Technology professional development: investigating the effectiveness of technology integration in middle school classrooms

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of targeted professional development (PD) on the integration of technology upon teachers in grades six through eight. This Executive Position Paper has three key objectives: (1) investigate why teachers opted to participate in certain voluntary PD opportunities; (2) examine teachers’ reactions to the PD, specific to instructional technology; and (3) describe the pedagogical practices seen in classrooms, specific to instructional technology. This information will provide valuable data to the District’s Technology Committee. It will serve as a resource for future planning of professional development and the evaluation of such. Keywords: technology integration, professional development