This session will explore why it's crucial for educators to recognize the difference between training, the HOW — a user manual on devices, software, apps or websites. And professional development,the WHY— focused on building the teacher’s capacity to shift away from traditional didactic teaching strategies to methods that fully engage students in the learning process. It concentrates on the importance of sound pedagogical practices and how to leverage technology to provide learning opportunities that don’t otherwise exist. Attendees will leave with an understanding that training without professional development could just lead to poor teaching being delivered faster and more efficiently. While training should certainly be part of the equation, it should take a back seat to professional development. When it comes to education technology, pedagogy should be the driver and technology the accelerator — otherwise, technology will simply end up being the brake.
Director of Strategic Initiatives at OtusK. Former Education Strategist at CDW•G and previously a teacher, instructional technologist, and adjunct, but always an educator. Co-Founder ConnectIT Blog @Edtech_K12.
