Literature+Review

Using technology in the classroom is becoming more of an every day occurance than ever before. Students like their classes more and develop more positive attitudes when their classes include computer based instruction (Kulik 1994). It is not enough however to simply have access to the technology. It is imperative that teachers have the training required to utilize the technology available to its fullest potential. Technology improves student scores when teachers were provided the appropriate professional development (Valdez 2000). Using the online training resource teachertrainingonline.com will give teachers the unlimited access they need to the training available for using their SMART Boards and creating interactive activities. Students in technology rich environments experienced positive effects on achievement in all major subject areas (Sivin Kachala 1991).

Using the interactive SMART Board in the classroom enhances the overall classroom experience. Student engagement increases during learning activities using this tool (Becta 2007, 47-51). When students are interested in what they are learing they will be more focused and their achievement will increase. Using the SMART Board in the classroom naturally offers these types of activities, however, teachers need more than the basic operational training to receive the skills and confidence they need.

Teacher Online Training will give teachers the professional development they need to meet the needs of their students. Teachers will learn how to create interactive activities to use in their classrooms for every subject area. Subscriptions to the site will offer many benefits to make it a valuable resource for teachers. One benefit is that teachers will have access to the Notebook 10 software courses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Teachers can revisit the video courses so that their learning will continue and be reinforced. This will allow teachers to choose convenient times to collaborate with their peers or work alone. New courses are released each month and feedback and support are available. It is also possible to share ideas with other teachers in course forums. The professional development site is differentiate for teachers as well. Teachers can read the course summaries for the Notebook 10 Applications and Techniques and choose the one most applicable to them. These skills are offered through professionally produced video tutorials designed and produced by a certificate teacher and an expert in building Notebook applications.