Why Professional Development is Key to Successful Technology Use in the Classroom

When it comes to integrating technology into classrooms, one thing is clear, professional development is the foundation for success. For schools across the country, the number one barrier to effective technology infusion isn’t a lack of devices or innovative tools, it’s the lack of training for teachers on how to use them.

Picture this... You’re handed a new tech device or program and expected to immediately implement it in your classroom without any training. Sound familiar? Many teachers find themselves in this frustrating position. Without adequate training, technology that was meant to improve teaching and learning ends up collecting dust. This isn’t because teachers are unwilling to try, it’s because they haven’t been equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed.

The Struggle with Inadequate Training

Teachers are often expected to incorporate new tools, apps, and programs into their lessons without proper training. This expectation leads to understandable frustration and, in some cases, outright refusal to use the tools. Even educators who are enthusiastic about using technology find themselves avoiding certain devices because they simply don’t know how to use them effectively with students.

The reality is, teachers want to embrace technology. They want to make their lessons engaging and relevant for their students. But they also need support to make that happen. Professional development isn’t just about learning the mechanics of a tool, it’s about understanding how it fits into the bigger picture of student learning and the school’s shared goals. Teachers need to know the “why” behind the technology before they can fully invest in it.

Building Confidence Through Ongoing Support

One-time training sessions are not enough. Teachers need ongoing, hands-on professional development that helps them feel confident using technology tools. According to Frazier and Hearrington (2024) in The Technology Coordinator’s Handbook, successful technology integration requires continuous support and training tailored to the needs of educators. Without this support, even the most advanced tools are likely to be underutilized.

Teachers benefit most from training that is practical and directly connected to their daily work. They want to know how the tools can improve student outcomes, make their jobs easier, and align with schoolwide objectives. When professional development addresses these areas, it not only boosts teachers’ confidence, but also empowers them to experiment and innovate in their classrooms.

The Impact on Student Learning

When teachers are not confident in using technology, it shows in the classroom. Lessons that could have been engaging and interactive fall flat, and students miss out on opportunities to learn in ways that resonate with them. However, when teachers are well trained and comfortable with technology, the results are transformative. Technology becomes a tool for creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning.

Research supports this connection between teacher training and student success. Kim, Song, and Yoon (2018) found that teachers who receive continuous professional development on technology integration are more likely to create engaging, effective lessons. Their study emphasized the importance of hands-on practice and ongoing coaching to build teachers’ confidence and competence.

Similarly, Dichev and Dicheva (2017) highlighted the need for training programs that go beyond basic skills. They found that professional development should focus on aligning technology with specific classroom goals to maximize its impact on student engagement and achievement.

What Teachers Need

To truly support teachers, schools need to rethink how they approach professional development. Here are a few strategies that work:

Ongoing Training: Provide regular workshops and training sessions that allow teachers to continuously build their skills.

Hands-On Practice: Give teachers opportunities to experiment with technology in a low pressure environment before using it in the classroom.

Collaborative Learning: Create spaces where teachers can share tips, ask questions, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Personalized Support: Offer coaching and mentorship tailored to individual teachers’ needs and comfort levels.

Clear Goals: Help teachers see how technology fits into their curriculum and contributes to the school’s overall objectives.

The Bottom Line

Teachers are the key to successful technology integration, but they can’t do it alone. Schools must invest in professional development that empowers educators to feel confident, capable, and inspired. When teachers have the training and support they need, everyone benefits, especially students. Let’s make sure our teachers have the tools and the training to unlock technology’s full potential in the classroom.

References

Dichev, C., & Dicheva, D. (2017). Gamifying education: What is known, what is believed, and what remains uncertain. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 14(1), 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-017-0042-5

Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator’s handbook (4th ed.). International Society for Technology in Education.

Kim, K., Song, H., & Yoon, H. (2018). Motivating effects of gamified elements in e-learning: A study of progress bars and badges in a STEM context. Educational Technology Research and Development, 66(6), 1407–1425. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9604-6