Technology has found its way into our schools … Now what?

Kentucky has done an outstanding job equipping its schools with computers and with access to the Internet. The job now lies in the hands of the teachers and administrators within each district to integrate this technology into its curriculum. Training sessions need to be offered at several different times in convenient locations (preferably within each school). In addition to training for hardware and software use, training for integration into the classroom must also be made available. This training should be conducted by content-specific teachers within the district who have worked on and been rewarded for developing quality units and lessons that successfully utilize technology. To make much of this happen, funding must be sought and then used as incentive for teachers. The money could be used to pay the teacher who devotes time and energy toward the development of lessons and who takes the time to share those lessons with others within the district. The money could also be used to pay for substitute teachers, thus allowing time to attend technology training for those who are having trouble finding the necessary time. Overall, the integration of technology into Kentucky schools’ curriculums is a very real and attainable feat. It simply requires the enthusiasm for technology (from both teachers and administrators) to get it started, and the leadership to see it through and make it happen.