Moderator's thoughts
Gaye Wunsch (gwunsch@chico.rice.edu)
Thu, 20 Mar 1997 20:16:02 -0600
Hello, again from Texas... Looks like I have a connection again.
Mr. Hakeem's comments fit some recent thoughts we have had here in
Houston ISD's long range planning. We have begun to work with a
curriculum development software, using web development as the first
course sampling. It is interactive, Internet learning, allowing a
distance learning access that can be used for specific professional
development. Is there anyone out there who is operational yet with such
materials? The software we saw is out of Canada, I think, and is being
beta-tested... DOIT is the logo.
Mr. Hakeem pointed out two complementing issues: as noted, the
opportunity to use technology itself for professional development, and
the mirroring thought that technology advances are forcing the need for
ongoing professional development...even daily!
In the broader sense, the study of professional development activities
of any kind... accepted by the community and teachers themselves, as
important enough to allot some the traditionally calculated "seat time"
that forms the basis for teacher salaries, and encouraging more training
as an integral part of the "profession" of being a teacher. I guess, in
a nutshell, prof. dev. is NOT a periodic, pull-out, "sit and get"
situation anymore, dispensing "teacher-proof" packages to take back to
their classrooms.
Now, I'll step back and ask for input.
--
Gaye Wunsch, Director, Project STAR, Achievement Institute
Houston ISD (Route 10), 3830 Richmond, Houston, Texas 77027
713-892-6915 office
713-892-7126 FAX
713-729-8052 home
cgwunsch@tenet.edu