| No surprise: Nearly all teachers think classroom computers are a good teaching tool. But most teachers also feel they need more training to use computer technology to its best advantage. School districts agree: Very few rated teachers’ skills at integrating technology as “very good” or higher.
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| A recurring theme in this issue is how teachers and administrators can use technology to work faster, better or in a more satisfying way. The contributors describe how they provide leadership to help teachers succeed in accomplishing this.
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Differentiated Instruction -- Technology Supports Differentiated Learning
St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School in Coral Gables, Fla., uses differentiated instruction supported by technology as the cornerstone of its educational process. Its laptop program is a prime example of this approach.
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Training Teachers -- Ongoing Technology Development Is Key
School districts need to provide their teachers with ongoing technology training so they can keep pace with advances in the dynamic IT market. They must instruct teachers on how to best integrate technology into their classrooms.
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Teachers Need Time to Teach
While data-driven decision-making may be the path to accountability for many districts, administrators need to shift emphasis from data analysis to instructional strategies for improving student performance.
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Time Bandits
Most teachers face a lengthy to-do list, so time management is critical for squeezing in more time to teach. Five tips show how technology can lend a hand and give teachers more time in the classroom.
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Safety First!
Some schools have installed Internet Protocol-based digital video cameras to make security surveillance more affordable, easier to use and more powerful than closed-circuit systems. As a result, the schools have decreased violence, theft and vandalism and increased safety.
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Meeting CIPA Requirements
Creating guidelines for an online content filtering policy involves a tough balancing act of values, federal protection guidelines and varied student needs. Find out how collaborative planning can help.
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Do or Die: Managing Ad Hoc Projects
Special projects always seem to appear out of nowhere when you least expect them. Handling these often tricky requests can become easier using project management skills such as allocating sufficient resources and managing people’s expectations.
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A Retreat to Remember
An offsite training conference gives teachers a weekend retreat—ocean views included—to discuss current tech trends and classroom integration in a relaxed environment. See how the Archdiocese of Philadelphia makes it happen.
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| To help support and retain new teachers, districts like the Dallas Independent School District are moving beyond the limitations of one-to-one mentoring models to embrace e-mentoring communities and new teacher resource centers.
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| One administrator’s quest to bring a North Carolina district from the bottom of the state's technology list to the top third has nearly tripled the number of computers, increased access and improved training to help teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms—all on a tight budget.
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Creating a Better Educational Environment
Teachers and administrators face enormous challenges in the year ahead. See how some of them are meeting these challenges with the help of one-to-one computing, Web tools, e-learning, wireless capability, videoconferencing, and savvy software and databases.
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| School administrators and teachers must have an ongoing dialogue with parents and local residents as an essential way of enhancing education, fostering teacher-parent relationships and addressing community issues.
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No Curriculum Left Behind
Assistive technology removes barriers for students caught in a one-size-fits-all learning model. Diverse learners are benefiting from digital content in alternative curriculum and instruction methods.
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Establishing a Strong Technology Infrastructure
Keeping a school district’s technology infrastructure up and running is a complex and costly task, but it impacts virtually all day-to-day functions of students and staff.
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Five Tips for Managing E-Mail
Is an overflowing inbox a constant stress in life? Here are five tips to help you maintain a manageable amount of mail and save time.
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