What do you do if you need to introduce teachers to a new educational technology tool?
When you're tasked with introducing a new educational technology tool to teachers, it can be both an exciting and daunting challenge. Teachers are often pressed for time and may be wary of adopting new technologies that seem complicated or time-consuming. Your role is to facilitate this transition, ensuring that the educators see the value in the tool and feel supported throughout the learning process. By considering their needs, providing thorough training, and fostering an environment of ongoing support, you can help integrate the new technology into their teaching practices effectively.
Before diving into the introduction of a new educational technology tool, take the time to assess the specific needs of the teachers who will be using it. Understanding their current challenges, teaching styles, and technological proficiency can help tailor the introduction process. This assessment will guide you in focusing on features that directly address their needs and concerns, making the tool more relevant and appealing. By aligning the technology with their instructional goals, you increase the likelihood of successful adoption and sustained use.
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Pooja Banerjee
IBDP-IGCSE-AS & A Level CS Facilitator| Microsoft Innovative Educator| EE Supervisor | IGCSE CS ICT Examiner | Visiting Faculty at SNDT Women's University, Mumbai
Introducing teachers to a new educational technology tool involves strategic steps. Begin with interactive training sessions, allowing hands-on practice. Clearly communicate the tool's purpose and benefits, emphasizing its potential to enhance teaching and learning. Encourage peer support and collaboration, fostering a community of learning. Offer ongoing support and gather feedback to make adjustments. This approach ensures a smooth transition and maximizes the tool's effectiveness in the classroom.
Once you've assessed the teachers' needs, plan a comprehensive training session that is both informative and engaging. Structure the training to include hands-on activities that allow teachers to experience the tool's features firsthand. Break down complex functions into manageable steps and use relatable examples that connect with their daily teaching scenarios. Ensure that the training is paced appropriately, giving enough time for practice and questions, and consider offering multiple sessions for different skill levels to make the learning process more inclusive.
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Taiwo A.
Educator, Vice-Principal (Academic)
Providing training frequently would help teachers to become familiar with the tools. This will further help them to discover better and faster ways of achieving desired results to meet educational goals
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Enrique Facundo Ruiz Blanco
Doctor en Educación. Asesor en educación mediada por tecnologías.
En mi experiencia la capacitación presencial tradicional rara vez es productiva. He tenido más éxito con otros formatos como los trayectos optativos y el trabajo colaborativo. En los trayectos optativos los docentes pueden seguir sus propios objetivos de aprendizaje desde un entorno de aprendizaje asincrónico. En los talleres de producción didáctica el trabajo colaborativo permite hacer una transferencia de know how a partir del trabajo conjunto. Cuando uno le muestra a un solo docente cómo resolver un problema completo, el aprendizaje es más profundo. Tiene la ventaja de que el docente no solo aprende, sino que se lleva una solución.
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Tahmeena Waris
In this regard, I would say that teachers should be guided well for the execution of the lessons on online mode. Taking online classes are different from the traditional classrooms teaching. I found time management is really crucial to deliver the lesson along with the specific desired objectives. Similarly, I have experienced the training of becoming an online tutor. Though, it wasn't easy as it was totally a new platform. However, I must appreciate the training team, whose support and constructive feedback helped alot.
To support the training, provide teachers with a variety of resources that they can refer to after the session. These might include quick reference guides, tutorial videos, or a list of frequently asked questions. Having access to these materials can help alleviate anxiety about forgetting how to use the tool and encourage self-directed learning. Make sure these resources are easily accessible, possibly through a shared online platform where updates and additional information can be posted as needed.
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Enrique Facundo Ruiz Blanco
Doctor en Educación. Asesor en educación mediada por tecnologías.
Siempre hay que apostar por los recursos más simples y potentes. La pregunta es, ¿qué tanto puede hacer un docente con el menor esfuerzo? Cuando uno les pasa las soluciones más sencillas los docentes lo agradecen con el corazón. La educación demanda muchas horas del día, así que toda la ayuda que pueden recibir es más que bienvenida.
Encouraging teachers to practice using the new tool is crucial for building confidence and proficiency. Create opportunities for them to use the technology in low-stakes settings before applying it in their classrooms. This could involve peer collaboration sessions or mock lessons where they can get comfortable with the tool's functionality. Offer constructive feedback and celebrate their progress, reinforcing the idea that mastery comes with practice and patience.
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Martine Julien 🍹
Exploratrice d'innovations pédagogiques | Concepteur formation multimodale | Passionnée par l'Humain | Fan d'IA | Fondatrice du Comptoir de la formation | Marraine dispositif Parrain'H Cap Emploi
J'avais un élève que j'appellerai "Albert". Albert était professeur dans un collège. Il voulait vraiment améliorer ses cours et les rendre ludiques, donc je le formais sur Genially et Canva. Mais Albert préférait la pratique à la théorie, donc, au lieu de lui montrer comment faire, j'ai commencé à lui demander de m'expliquer ce qu'il avait compris la veille et de le faire lui-même. Résultat ? Il est même devenu meilleur que moi et a construit un escape game sur le thème de la seconde guerre mondiale pour ses élèves directement sur Genially. Il y a des gens qui préfèrent expérimenter plutôt que regarder !
Establishing a support system is key to ensuring that teachers feel confident using the new technology long after the initial training. Designate tech-savvy teachers as go-to mentors or create a support group where educators can share tips and seek advice. This network of support fosters a collaborative environment where teachers can learn from each other's experiences and troubleshoot issues collectively. Regular check-ins can also help you identify any ongoing challenges or additional training needs.
Finally, evaluating the impact of the new educational technology tool on teaching and learning is essential. Gather feedback from teachers about their experiences, including what works well and what could be improved. Look for changes in student engagement and learning outcomes to measure the tool's effectiveness. This feedback loop not only helps in refining the use of the tool but also demonstrates to teachers that their input is valued and that the goal is continuous improvement.
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Eva Jones
Director of Academic Engagement and VR Innovation
Start with comprehensive training that explains both usage and integration into the curriculum. Implement a pilot program to gather feedback and refine your approach. Offer ongoing support and workshops to help teachers master the tool. Encourage a collaborative atmosphere where teachers can share insights and experiences with each other.
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Gerlan Cardoso
Teacher | Google Trainer | Google Developer Leader | Speaker | TechEduc
Apresentar uma nova ferramenta de tecnologia educacional para professores pode ser uma tarefa desafiadora, mas também uma oportunidade para mostrar como essa ferramenta pode beneficiar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem.
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