Cuban Ch. 3

Cuban offers a collection of reasons why teachers adopt or fail to adopt innovation. Pick one and discuss it form you own perception/practice.

I will discuss the accessibility of implementation of innovation. My personal experience in this area, I am afraid, would be more related to the next chapter on computers but I will discuss it here. A few years ago, our district invested in technology resources to make for 21^st century classrooms. Each teacher in the district was given a Smart Airliner wireless slate and a LCD projector mounted on ceiling and a screen. I was given the job of technology integration specialist for 9 schools in our district. I went to all the teachers in the school and installed the software and connected the wireless slate. I also provided professional development and resources for teachers on how to use the technology in their classroom. Some teachers used the tools immediately and loved them. They integrated them into almost all their daily activities. Some never touched them. All embraced the LCD projectors. The younger teachers implemented the Airlines (wireless smart boards) and the software, and older teachers were much more resistant. I followed-up with teachers throughout the year and found that some teachers could barely check their email. One teacher was still using overhead transparencies! Teachers did not take the time to learn the new technologies. This was a prime example of token compliance.

The board and superintendent decided on the technology and the decision had been a top-down one. Teachers were not invested in this. I would talk to them about new teacher standards and they were expected to know how to use technology. I took the approach of ‘I could get more bees with honey’ approach. I attempted to teach teachers how to trouble shoot problems- I would teach them as I fixed it and I made trouble-shooting guides. I asked what would they like to know and addressed those concerns. Many teachers would cite reasons for example, they tried and it didn’t work and time was wasted or they were afraid and would be glad to try to use it if I was around if there was a problem. I felt like I was making a difference however I was moved back into the classroom because I was not tenured and an assistant principal lost her position and was placed in mine. She got another job and they left the position unfilled and now our district now has done away with it.

I agree with the comment today during the podcast that teachers expect to be trained. There have been few trainings that I have attended that I have left and thought it was great. Some are motivational until you realize you can’t change things because of bureaucratic policy.

There is one area that Cuban touches on but doesn’t address directly. What do you think it is?

I am not totally sure I am on the right track here but here it goes.

I think Cuban is trying to address that teacher may need a break, a time to catch your breath and refocus. I know that television programs are used during snack times in our primary classrooms. Compact disc players are used every day to play the audio track that corresponds to the story being covered. These are times when a teacher can slow down and take a moment- to semi-relax.