Many ABE teachers feel that their attempts to learn a new technology skill or plan innovative technology-integrated lessons are like solo flights across the Atlantic: daunting and isolating endeavors. This new technology training initiative aims to give teachers the support they need to attempt that journey and turn apprehension into enthusiasm. Our goal is to deepen participants’ knowledge and skills through on-going, one-to-one mentoring that’s focused on a particular technology area of their choice. Teachers will have the opportunity to try out something new in the context of a supportive relationship. Finally, teachers’ new skills are shared with colleagues so that the ABE community's knowledge base grows.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to get in on this program! Teachers with all skill levels are invited to register. Your project could be a simple as learning to use Google image search to enhance your classroom handouts, or as ambitious as designing your own classroom website. You set the goal. We’ll help you reach it.
Registration for the Spring-Summer 2012 is now open! Click the Technology Mentoring Registration link in the left side bar to register!
Responsibilities:
- Complete a private online technology skills assessment; identify a technology area for professional development (PD)
- Meet periodically face-to-face and/or online with Technology Trainer to learn new skills, plan lessons, and/or develop classroom materials
- Plan and teach a series of at least 3 lessons using your chosen technology
- Log and report hours (used to determine CEUs)
- Write 1-2 page narrative report describing teacher, learner, and/or program outcomes
- Share knowledge through presenting at a program or consortium meeting or PD event, or by training a colleague
- Commit to teaching one other ABE practitioner the skills you learned through your PD project.
Rewards:
- From 5-15 CEUs
- $50 stipend
- One-to-one mentoring for all aspects of your professional development plan! Including: assistance with identifying teacher and learner needs, choosing appropriate technology(ies), learning new skills, and planning lessons
- In-classroom instructional support during technology-integrated lessons where appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
How are CEUs awarded for Technology Mentoring?
CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for Technology Mentoring are awarded upon completion of the project. Project completion is determined by the Technology Trainer at the time the participant submits his/her narrative report and documentation. Participants who withdraw prematurely (i.e. without implementing lessons or submitting a report) will not receive CEUs.
Allocation of CEUs is as follows:
- 1 CEU for completing the online technology skills assessment (www.adultedonline.org).
- From 3-13 CEUs for mentoring sessions (including face-to-face meetings and online, phone, or email communication with Technology Trainer), presenting, and training a colleague. Participants must record the time they spend on these activities and submit documentation in order to receive CEUs for these activities.
- 1 CEU for completing the final report
A minimum of 5 and maximum of 15 CEUs will be awarded. The $50 stipend will be awarded upon project completion along with CEUs.
What is the time commitment for this project?
If you choose to register for Technology Mentoring, you commit to spending at least 5 hours on the project. There is no upper limit on how much time you may choose to invest; however no more than 15 CEUs may be awarded. The length of each participant's involvement will vary depending on the complexity of his or her chosen goal. However, we expect that most participants will work with the Technology Trainer over a period of 3-4 months.
