Survey of Incentives for Staff Development of Computer-Based Instruction

摘要

Microcomputers have been heralded as a tool with great potential for improving the quality of instruction. While there is no doubt that the number of microcomputers available for instruction is increasing dramatically, the number of teachers with training and knowledge of how to use them effectively for instruction is lagging greatly. This shortage of trained teachers occurs for a number of reasons, including a lack of computer-related courses offered in teacher training institutions, the inability of economically pressed school districts to hire new teachers with computer training, and insufficient staff development programs. The nature of incentives offered teachers will likely play a key role in encouraging their participation in staff development of microcomputer-based instruction. These incentives include incremental salary credit reimbursement for outside courses release time and new job titles with higher salaries for technically experienced teachers. The purpose of this study, sponsored by the National Institute of Education, is to examine how different forms of incentives and support increase the quality of computer-based instruction and the role that staff development plays in this process.