As @dswaters pointed out at the recent ECAWA unconference I am not the most social creature online these days! I do engage with some discussions on email lists and a little bit more lately on Twitter but in general this year I have not really been joining in the dialogue of the blogosphere as much. I have been considering the reasons behind this, and think it is simply that I am so busy with the new job, but most of all I think it’s because if I am going to engage with a discussion I feel I need to really immerse myself in the discussion to have my contributions be of any use.

This general demeanour leaves me missing out on a fantastic project is going on in the edublogosphere called the 31 day comment challenge. I would love to be part of it but instead I am just going to write about how cool it is instead :-). Sue Waters makes some valuable points here about the fact “that commenting on blogs is a crucial aspect of blogging conversations for achieving the greatest learning,” and this is put in context by an insightful reference to Derek Wenmoth’s diagram The Four C’s of Participation in Online Communities. Maybe I’ll be up for the next one.

BTW - Digital Chalkie is a multi-user web-blog. If you are a blogger who would like a different audience, register above, and blog away here to your hearts content. As an open group-blog anyone is welcome to share their posts.

Technology now dominates every area of our lives and educators need to make sure they are prepared for its inclusion into our schools. This may mean making a break from traditional teaching methods; but there is no denying the inevitability of technology being thrust into curricula around the country. Many teachers may be hesitant to accept this new world order but the key is to ensure they are ready for this new challenge. Here are some tips for preparing teachers for the future:

∙ Make teachers feel comfortable. Many, at first, will resist the influx of computers into their classroom but if you can make feel at ease by letting them know the full spectrum of possibilities out there, then they will warm up. Appeal to a teacher’s passion in their given subject area of expertise and show them a computer program that will open their eyes to new, different ways of teaching their subject.

∙ Teach the teachers. Keep in mind that teachers are just like the students in that they will learn at different rates. Develop a comprehensive training program, but allow the faculty to learn at their own speed. Avoid putting overt pressure on them to be at a certain computer aptitude. Eventually they’ll get the hang of it. Don’t rush them because then they’re more apt to abandon the training.

∙ Keep a slow, deliberate pace. There will be plenty of staff members that are already advanced when it comes to using computers but for the ones that are a little slower maintain a steady training pace. Technology training is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It is something that you will continually be working on with workshops throughout the year.

∙ Create a rewards system. Implementing such a training regimen may often require teachers to spend more time than the district allows for in a pay structure. Anyone will be more apt to quit on a project if they’re not being properly rewarded. Compensate teachers if they’re spending more than the allotted time on the training.

∙ Be strict. If teachers are resistant to using computers then you may have to come down on them harder than you would desire to. Warn them that if they don’t use computers in the classroom they will lose them. Consider adding their adherence to the technology policy into their evaluations. If you’re serious about the program, then chances are your staff will get on board as well.

By-line:

Heather Johnson is a freelance writer, as well as a regular contributor for OEDb, a site for learning about online education. Heather invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com .