7 PD tips for your instructional technology integration plan

These 7 professional development tips for your instructional technology integration plan can help educators adapt to new technological advances

The role of instructional technology in the classroom has steadily increased over the past decade.

These advances include the use of computers and tablets in classrooms, over 300,000 K-12 students enrolled in fully online programs in the 2012-2013 school year, and the use of new instructional technological tools – including interactive whiteboards, digital light processing projectors, and digital cameras.

While the proven benefits of instructional technology highlight the need for its widespread adoption, it is important to consider that professional development opportunities are essential to better train educators in the effective use of instructional technology.

Major challenges for districts include preparing teachers who are trained in “traditional” classroom delivery methods to integrate instructional technology into curricula as well as the infrastructure or knowledge base to effectively integrate technology into instruction.

Professional development provides educators the opportunity to understand new advancements and adapt their teaching styles and pedagogy to make effective use of available educational enhancements.

Based on our research at education research firm Hanover Research, we present 7 tips for structuring instructional technology professional development:

1.  Provide ongoing support

Through instructional technology coaching, professional learning communities, and information repositories, teacher professional development should be highly customized. There is a need for delivering immediately usable solutions to the daily challenges that teachers will face when making major curricular changes in their subject areas.

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