Getting the Jump on Technology Integration Using Java Applets for Staff Development

Technology-based staff development helps teachers meet the demands of educating 21st-century students by supporting and encouraging teachers to integrate technology effectively into their curricula. The authors use online java applets as a staff development tool. The professional development model in this article provides just-in-time assistance as middle school teachers locate applets, integrate them into their scope and sequence, implement lessons, and evaluate student success. Teachers report that math and science applets have increased their pedagogical and content specific skills as well as their self-efficacy in integrating technology into their curricula. Applets permit interactive exploration of math topics, encourage discovery learning, strengthen students' visual literacy skills, reveal students' misconceptions and learning difficulties, and promote a deeper understanding of difficult mathematical concepts. These data are promising and show that instructional technology succeeds when it is supported by school leadership and aligned with standards, curriculum, teacher professional development, and assessments.