Take a moment to go back in time with me. Think of the most creative, innovative, intelligent person you can recall from history. I will give you the latest technology has to offer. You will have the best computers, scanners, digital cameras, printers, camcorders, and other equipment you could possibly ask for. Don't worry about electricity, I will provide you with battery operated equipment. I will transport you back in time to the person of your choice. You will be given time to conduct a two hour workshop on technology, then I would like you to wish him/her well, and I will transport you back. What will the person do with the technology?
Consider that instead of a two hour workshop I allow you to stay with the person for a month. You will have thirty days to teach and train. What will the person do with the technology now?
It seems like such common sense to provide training. In the rush to acquire the latest in technology the most necessary component is sometimes overlooked. Research supports the concept that teachers need a great deal of time to get comfortable with new technologies and to fully incorporate them into their curricula. (Means, pg.149)
Technology is still new. It grows and improves at an unbelievable rate. The last ten years have produced remarkable innovations in the area of technology. Research to document the impact and needs of technology are emerging. It reflects the positive impact technology has in the field of education. It supports the concept of the need to train educators in the use of integrating technology. Links for research documentation are provided below.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
NCES Search Results - Statistics on Technology Training for Teachers
http://165.224.220.67:8765/nces/results.html
Summary of State School Technology Surveys
Shannon Blaney - Education Statistics Services Institute - American Institutes for Research - revised Auggust 24, 1998
http://nces.ed.gov/forum/statesurveys.categories.html
TC 98: State Policies on Planning, Funding, Standards, and Best Practices
http://www.edweek.org/sreports/tc98/states/il.htm
NAEP for Administrators - Technology Initiatives
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/admin/adm_new_tech.asp
Thuderstone's Webinator: Matching Documents: Statistics on Teacher Technology Training
http://ericae.net/scripts/texis.exe/scripts/searchw?db=ericdb&arg=statistics+on+
Computers and Classrooms: The Status of Technology in U.S. Schools. Policy Information Report.
Coley, Richard; Cradler, John; Engel, Penelope K.
http://ericae.net/ericdb/ED412893.htm