared. T-4 fosters this notion through the concept of teachers training teachers. By focusing on training as one of the key strategies, districts can make the transition from just using computers to building a true, technology-rich learning environment.[3]
The T-4 staff development goals include:
