Why Faculty Training Is Necessary for Successful Technology Initiatives
For a classroom technology program to work well, the university's professors must be properly trained. At California State University, Fresno, faculty attend five workshops each year, plus they can have one-on-one support as needed.
"They could have the newest computer, projector or interactive whiteboard, but if they have no idea how to use it then the technology goes unused," says Otto Benavides, associate professor and director of Fresno State's Instructional Technology Resource Center.
Benavides helps education faculty integrate technology into their teaching so that they can model the use of technology to prospective teachers. He says about half the faculty is comfortable using notebooks, tablets, interactive whiteboards and projectors in their lessons.
"As long as people know how to use the tools and materials, they are going to use them effectively," Benavides says.
