Our department was recently given an opportunity that not too many in our profession come across. We've been invited to plan the technology professional development for a school district over the next three years. You can imagine my excitement during the conversation with the district administrators in which they proposed the opportunity. For us, as professional developers in educational technology, we are thrilled to put into practice what we know works: long-term, systemic professional development is much more effective in creating technology-infused learning environments than the one-time, drive-by technology training.

Now, I thoroughly enjoy going out to schools and exposing educators to new technologies and getting people excited about the integration of technology into the curriculum. As well, we offer one-day workshops in our lab on all areas of technology integration such as podcasting, video in the classroom, Google tools, and more and those are absolutely worthwhile and effective. What I'm talking about is something different. If you are trying to create a school environment in which technology is used everywhere, by everyone, to enhance learning, deepen understanding, and engage students in their own learning, it takes more than some afternoon workshops a few times a year during professional development buy-back days. It takes time, patience, lots of opportunities for teachers to practice, more time, opportunities for teachers to integrate technology into their own lessons, support before and during lessons, and even more time.

Our team, had our first meeting with the school staff this last Monday and it went very well. It's a great staff and administration with people at all levels of technology use. One of the first things we did was a technology use assessment. (Sidenote: Ya gotta love Google Docs and the ability to create web forms that update the spreadsheet live. Awesome!) We asked some of the usual questions having to do with skill level on certain technologies and at what level they use those technologies. But one of the most interesting parts of the assessment were the last two questions and the answers the teachers gave:

What would you like to learn about?

• Using Diigo
• Burning CDs and video
• Music editing such as Audacity and Power Point
• How to video conference or visit a class online to create relationships and other experiences with kids all over the world. We are currently blogging with students across the United States with SeeDebate.org Would love a visual.
• Adding school stuff (artwork, writing, etc.) to the Washington Colony website. Also, what are some resources for joining a pen-pal community?
• Live video conferencing/web cam
• scan and send a letter
• I have had a very rough time using the laptops in my classroom. When I have more than 10 or 12 kids online the PC laptops don't always connect or stay connected. I would love to be able to use them all and have them work without problems.

What do you see as the biggest hurdle you need to overcome in using technology in your classroom?

• I need to feel comfortable with it.
• Time and using it comfortably
• Smart board is too high for teacher and students room 1
• I'm scared that I'm going to break something or that something will go wrong in the middle of my lesson
• Not relying on the students to troubleshoot my computer problems such as SMART Board.
• I have an older computer that is difficult for me to troubleshoot, and I do not yet have a smartboard.
• Time (mentioned 3 times)
• Time to Play with it.
• My students don't have access to computers. I don't have any for student use in my classroom and we don't have a computer lab.
• I love technology. It actually saves me time. As far as equipment goes, I have pretty much want I need except web cam.
• my lack of knowledge of basic technology
• What to do when the smart board or other technology doesn't work.
• Preparation ahead of time for lessons.
• I do not have access to computers for my students so they can actually learn some technology skills, not just watching me check my e-mail.
• The steep learning curve for me. I'm grateful for your help!
• Learning to use the technology
• I'd like more practice and review of the information that was presented at the FCOE Portal.
• Avoiding meetings.
• Integrating it into teaching basic skills and one to one or in small groups.

I was very intrigued by many of the responses. It seems as if many of these teachers already want to use technology or know what they want to do with technology, but don't know how to get started, don't have the time, or don't have the confidence in their ability - or maybe all of the above. Our job is to guide, support and "get them there."

We're excited and honored to be given this opportunity and we look forward to being a part of creating something very exciting with these educators.