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Professional Development Ongoing technology professional development is a critical component of the Instructional Technology program. IT has the responsibility to provide a variety of professional development activities that instruct personnel to successfully utilize technology within their assigned area: administrative, instructional, or support. Participation in district professional development activities is limited to employees only. The activities planned by Instructional Technology are designed to prepare MCS teachers to use technology to enhance instruction, increase student achievement, and advance teacher and student productivity. Professional development activities will be offered by Instructional Technology that: - ensure the growth and expansion of technology skills within a curriculum framework
- support and encourage the use of technology tools and supported applications and resources
- meet the needs of the beginning user as well as the experienced user
- enable schools to meet curriculum and professional growth goals
- enable district personnel to meet the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and the National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators
- enable district students to meet the K-12 Louisiana Technology Standards for Students
Programs TEC21 (Technology Enhancing Curriculum in the 21st Century)
Technology Enhancing Curriculum in the 21st Century (TEC21) is Instructional Technology's professional development program designed to incorporate the use of technology within the curriculum at every level of instruction. During the course, teachers will learn how digital tools (cameras, presentation software, computing equipment) and online resources can support and enhance traditional subjects, skills and teaching practices. They will also learn how to integrate technology into the core content, incorporate real world problems and utilize digital tools and resources that enhance learning goals. As a result, students will learn to think and work creatively and collaboratively.Teachers who complete the course will receive a computer, printer and software and will become eligible to participate in the RenewTech program. They will also receive 48 CLUs.
LEADTech (Louisiana Educational Advancement & Development with Technology)
LEADTech is a LA Department of Education (LDE) technology leadership initiative that prepares administrators with an in-depth understanding of the role of instructional technology as it relates to total school improvement and increased student learning. The online course is taught by instructors selected by the LDE and each participant receives in-depth instruction and assistance. MCS administrators who complete the course receive a laptop or Tablet PC. RenewTech
RenewTech is a district program which enables eligible MCS teachers to obtain new classroom equipment (computer, printer and software) every three years by participating in an approved Instructional Technology or LDE technology professional development class. Teachers become eligible to participate in the program upon completion of INTECH or TEC21. Approved classes include TEC21, INTEL Essentials, INTEL Elements, INTEL Thinking with Technology, Proficiency Express, and selected EDC online courses (announced each semester). Teachers are eligible to participate in the RenewTech program every 3 years so their classroom computer and software will always remain up-to-date. Depending upon the class selected, participants can earn from 24 to 48 CLUs.
District Workshops
Basic competency in each of the proficiency levels listed above is to be achieved by all district personnel. Instructional Technology offers a wide range of workshops on a variety of user levels. These workshops are scheduled after school and announced via the district website and through the school-based Technology Coaches. The workshops focus on the technology tools and resources adopted by the district and are designed to teach skills within a curriculum-based context. University Courses
Instructional Technology and the University of Louisiana at Monroe Department of Education have a long-standing cooperative partnership. Tuition exempt university technology classes for district personnel can be arranged through the Region 8 Teaching, Learning and Technology Center. Information on university credit courses can be obtained by contacting the Instructional Technology Supervisor or the Region 8 TLTC Facilitator. Online Courses
In an effort to offer a broader selection of workshops that focus primarily on technology integration, the district offers online courses from the Educational Development Center, the LA Department of Education, and MCS Instructional Technology. Each course includes multiple sessions and lasts from six to eight weeks, requiring teachers to work online approximately three to four hours per week. Each session includes readings, activities and participation in an online discussion and each workshop culminates with teachers developing a final project developed for immediate implementation in their classrooms. Online course offerings are announced each semester via the web site and through the schools-based Technology Coaches. Participants can earn 24 CLUs for completing an online course.
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