Copyright 1994 Miguel Guhlin
May be reproduced so long as credit is given.

Paraprofessional Technology Training Proposal

Rationale:

We now know that technology can have a significant positive impact on kids if it is used in the right way.  According to a report from the Software Publishers Association (1990-1992),  introducing technology into the learning environment makes learning more student-centered, encourages cooperative learning, improves students' self-concept and attitudes toward learning, as well as stimulates increased teacher/student interaction.

However,  integral to the success of creating a successful learning environment is the active participation by teachers and paraprofessionals in learning activities that incorporate tools software.  Extensive teacher and paraprofessional staff development is also integral in the integration of technology into the curriculum.
  
Needs:

There is a clear need to train paraprofessional staff in the use of instructional technology methodology.  Unfortunately,  funds are rarely available to train paraprofessionals.  

While  Elementary will develop and provide training materials,  other sources of funding are needed for consultant's pay and paraprofessional stipends.

Description:

The  Elementary Technology Committee proposes to provide in-house training of its paraprofessional staff through six sessions, once weekly.  The paraprofessionals will be paid for one hour of their time, at their hourly rate, from 3:30-4:30.  The presenter will be paid at teacher's rate.  Training will be held in Room 30.
Paraprofessionals who register for the class must attend ALL six sessions to receive a certificate of completion.  

Class Composition:

--There will be no more than seven students.

Instructional Interventions:

Course content will include basic computer literacy skills with an instructional focus.  This means that paraprofessionals will be trained on software available to them school-wide (through site-licenses) and  software at individual grade levels or special programs.  Hardware training will involve the following hardware:  Standard Mac Input/Output devices, CD-ROMs, scanners, and Quicktake cameras.

Staff:

Staff will be composed of a campus technology committee member.

Objectives:

--Increase paraprofessional staff's self-confidence in the use of instructional technology.

--Increase the level of interaction between paraprofessional and students in the classroom.

--Train paraprofessionals in order to maximize the impact of their assistance in the classroom.

Evaluation

*Paraprofessionals will receive a certificate certifying their attendance and what they have learned.

*Increased participation on the part of paraprofessionals in the classroom