Numerous reports have documented that many teachers feel unprepared to use technology in effective ways and worry about being seen as incompetent (Roberts, Carter, Friel, & Miller, 1988; Pea & Sheingold, 1987). Other teachers who were exposed to passive learning software believe that extensive use of technology will have a negative effect on student-teacher roles. They fear that technology use will take time away from their required work, but that they will remain responsible for accountability measures created before the emergence of technology.
Quality professional development must do more that focus on technology use. The majority of time must be spent on techniques and strategies associated with resource-rich learning. Professional development should help teachers to address their fears and reservations about learning technologies. The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory has identified numerous resources that are excellent starting points for using the Internet, developing professional development for successful use of technology, and designing instruction.