Things that Instructional Techies Like to Do

By Jacob Gutnicki

1. Debate which computing platform is better; Mac or PC.
2. Tell tall tales of how you fixed a computer MacGyver style; you know with dental floss, chewing gum, and a toothpick.
3. Geek out on the latest tech gadgets; anybody for an iShoe?
4. Discuss which tablet reeks the most.
5. Discuss which Interactive White Board reeks the most.
6. Talk about their computer as if it was a hot rod.
7. Attend Technology Conferences; the more the better.
8. Make fun of people who don’t back up their work.
9. Make fun of people who don’t use Anti Virus Protection.
10. Throw the phase “integrate technology into the curriculum” in your conversations as often as possible.
11. Make Up Nonsensical Acronyms.
12. Quote quasi-famous edu-techno geeks as often as possible.

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15 Additional Practices for Bad Professional Development in Technology

Last month's article The 15 Essential Practices for Bad Professional Development in Technology received some attention from readers here and those with whom I work. Having said that, I originally had no intention of creating a follow up article. However, I recently attended a few "Bad Professional Development Workshops" and started jotting notes. So... without further due, here are 15 additional best practices for bad professional development.

1. There is no need to start your workshop on time.

2. Workshops are an ideal time for a presenter to catch up with their e-mails and phone calls.

3. Start out your presentation slowly and then speed it up to mess with their heads.

4. Make sure your PowerPoint handouts do not match what they see on the screen because it is really funny to watch participants scratch their head and struggle.

5. Three-hour workshops do not require breaks.

6. If a participant cannot log on to the computer, ignore them.

7. Tonight I’m going to teach technology like its 1999!

8. Do not provide laptops or computers for the participants to work with.

9. Reading from a PowerPoint is the essence of good Professional Development.

10. Malware!! Schmalware!!

11. Manuals do not need directions. Screenshots without explanations are sufficient.

12. If the user's application is not working; its all good. Just tell them to look at what you are doing on the screen or look at their neighbor’s screen.

13. Speaking of screens, use the smallest font possible because its fun to watch participants squint.

14. If the application fails while are you presenting; blame the programmer who made the application. Never accept responsibility for your actions!

15. If a user insists on asking for help. Give them a blow-off answer like, "You should really ask your IT person for help."

Editors Note: I am attending another workshop later this week. Here's hoping it is a good workshop.

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The 15 Essentials of Bad Professional Development in Technology

by Jacob Gutnicki

1. Do not test the equipment prior to presenting.

2. Do not prepare alternate activities just in case the Internet is not functioning.

3. Do not allow your audience to ever ask questions.

4. Do not give refreshments. What do they think? This is not a café!

5. Do not help confused participants. Assume they were not paying attention.

6. No need to verify links. A broken link never hurt anyone.

7. Talk really fast; the faster the better.

8. Hands-on activities are for losers. It’s all about the lecture.

9. Discussions are a waste of time.

10. No preparation required. Real professional developers shoot from the hip.

11. No agenda required. Your participants are perfectly capable of taking notes.

12. No tutorials required. The Internet will take care of this.

13. No follow up required because we all work too hard.

14. No need to worry about varying software versions or computing platforms. After all, it all works the same way; basically.

15. Feedback??? We don’t need any stinking surveys!!!

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If you liked this, you may also like: Seven qualities of highly effective technology trainers

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