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Professional Development
Since 1991


7677 Oakport St.
Suite 105
Oakland, CA 94621

800.633.2248 or 510.562.8066
fax 510.562.4570

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Barbara Bray

Educational Technology Consultant
Owner, Computer Strategies, LLC
(510) 562-8066 FAX (510) 562-4570
email: bbray@compstrategies.com

 

"The most powerful form of learning: the most sophisticated form of staff development, comes not from listening to the good words of others, but from sharing what we know with others. Learning comes more from giving than from receiving. By reflecting on what we do, by giving it coherence, and by sharing and articulating our craft knowledge, we make meaning, we learn."

Roland Barth

My expertise is facilitating the process of integrating technology into the curriculum. From years of providing one-shot workshops that were not effective, I have found a better way. Work with the staff and get their input. All of the strategies developed by Computer Strategies happens because of the great people on our team. Each day brings new challenges. We never stop learning from each other and the wonderful people we work with. Is work supposed to be this much fun?

First Article - Technology Culture and the Challenge of Educational Leadership
2nd Article - Collaborative Group Assignment (Team B): Vygotsky and Education
Group Project for Team B - "Education & Technology" Chapters 2, 3, 4, & 8
Final Project of Team B - "Will equitable access to technology affect learning?"
Technology Implementation - Research and Background for Thesis

What is effective staff development? After many years of working with public and private schools in Northern California, I can share what has been successful and the steps to get there.

Check out these Schools and Districts:

Oakland Unified School District
New Haven Unified School District
St. Mary's College of California
Acalanes High School
Albuquerque Academy (NM)
Ben Franklin Intermediate School
Calistoga Elementary School
Head-Royce School
Hillside Elementary in Minnesota
Lanikai School in Hawaii

The Steps to Effective Staff Development

  • Teachers have to be part of the planning team.
  • Providing input empowers teachers to use technology.
  • Identify curriculum needs through grade-level or subject area meetings.
  • Review the goals and vision for technology use in your school.
  • Identify technology resources necessary.
  • Assess proficiency levels of staff through surveys and interviews.
  • Provide support with lots of time for discovery and trial and error.
  • Provide on-going, small workshops and time for collaborative work.
  • Give handouts with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
  • Workshop leaders need to be easily understood and fun.
  • Brainstorm ideas on how to use technology with their curriculum.
  • Evaluate success and what would they like next?
  • Never stop planning and learning from each other.

 

 

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