I experienced one of those “ah ha” moments recently while receiving technology training provided by the county. We were being trained on how to use the iRespond student response systems which are supported by our newly installed SmartBoards. While I was trying to pull up a certain screen the instructor had directed us to, another student was already three screens ahead of me and almost finished with the task given to us. I felt embarrassed and a little “stupid” for lagging so far behind. As I raised my hand to ask for help I noticed that the instructor was helping someone else log on. My feelings then turned to frustration as I thought that person should not need help with something so basic – the instructor should be free to help me with my problem. I now have a personal understanding of the frustrations my students experience everyday – those on both ends of the learning spectrum.
I value that experience as a teacher and as a student of technology. The particular training that I mention was one that was mandated because we are being required to use it (the plan is to have our students take paperless benchmark tests by next year). We are also offered many opportunities for elective technology training throughout the school year. These are not very well attended and I think it is largely because of the frustration I just mentioned. We all have a different skill set and it is painfully obvious in a technology training class. In a day when differentiation is such an educational buzz word, it is time we learn what that looks like in our own learning environment. Self guided lessons are a possibility but do not allow for that personal connection with someone that can answer specific questions. As a reading teacher I know the value in leveled guided reading groups. I would like to see this type of instruction offered. The classes would be leveled based on the hierarchy of a skills checklist. As a responsible student, you would evaluate where you would best fit and sign up for that particular level.
As I look forward to my future role as a Media Specialist, I must remember this “ah ha” when planning teacher training.
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Thank you for pointing out the role of the adult learner in technology training. This is definitely one of my DO's. Jurkowski mentioned making sure you were aware of your audience and their needs. It is so true that we differentiate with students without the blink of an eye but with adult learners we don't really give it much thought. After reading other posts and thinking about my experience in the Instructional Design course I too initially thought that independent modules and tech tips were the way to go. However, your post made me think about the "personal connection with someone that can answer specific questions" that is soooooooooooooo true. I am the first to admit that technology and I are not necessarily the best of friends. I know the fustration I experience when I am following the steps as outlined in a tech tip (horrible flashbacks of uploading that first podcast)and they just don't seem to work. I can definitely appreciate the value of good ole fashioned face to face teaching in that instance. But then again everyone isn't where I am and like you said we have to diffrentiate for adults too.
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