Because technology can play such a vital role in an engaged and powerful learning environment and because its use has not typically been part of university teacher education programs, it is important that opportunities to see, use and experiment with technology are part of a professional development plan. During this implementation phase, support for teachers in the area of technology as they implement their individual plan becomes an interesting mix of coaching, providing resources, facilitating inquiry and reflective dialogue. It is also a perfect time to explore and gain skill with technology applications.

In the first two phases of this model (Setting the Stage and Developing Individual Plans) technology use was modeled as participants brainstormed and categorized using Inspiration, presentations and websites were projected, email and discussion boards were used for communication between meetings, and online resources such as standards were accessed. Until now, technology was totally integrated and modeled in the group activities. Integration and modeling should not end there, but at this point some participants may want specific training with particular applications.

Facilitators can arrange workshops (both short and extended sessions) on topics that are of interest to several (or all) participants. These can take the form of short, hands on exploration at the beginning or end of group meetings, such as passing a digital camera around and letting people take pictures of each other and projecting them or printing them out. Or they may be longer session scheduled for after school or on a release day. These might be sessions on building a webquest, scanning and manipulating images, creating webpages, etc.

Quick, hands-on demonstrations as well as longer workshops should always include discussion of teaching and learning with the particular technology application being featured. The sessions can be designed and led by the facilitator - or better yet, offered by various participants within the group. Other options include inviting other people from the school or community (parents and business people) to help out. Regional Education Service Centers may send a trainer to your meeting or you might arrange for a Tech Associate through the Indiana Department of Education.

Be sure that many opportunities are available locally, but you may also help participants locate appropriate learning opportunities at a nearby university or college or at the Indiana Technology Learning Center. Be sure to take advantage of the Indiana Computer Educator Conference (It's not just for techies!) as well as other professional organization offerings such as HASTI, AIME, and HECC.