How does the TLT Key Series Support Adult Learning

	The TLT Key Series is designed to embrace and support the change process. There was a vast amount of discussion as to what level to begin teachers. Since many practicing teachers are at best at the contemplation stage of change and many still pre-contemplation, it was decided to start and build from the basic productivity level. If the examples and discussion can start at the most non-threatening level many more of the teachers can be brought through the contemplation, to the preparation stage and if they teachers continue through the series they should be moving well into the action stage by the end of the Transforming series.
	The TLT - Key Series is set up so that teachers progress through as a Cohort. By allowing them to work with a familiar group and assuring them there will always be support, they will be more willing to try new concepts and to continue through the program. Once they build a mutual support team they will feel some responsibility for the other cohort members success and they will interact and grow together. The teachers can also support each other as they cycle back and forth in their readiness for change.
	Time is an essential component of the training. Staff development research shows that it requires 50 hrs of training and practice before any real change occurs in teaching teaching practices. The whole format of the TLT Key Series is structured to allow for sustained training with ample opportunity to practice. The basic component will be the 2 hr modules which will be spread out to allow time for practice and assimilation. The reason schools must sign-up for a complete series of the training is to insure that there is a sustained level of practice, exposure to new material, concepts and procedures.
	Not only do the teachers need time to interact directly with the ideas but in order to construct knew knowledge they need time to reflect on the concepts and how to test how it fits into their personal schema for using technology in the classroom. For this reason every teacher will keep a reflection journal throughout the series and every series will have some time devoted to group reflection and discussion of the current series.
	Teachers have to feel safe and that they have an opportunity to actually implement their new learning. This is the reason for having the training done on-site and using the schools own equipment. By using equipment they know they will continue to have access to the teachers will feel secure testing there new knowledge. By having them work together as a cohort they also will know there is support locally among their peers or regionally from their mentor. Also by having the training in familiar surroundings it will make it easer for the facilitator to respect and honor the teachers prior knowledge. There may be some danger in trying to move people to new levels when it is also easier to resist change in your own environment, but the potential benefits of the training being done in-district outweigh the potential for resistance to change.
	Motivation is always the base of success or failure of any training. The teachers have to see a need and believe there is a benefit to them personally. The TLT Key Series is built to directly fill the new re-certification requirements for Illinois teachers. This in itself gives them a benefit and fills a need. Additionally it is structured to fit the specific needs of each individual school. It can be used to support the School Improvement Plan's goals of a building and fulfill the professional development component of their Technology Plan. However what may be the most motivating aspect is having the teachers work as a cohort team.
	Having the instructional units based on short 2 hr modules helps to optimize the learning the teachers. By working with small units which will build to larger concepts and practices the training is trying to parallel the way new knowledge is constructed. The small pieces allow time to focus and practice. The sequencing allows them to build on each other. On a larger scale the three series all build on each other to move teachers from using technology as a productivity tool to using technology and as a fundamental tool for student learning.
	For success the training will have to be sensitive to the physical needs of the adult learners. It will have to use a variety of instructional activities to span the different learning styles and dominant intelligences of the individuals. But this is always the measure of good instruction and one of the signs of a skilled presenter.

ROE 11 Vision: "Education is the Key"