Abstract
Purpose. The purposes of this study were to: (1) identify the training and support elements included in the California Telemation project that State Telementors perceive to have been most important in their initial telecommunications training; and (2) to identify which of the training and support elements State Telementors perceive to be most important for inclusion in a school district's current telecommunications training efforts. Methodology. The researcher used descriptive research. The population consisted of the nineteen original State Telementors who are still actively involved in the use of telecommunications technologies. The researcher utilized a survey instrument, e-mail, and telephone interviews to collect data to answer the research questions. The researcher also used chi-square, percentages, and interview responses for this study. The data were tabulated and analyzed by comparing the statistics for each item. Findings. Telementors participating in the study indicated that collegiality, association, and the opportunity to share ideas were very important in their original training. Telementors also recognized the importance of integrating technology with instruction; furthermore, the development of information literacy skills was indicated as a priority. Telementors ranked staff development as one of their highest priorities. School districts needed to provide opportunities for ongoing training and release time to participate in those trainings. Telementors saw the need for ongoing funding, administrative support, and technical support. Telementors indicated the importance of providing access to the technology as training opportunities occur. Finally, Telementors thought it was important to develop a cadre of technology leaders from within the instructional ranks. These leaders would help with the development of instructional programs as well as provide the basic support needed at the school sites and the district level. Conclusions and recommendations. This study showed that school districts wishing to develop and support an effective telecommunications program need to effectively address issues tied to funding, training, and infrastructure development. It also identified the importance of administrative and technical support coupled with effective leadership. Telementors indicated that the most effective leadership would possess a strong curricular background and place emphasis on the learning's not the technology. It is recommended by Telementors that anyone participating in a telecommunications program be provided with the necessary resources to effectively implement the learnings. The researcher concludes that telecommunications technologies will drastically change the way education is approached in the future. To develop an effective telecommunications program will require the district and school sites to commit adequate resources, provide ongoing training opportunities, allow easy access to hardware and software resources, maintain financial and personnel support, and facilitate the training of trainers from within the district.