NCREL Policy Issues
Issue 15, January 2004
Policy Analysis
6. Professional Development
That so many states are emphasizing technology skills as the content of professional development is heartening, given the investment in technology infrastructure that schools have made. Many states, however, are not using computers and telecommunications to their full capacity in complementing face-to-face professional development experiences with ongoing virtual interactions in synchronous and asynchronous media.
In the North Central region, many states are strong in providing professional development related to technology, and some also use technology as a medium for instructional delivery and follow-up. Indiana has a wide variety of state-sponsored streaming video programs online, including a Technology in Curriculum series and an Indiana Principals' Leadership Academy. Michigan's Consortium for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching With Technology provides incentives and encourages high standards for Michigan teachers in infusing technology into instruction. Ohio SchoolNet has produced a professional development model that aligns curriculum, instruction, and technology for novices and practitioners. The Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, and Reading provides model examples of technology integration into curriculum, especially in math, science, and reading. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities provides eFolio Minnesota, a tool that enables students, teachers, and job-seekers throughout the state to create their own Internet-based portfolios.
Resources
Indiana Video Information Network
doe.state.in.us/media/video/guide.html
Michigan Consortium for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching With Technology
www.coatt.org
Ohio SchoolNet Professional Development Model: Novice
www.ohioschoolnet.k12.oh.us/3_programs/default.asp?pg=2&tab=fastfacts&program=novice
Ohio SchoolNet Professional Development Model: Practitioner
www.ohioschoolnet.k12.oh.us/3_programs/default.asp?pg=2&tab=fastfacts&program=practitioner
Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, and Reading
www.ohiorc.org
eFolio Minnesota (Internet-based portfolios)
www.efoliominnesota.com
