Assessing the Technology Training Needs of Elementary School Teachers- Unit 4

This article discusses the need for more training of in-service elementary school teachers. In the past, technology training and education has been directed at the secondary and higher education levels, but this is no longer that case as children of all ages are now using computers as tools for learning. While most elementary teachers are using technology in their classrooms, the majority are computers for administrative tasks rather than learning tools. Training for in-service teachers has only reinforced this, as training sessions have focused more on activities (such as word processing or spreadsheets) that are not useful for learning and teaching but more for administrative tasks. Teachers need to be trained not only how to use technology, but also how to integrate it into their curricula to enhance student experiences. The article outlines a study done in the state of Georgia that examines teachers’ confidence, knowledge, and ability to integrate technology into their classrooms, what types of activities they use technology for in their classrooms, as well as what training the teachers have had about technology. The results of the study revealed what was suspected: while teachers were using computers, more were using them for administrative tasks (78 percent), such as grading and correspondence, than as tools for instruction or to introduce new material to students (31 percent)(McCannon & Crews, 2000). Almost all teachers in the study were offered technology training, but only a small percent were offered training in technology use other than word processing. Teachers interviewed felt that training in word processing was the most beneficial training offered to them, which has reinforced the problem. Curriculum integration will be the most beneficial type of training elementary teachers can receive. With the right training, it can become an integral part of the learning process for students, not just a source of entertainment for students as it has been used in the past.

McCannon, M. & Crew, T.B. (2000). Assessing the technology training needs of elementary school teachers. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 8(2), 111-21.

Although I am interested in teaching in the secondary field, this article was very interesting to me because the education students are receiving in elementary school will affect my teaching experience as those students grow and enter middle and high school. In order for their learning experiences to be fulfilling, secondary students should have extensive practice and experience with technology at an early age. This will not only give them the training and skills to be able to used more advanced technology in secondary school, but it will also give them the confidence and strategies to use technology and be able to evaluate what information they find with it.