Empowering Educators

"Empowering Educators: How Professional Development Models Prepare Teachers to Integrate New Technology in the Classroom"

Professional development should be a top priority when implementing new technology to ensure teachers can use it confidently to teach students. Frazier and Hearrington (2024) state, "One component that is sometimes overlooked in the planning process is the allocation of resources for professional development and training" (p. 183). 

By focusing on continuous learning, educators can stay updated with the latest technological advancements and teaching strategies, fostering an environment where other teachers and students thrive. Moreover, this proactive approach minimizes resistance to new technologies, as teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and support to integrate these tools effectively into their curriculum. Schools and districts can benefit significantly from investing in comprehensive professional development programs that are specific to their needs. This investment not only enhances the teaching and learning experience but also ensures that students are better prepared for a future that increasingly relies on technology. The ISTE professional development model provides a structured framework for professional development in technology integration. They help prepare students for digital-age learning and careers. 

          (21st Century Learning International, n.d.)

The ISTE professional development model provides a structured approach to integrating technology into education. It focuses on preparing students for the digital age and supporting educators in enhancing their practices. The model includes several standards:

1. Learner: educators continuously explore and learn about technology to improve their practices and set professional learning goals. 

2. Leader: Educators model technology use, advocate for digital learning, and support colleagues in enhancing student outcomes with technology.

3. Citizen: Educators promote responsible digital citizenship, ethical technology use, and digital literacy.

4. Collaborator: Educators use digital tools to collaborate with others, share resources, and expand learning globally. 

5. Designer: Educators create engaging, personalized learning experiences using technology to cater to diverse student needs. 

6. Facilitator: Educators use technology to support student-centered learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

7. Analyst: Educators use data to inform teaching and improve student outcomes by adjusting instruction based on student needs (ISTE, 2024). 

This model ensures that technology is used in engaging, responsible, and innovative ways, promoting both educator growth and student success. By adhering to these standards, educators enhance their skills and contribute to creating a technologically enriched learning environment. This environment empowers students to become confident, competent digital citizens who can navigate the complexities of the modern world. 

 Frazier and Hearrington (2024) state, "The development of a comprehensive and ongoing system of technology training and instructional support for effectively using technology in the classroom will maximize results" (p. 183).
Furthermore, by embracing the ISTE standards, schools create a continuous improvement and innovation culture. This culture encourages educators to experiment with new tools and methods, fostering curiosity and resilience among teachers and students. As technology evolves, the ISTE model provides a flexible framework that adapts to changing needs, ensuring that educational practices remain relevant and effective. 

The ISTE professional development model serves as a vital resource for educators striving to integrate technology into their teaching. Focusing on comprehensive development and support lays the foundation for a future-ready education system that prepares students to thrive in a digital age. ISTE is an excellent resource and professional development forum that helps teachers and students transform educational experiences with practical guidance and evidence-based learning (Mitttha, 2021). 
In all, professional development in integrating technology is important because it equips educators with the skills and confidence to effectively use digital tools in the classroom.
This ensures that teachers can enhance student learning experiences, foster creativity, and engage students in ways relevant to the digital age. With ongoing training, teachers stay current with evolving technology, enabling them to personalize learning, improve teaching strategies, and better address diverse student needs. Additionally, it supports the responsible use of technology, including promoting digital citizenship and ethical online behavior. Ultimately, prepared educators help prepare students for success in a technology-driven world. 

(Dreamstime, n.d.)

References 

Dreamstime. (n.d.). Group of diverse people using computers [Photograph]. Dreamstime. Retrieved from https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/group-diverse-people-computers.html

Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator’s handbook: A guide for EdTech facilitators and leaders (4th ed.).

International Society for Technology in Education. (2024). ISTE standards for educators. ISTE. https://cms-live-media.iste.org/ISTE_STANDARDS_2024.pdf

21st Century Learning International. (n.d.). ISTE standards professional development. 21st Century Learning International. Retrieved [insert date if required], from https://www.21c-learning.com/iste-standards-professional-development/

Mittha, C. (2021, July 26). Using ISTE standards to transform teaching, learning, and administration. Adobe Blog. https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2021/07/26/iste-standards-transform-teaching-learning-administration

TED. (2016, October 24). The power of creative constraints [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/99qORAuCXLE

Administrative Support Matters

 

"The Backbone of Tech Success: Why Administrative Support Matters"

As I entered my 16th year in education, I have come to realize that administrative support is crucial and significantly influences the atmosphere of a school. In today's world, where technology is prevalent and actively encouraged in schools, backing up from the administration becomes even more vital. They play a key role in cultivating an environment where both teachers and students can excel. Effective administrators not only offer the essential resources and training for teachers to seamlessly incorporate technology into their classrooms but also create an environment of innovation and experimentation. They motivate educators to explore new tools and approaches, ensuring that the learning experience remains exciting and engaging. Administrators are essential in maintaining a tech-based teaching and learning environment. According to Starr, L. (2009), school administrators can promote technology use most effectively by becoming knowledgeable and effective users of technology themselves.

Supportive administrators advocate for ongoing professional development, updating teachers on technological advancements and learning strategies and safety. This empowers teachers to meet diverse learners' needs and prepare students for a digital world. Frazier and Hearrington (2017) highlight the importance of enhanced professional development to address privacy issues and support effective decision-making. 

Administrators also build school culture valuing collaboration, communication, and community involvement. Starr (2009) notes principals greatly impact school climate by working with teachers, parents, and students to create a shared vision for success. Frazier and Hearrington (2017) state, "The coordinator must foster teaching and learning with technology for maximum success and impact" (p. 141). By investing in educators and embracing technology, administrators foster learning environments that inspire both students and teachers.

Thompson (2021) explains, "If it's an expectation for your faculty and staff to use technology, it's also important for you to model best practices for it. Consider conducting an assessment to learn what types of tools your teachers are using so that you can begin to use them during professional development, staff meetings, and faculty discussions. This helps to build up the school community through intentional action and demonstrates a consistent unified approach to technology tools that ultimately provide educational benefits for students." 

Thompson (2021) emphasizes “Administration plays a big role in setting expectations for technology use. However, technology is not just about tools that teachers use, it’s also about how technology can elevate academic instruction.”  

The video below provides professional development for administrators on how technology is changing education. The video really helps administrators go beyond facilitation to become visionaries who foresee educational trends and prepare teachers.  According to Starr, L. (2009), there must be a strong focus on staff development, to help teachers learn to use technology as a tool for teaching and learning.

Furthermore, it's also important for administrators to celebrate and highlight the successes achieved through technology integration. Sharing stories of how technology has transformed learning experiences can inspire others and demonstrate the tangible benefits of embracing digital tools.

Administration plays a big role in setting expectations for technology use in schools. However, technology is not just about tools that teachers use, it’s also about how technology can elevate academic instruction.

Ultimately, administrators who lead with empathy, vision, and a commitment to continuous learning create an educational environment where innovation thrives, and every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

References

Educational Innovation 360. (2022, November 4). How technology is changing education [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/LkVbdFjW6jk

Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2017). The technology coordinator's handbook: A guide for edtech facilitators and leaders (3rd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Starr, L. (2009). The administrator's role in technology integration. Education World. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech087.shtml

Thompson, V. (2021, September 13). Leading the way on technology integration. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/leading-way-technology-integration/