From Good to Great: The Vitality of Teacher Training and Tech Upskilling

In a world of constant change, how do you leverage teacher training to teach and learn? How do you prepare for the unpredictable future and empower students through technology?

These are some of the questions that the modern-day educators face every day. Today technology is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace, and education is no exception. The skills and knowledge that students need to succeed in the 21st century is vastly different from those of previous generations.  

To prepare students for the future, educators need to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in technology and learn how to integrate them effectively into their teaching practices. However, many educators face challenges and barriers when it comes to tech upskilling and teacher training. Some of these include: 

1. Lack of time, resources, and support to learn new technologies and pedagogies 

2. Resistance to change and fear of failure 

3. Low confidence and self-efficacy in using technology 

4. Misalignment between curriculum, assessment, and technology 

5. Inadequate or outdated infrastructure and equipment 

These challenges can prevent educators from embracing technology and leveraging its potential to enhance student learning outcomes. Therefore, it is vital for educators to overcome these challenges and pursue continuous professional development in technology. 

So, what is Tech upskilling for Educators?  

Tech upskilling is the process of acquiring new or improved skills and competencies in using technology for personal and professional development. Teacher training is the process of providing teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform their roles effectively and efficiently. Both tech upskilling and teacher training aim to enhance the quality of education and improve student outcomes and  are important for several reasons. Some of these reasons are: 

1. To meet the needs and expectations of digital natives: Today's students are digital natives who are born and raised in a technology-rich environment. They are accustomed to accessing and consuming information from various sources and devices. They are also adept at using technology to communicate, collaborate, create, and share. They expect their teachers to be familiar with the latest technologies and to provide them with engaging and relevant learning opportunities. Teachers who are not tech-savvy may struggle to connect with and motivate their students and may miss out on the benefits of technology-enhanced learning. 

2. To keep up with the changing demands and trends of education: Education is not static, but dynamic and evolving. New technologies, pedagogies, curricula, and standards emerge and influence the way teaching and learning take place. Teachers need to be aware of and adapt to these changes and trends, and to incorporate them into their teaching practices and curriculum. Teachers who are not up-to-date may fall behind and become obsolete and may fail to provide their students with the best possible education. 

3. To develop and demonstrate 21st century skills and competencies: Technology is not only a tool, but also a skill and a competency. Technology can help teachers and students to develop and demonstrate the essential skills and competencies that are required for success in the 21st century, such as digital literacy, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Teachers who are not proficient in technology may lack these skills and competencies that may hinder their students' development and achievement.  

How to Achieve Tech Upskilling and Teacher Training? 

Tech upskilling and teacher training are not one-time events, but ongoing processes that require commitment and support from various stakeholders. Some of the key steps and strategies to achieve tech upskilling and teacher training are: 

1. Assess the current situation and identify the goals and objectives: The first step is to assess the current situation and identify the goals and objectives of tech upskilling and teacher training. This involves collecting and analysing data on the current level of technology skills and knowledge of teachers and students, the availability and accessibility of technology resources and infrastructure, the alignment and integration of technology with the curriculum and standards, and the feedback and expectations of the teachers, students, and parents. Based on the data, the goals and objectives of tech upskilling and teacher training should be defined and prioritized, and the indicators and criteria for measuring the progress and impact should be established. 

2. Plan and allocate the resources and support: The next step is to plan and allocate the resources and support for tech upskilling and teacher training. This involves developing a comprehensive and realistic plan and budget that outlines the vision and mission, the expected outcomes and indicators, the timeline and milestones, the roles and responsibilities, and the resources and costs. The plan and budget should also be aligned with the national and local policies and standards, and the best practices and evidence from research and practice. The resources and support for tech upskilling and teacher training should include the technology equipment and software, the internet connectivity and bandwidth, the technical and pedagogical assistance, and the incentives and recognition. 

3. Implement and monitor the interventions and activities: The third step is to implement and monitor the interventions and activities for tech upskilling and teacher training. These interventions and activities should cater to the different needs, preferences, and levels of teachers and students, and the different contexts and situations of teaching and learning. Some of the possible interventions and activities are: 

• Online courses and modules that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, and that can be self-paced or instructor-led. 

• Workshops and seminars that can be conducted face-to-face or online, and that can be interactive and hands-on. 
• Coaching and mentoring that can be provided by peers, experts, or external partners, and that can be individual or group-based. 
• Communities of practice and networks that can facilitate the sharing of ideas, experiences, and resources, and the collaboration and support among teachers and students. 
• Professional development portfolios and badges that can document and recognize the achievements and progress of teachers and students. 

The implementation and monitoring of the interventions and activities should be done regularly and systematically and should involve the feedback and participation of the teachers, students, and parents. 

4. Evaluate and improve the outcomes and impact: The final step is to evaluate and improve the outcomes and impact of tech upskilling and teacher training. This involves collecting and analysing data on the changes and improvements in the technology skills and knowledge, the teaching and learning practices, and the student outcomes. The data should be compared with the baseline data and the expected outcomes and indicators, should be used to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the interventions and activities. The evaluation and improvement of the outcomes and impact should also involve the feedback and recommendations of the teachers, students, and parents, and should lead to the revision and refinement of the goals, objectives, plan, budget, resources, support, interventions, and activities. 

The way forward 

Technology can empower teachers and students in the 21st century. It can help them to keep up with the changing demands and trends of education, and to develop and demonstrate 21st century skills and competencies. However, technology is not a magic bullet, but a means to an end. To harness the power and potential of technology, educators need to embrace tech upskilling and teacher training as essential components of their professional development. Tech upskilling and teacher training are not easy or straightforward tasks, but they are possible and rewarding. They require a systematic and strategic approach that involves the collaboration and coordination of various stakeholders, the allocation and utilization of adequate resources and support, and the implementation and evaluation of effective and efficient interventions and activities. 

At Schoolnet, we believe that teachers are the most valuable asset in the educational landscape. That is why we are committed to providing them with the best technology and tools to enhance their teaching practices and outcomes. Our technology and tools enable educators to teach in a more structured and scientific manner, with clear and measurable goals and indicators. Our training sessions help teachers adapt to new technology-based teaching methodologies and keep up with the latest worldwide trends and innovations in education. Our services help teachers become more efficient, effective, and confident in their teaching abilities. We are proud to support teacher training and upskilling as a way of empowering teachers and students alike. To know more about us click here - /