Technology Training

Like DeeAnn's school, funding for Staff development is used for things other than technology. We are a Title I school and our focus is reading and math. While most of our teachers are "technology literate," some avoid using it as much as possible. Technology is used in the training that is currently taking place. It is used as an additional resource rather than standing solely on its own and showing what it can be used for in teaching the students.
When we received our SmartBoards two years ago, we received a brief training on how to use it, create lessons, etc. The incentive for attending the training was having the software downloaded to our laptops and greater access to them. We received FASTMATH software which improves students' knowledge basic math facts. Our academic coach and I went to the training and then redelivered the information to the staff. There was no incentive given for doing the training, it was mandatory. While it was understood that we would be using it on a regular basis and the teachers needed to know how the software worked and read the reports, they were already inundated with other training and information they were required to do to receive the PLUs they were given.
My goal at the end of this year is to talk with our principal and technology specialist about incorporating technology training for our staff into their staff development plan. When I taught our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students the new things that they can do with Destiny, the teachers learned with them. While the students were the initial audience, I found that their teachers also took part because they found that they could create lists of books and materials that they would be able to use in the future. Once the lists were created, the teachers would be able to pull the resources for the units they are teaching without having to repeatedly search for them every year when the unit came.
I would like to show the teachers how to incorporate the virtual library that Cobb County has as well. They know it exists, but could use a refresher course since new resources has been added in the last two years. It is something they can share with their students and the students can then share with their parents at home.