Utilizing the Concerns-Based Adoption Model in a Professional Development Series for Teachers Implementing New Technologies
View/ Open
Abstract
A growing number of school districts are adopting mobile electronic devices as
replacements for textbooks and to improve test scores. Yet questions remain regarding staff
preparedness, instructional and pedagogical transformation, and impact on student achievement
with this increased use of mobile technologies in primary and secondary classrooms. This
evaluation was part of a professional development series that was implemented with K-6
teachers in the process of implementing new mobile technologies into classroom instruction.
This professional development series provided a number of formal, informal, and
impromptu opportunities for staff to learn new tools and practices for technology integration, as
well as provide occasions to share and reflect upon technology employment practices. A key
component to the series was the use of the concerns-based adoption model to track teachers’
questions and concerns and to adjust the training accordingly.
This evaluation report was prepared to provide an overview of the variety of training
sessions that were implemented, to document changes that were made based on feedback from
staff, and to recommend appropriate modifications and goals for continuation of the professional
development series. The overall evaluation data collected indicated evidence supporting the
success of this model. Furthermore, there was strong evidence that participants had positive
perceptions of the workshops, activities, and support provided through this model.