Career Teaching - how DO instructors keep up with Technology skills? By attending seminars - which is something you should be checking out as well.
Career Teaching - and keeping up with Technology:
Most post-secondary institutes will be now gearing up for their version of a Teaching and Technology Day, and you should be keeping your eyes open for invitations. Attending seminars is a definite Career advantage for any career. Space at these types of seminars is NOT limited to only professors, but to anyone usually interested in updating their own knowledge or seeing an opportunity to expand their own horizon.
Usually, these days are just informal interaction amongst peers - faculty teaching/leading faculty - no key speakers, no rah-rah on my bandwagon - just good, clean demo's and sharing of skills.
Here at my local College - we join updating teaching skills with updating technology skills - a "Tech Café" runs all day and is open to all (yes, I have "managed" an area at the Café) as a type of drop-in centre - while varying seminars run at scheduled (and limited space enrollment) times. Another College close by has opened their "Tech Day" to all other faculty within driving distance - and is set up more as a drop in centre with break-out sessions. Both intrigue me (and yes, I may again help out in our Tech Café).
Even if you can't get to a local seminar - at least read what they are offering. This will give you an idea of what may be new in the Teaching/Tech world - or something that you might want to try in your own classroom/lecture/seminar. Consider attending as a participant - not just an attendee. This means get involved - maybe there is something you can share with other faculty - even if it is a nightmare that you lived through! People need to know they are not the only ones will a dread of technology - or a fear that can be overcome!
So get involved - what's happening in your end of the world? Share with us - feel free to post your link to a seminar!
Check out this article for some good advice on how to decide if your career of self employment might work.
Also visit Technical Training from the Training/PD Topic for some excellent tips on your assessment of your technical abilities.
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Copyright May 30, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
