In-service training for technology teachers: a needs assessment

Abstract

This paper reports on a needs assessment, conducted in two elementary schools in Quebec, that examined the use that teachers are making of the computer facilities, as well as their skill and confidence levels in this area. The first section provides a general description of the project, details the sources of information, and discusses the reasons for performing the assessment. Results of the analysis are presented in the second section, including summaries of: interviews with the school board director, the regional technology coordinator, principals, computer resource teachers, and the technology integration specialist at the Quebec Ministry of Education; teacher focus groups; and teacher surveys. The third section presents recommendations, including: description of the performance gap (i.e., the gap between teachers' current use of technology and the ideal vision described by various members of the school community); general recommendations in the areas of professional development, pedagogical support, and technical support; and a format for a workshop to enable teachers to incorporate technology into their teaching. An appendix contains the teacher survey, including results. (DLS)