Recognizing the essential contribution of professional development to integrate technology, Chapter 5 of TECHNOLOGY IN ITS PLACE, launches real-life approaches to incorporating theory and practice of professional development. Preparing and empowering teachers to integrate technology in the classroom is an ongoing process. Continual accessing and refining of technology skills should be top priority. Technology mentors should be a State Standard provided by the school district. Competencies to support staff development should be provided for all educational facilitators. We all know that teachers are essential, but so often the public is not sufficiently aware of their worth. Staff development must be implemented in new ways to interact with and impact the students that they serve. Together as teachers and library media specialists we need to exceed expectations and grow and prosper in technology.
Here in Illinois we have ICE, Illinois Computing Educators there mission Illinois Computing Educators is the leader in supporting and promoting innovative education for all. Their vision is to lead the educational community in enhancing learning through technology.
The Goals of ICE are:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Support and provide professional development opportunities in educational technology through collaborative communities.
ADVOCACY: Build relationships with other organizations by being the premier education technology visionary and voice for Illinois.
LEADERSHIP: Forge partnerships to advance 21st century digital literacy.
MEMBERSHIP/CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT: Increase ICE membership by creating new chapters and affiliations, attracting new members, and strengthening existing chapters.
OUTREACH/EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS: Become the recognized educational technology portal.
FUNDING/SPONSORSHIPS: Increase funding through partnership, sponsorship, membership and grant writing.
COLLABORATION/INTERNAL COMMUNICATION: Improve collaboration and communication for members through print and interactive tools.
In March 2007, I attended their annual conference in St. Charles, Illinois. This was a jampacked opportunity to attend very informative workshops and lectures. The 2008 conference is scheduled for the end of February. The facilities at the Pheasant Inn Resort no only lends itself to technology; the Mega Center is the perfect location for tech vendors to keep you informed on the latest trends.
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