Technology Leadership for Teachers

The Learning Technology Center worked in 2002 with the Instructional Technology Department of the Austin Independent School District to develop a series of online- and CD-ROM-based professional development modules directed at the classroom teacher who finds him or herself taking a leadership role with regard to the use of technology to support and enhance instruction. The focus of the content is on leadership rather than on the technology. The final product consists of four modules that can be undertaken as a comprehensive course or accessed individually to provide just-in-time training addressing issues such as:

• Teachers as Agents of Change
• Current Issues and Trends in the Classroom Use of Technology
• Implementing Effective Professional Development
• Establishing Productive Mentoring Relationships

The product, which is accessible online at: tie5.esc13.net/tlt/, took advantage of online multimedia capabilities, including nearly fifty embedded video interviews with professionals in the field, extensive use of audio, and numerous interactive activities. Funding for the effort was provided by the US Department of Education via The Texas Education Agency in the form of a TIE5 (Technology Integration in Education) grant.