Contents


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Introduction

Purpose and Objectives

Summary of Key Findings

Infrastructure

Access

Professional Development

Distributed Learning

New Technologies

Final Observations

Professional Development

Professional development is key to improving effective use of education technology. Teachers need training to be current with technology and effective pedagogical approaches using technology.

 
“It is very difficult to get any teachers or technical staff to training out of town based on funding cuts, but also staffing issues...Training sessions in Fort St. John (4 hours drive away) are accessible but only for 1 or 2 teachers IF TOCs are available (and road conditions favourable). Usually the 1 or 2 teachers willing to drive the road to a training session aren’t the ones who need training.”
 

Fully 96% of districts said that they would invest in professional development for staff, teachers, and administrators if they were to make technology funding an increased priority. More than 50% said that providing support for teachers to change practices was challenging. This indicates that there is a real need for focused and relevant professional development to maintain and realize development in teacher technology skills. Meanwhile, 48% of respondents said that integrating technology and learning was a challenge due to lack of teacher training in this area.