Faculty Initiative with Technology
Our Technology Professional Development Program
Thomas R. Smith, Director of Information Technology
June, 2006
Faculty Initiative with Technology, known as FIT, is our faculty professional development program to support the use of technology tools for teaching and learning. It is a yearlong program in which participating faculty make a commitment to unpaid weekly instructional sessions with a Technology Department mentor, and follow-up practice sessions on their own.
FIT began in September of 2003 and was funded by a special grant from several generous parents. Since proving its effectiveness, we have funded the program from the capital campaign. Fifty teachers (or approximately two thirds of the faculty) have successfully completed the FIT program. This includes all upper school academic departments, the grade IV and V classroom teachers, and nearly all specialists. Next year, twenty five faculty have signed up, including all classroom teachers in Nursery through Grade III, and several learning specialists. This will bring us to nearly 100% of current faculty.
FIT participants attend an introductory workshop in September. Each leave with an Apple iBook laptop computer for their exclusive use while employed at Park, instructions to install self-funded high speed Internet access at home, and lots of excitement about exploring new teaching and learning opportunities. Over the rest of the school year, they meet in a large group five more Tuesday afternoons. On other weeks, they meet in small group work sessions with their Technology Department mentor.
The FIT curriculum which all Park teachers must learn includes instructions for basic care and operation of their computers and common applications like word processing, e-mail, web browsers, and more. This usually accounts for about one third of their program. The remaining two thirds is determined based upon their individual needs and interests. For example, the Music department learned how to use iTunes and GarageBand to record live performances and to transfer old records and tapes to CDs. The Modern Language Department learned how to turn iTunes into a language curriculum delivery system. Learning Specialists chose to learn and use "Inspiration", software especially suited to helping students organize their thinking and writing. The Science Department spent more time using experimental probes and software to support student work in the science laboratory, and presentation software like PowerPoint and Keynote. Lower school teachers were particularly interested in digital cameras, which were used in conjunction with iPhoto and other software to produce slide shows and class newsletters. Physical Education teachers used iMovie to videotape students who are learning new skills, and then to slow down and replay the video for students to evaluate their own skills.
We found it interesting that using technology tools to support teaching and learning also helped to facilitate the important work we are doing to differentiate instruction to match various learning styles. When using technology tools, we naturally branch out from the classic "sage on a stage" style of teaching that tends to address a narrow range of learning styles.
It is a myth that simply providing us with computers will make our jobs easier and will improve our teaching. On the contrary, our FIT teachers work hard to learn and to practice new skills, to reflect upon how they can apply those skills to teaching, and to share what they learn with each other.
We have lofty goals for the Faculty Initiative with Technology program. If we are successful:
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts, and display continual growth in technology knowledge and skills throughout their teaching careers.
Teachers plan, design and implement effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.
Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.
Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in schools and can apply those principles in practice.
Teachers take ownership of and responsibility for the technology skills they learn.
After next year we will have involved nearly all of our teachers. FIT will continue beyond next year but will change its focus to facilitate professional development for new Park School teachers, and for continued growth by all teachers. Our program has been extremely successful. Faculty have consistently told us how much they appreciate the school's commitment to providing both the tools and support to learn and use these tools well. Finding the time to learn, practice and share these skills continues to be a challenge. However, we are committed to providing a continuing professional development program for faculty as technology tools and required skills evolve.
