Technology improves education to a great extent and it has now become a need for revolutionizing education for the better. (Saxena, S. 2013) Teachers can develop valuable skills early. Teachers and students have access to a variety of materials. Teachers can collaborate to share their ideas and resources with each other. Technology has proved to be effective for students improvement in many subject areas.

In this educational environment, educators will be trained how to use SmartBoards to enhance learning for students. James P. Madison Charter School installed several SmartBoards in classroom. SmartBoard training is necessary for teachers to have successful classroom environment. If teachers are trained correctly on how to incorporate the SmartBoards into their lessons, they can effectively reach a variety of students and lesson planning will become less time consuming. The school will supply the laptops that will be used for the training session. This E-Learning training is face-to-face instruction and conducted partially online. During professional development week for school year. Training session will take place on the second floor, in class 501, room 203. Length of training is one week long.

Population holds individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Far Rockaway, New York 60% of students are Black 35% Hispanic and 5% Asian. Low income urban area with majority of students are eligible for FREE breakfast and lunch. Assistant Teachers hold Bachelors Degrees. Lead Teacher holds Masters Degree in Education. 62 Staff Members: 45% White, 25% Black African American & 30% Caribbean Mixed. FACT: Approximately one in nine adults from Far Rockaway received less than a ninth grade education.

The fear of technology is the greatest barrier that many of the teachers must overcome in order to receive the information they need that would master the content. “Teachers must feel free to make these mistakes without fear of damaging the computer or software” (Bitner & Bitner, 2002 p.95) In order for this training to be effective, the educators must overcome the anxiety of making errors during the process. The anxiety of damaging files or documents must diminish in order for the new knowledge to be understood and applied.

Training should provide teacher with the tools, so they can work independently and feel comfortable when operating the SmartBoard. Staff must be fully trained within a set time period. Enhance instruction knowledge and attitude. Create fun and interactive lessons Enhance student engagement.

Teacher will know how to use the functions correctly on the SmartBoard. Teacher must use the Board 75% of the class time. Teachers must be computer literate - Teachers must have basic word processing skills, familiarity with internet search engines, and making simple keyboarding commands. Teachers must be able to use PC, MacBook Pro, and iPad – It is important for teachers to know how to operate a PC, MacBookPro and iPad. Powering on and off the devices, opening applications and connecting the device up to SmartBoard. Teachers must know how to navigate and use the internet. Basic reading and writing skills are necessary.

Teachers will be able to do the following:  Organized visual and interactive demonstration of new concepts.  Create lesson plan in timely manner.  Incorporating interactive learning games and other multi-media concepts. Content Taught:  Learn concepts through SmartBoard Technology.  Students will be able to understand how the contents is thought.  Students finds learning to be interactive and fun.

Since training is for newly hired staff members, a few teacher assistant’s do not have any SmartBoard training. They are not aware of what the device does, while others have been teaching for many years without SmartBoard or any technology knowledge. This training is beneficial to both parties because it will help them to gain proficient knowledge in SmartBoard technology that will, in turn, support the instructional process. A Learning Management system or LMS is a software application for administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and the delivery of e-learning education courses or for training programs. For this training program there is the Smart Note Learning Software used for the Learning Management system.

All Teachers and Teachers Assistants will learn how to use the interactive technology and features on the SmartBoard All Teachers and Teacher Assistant will learn to use the Learning Management system to create and post lesson. All Teachers and Teachers Assistants will learn how to connect the SmartBoard to a PC, MacBookPro, and iPad All Teachers and Teachers Assistant will understand the hardware components of the SmartBoard.

 E-learning platform will take place on weebly.  This site was chosen because it allow users with a variety of multi-media function, such as videos, articles, blog and surveys.  The site is used to create project and gather data and facilitates teacher collaboration.  Customization of site is easy and anyone can join to promote a training module or website.  One major setback is an overload of information.

Cox, D. (2009). Project management skills for instructional designers: a practical guide. Bloomington, IN: iuniverse. Bitner, N. & Bitner, J. (2002). Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Eight Keys to Success. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 10(1), Norfolk, VA: AACE Coley, R. J.; J. Cradler; and P. K. Engel Computers and classrooms: The status of technology in U.S. schools. Prince-ton, N.J.: Educational Testing Service Saxena, S. (2013). Using technology in education; does it proves anything. Retrieved from: U.s Census Bureau, American Community Survey Population Division- NYC Department of City Planning (Nov 2011). ity_Statistics.pdf