Technology Training, often abbreviated as TFT, is an industry term that indicates training in technology used by the IT industry. As it continually reinvests itself, reinvents itself and opens up new vistas which the IT industry always counts on, technology-training has become a mandatory part of doing business. Companies cannot continue to do without computer technology and no matter how well they try, some problems will still arise. TFT is a broad industry term but can be split into various subgroups. Some of these are Computer Firms, Laptop Manufacturers, Computer Suppliers, Network Engineers, Consulting Services and other specialized fields. Technology Training can also be given through universities and colleges.
A Smith School district is one such example of how technology training can be offered by a community college. Smith is one of the most progressive school districts in all of the nation. In Smith, many children live below poverty level and many children attend school just to help them earn a few extra dollars to help their families. The students who graduate from Smith with a certificate in IT Technology are considered to be "privileged" and are automatically eligible for low income housing, federal grants, Pell Grants, etc. By showing proof of being certified in IT Technology by passing a qualifying exam, the students may have their interest in obtaining a higher education greatly increased, along with the possibility of receiving several other incentives as well.
Unlike most schools, teachers in a Smith district must complete a district approved curriculum and abide by district policy. The instructors hired by the district are required to have a master's degree or higher in information technology training. These teachers must also take a standardized test called the NCLEX-RN. Once hired, they are required to participate in three weeks of teacher training. Those who wish to pursue higher education will need to undergo another three weeks of training.
With these requirements in place, and after the school year has started, the teacher of tomorrow will find herself surrounded by a diverse group of peers who pursue professional development at every turn. Teachers will find themselves in an exciting environment, where they are helping students understand the ins and outs of technology, while at the same time enjoying a healthy dose of self-employment. They will have a variety of responsibilities which include; conducting seminars and workshops, assisting other teachers in their professional development efforts, conducting independent consulting studies, and assisting in the preparation of school reports and essays. Due to all these duties, teachers in a Smith school year must be able to adjust well to the demands placed upon them.
Staff members who are part of the IT department in a Smith school must attend a minimum of two staff meetings each year. These staff meetings are designed to bring staff members together to share the latest technology training sessions, discuss any issues that arise between departments, and encourage current staff members to branch out on their own and pursue professional development through the Microsoft Office Suite. To keep abreast of the latest software versions, many staff members attend the weekly meetings and stay up to date on all the latest programs that Microsoft has to offer. Staff meetings also give the IT department a chance to network with other departments in the building and learn more about what Microsoft is offering the other departments.
Technology in the classroom does not have to be limited to the classroom and the Microsoft Office Suite. The IT department at all Smith Public Schools offers training in the use of these pieces of technology in classrooms and also in the use of the technology for students' personal use off campus. Off campus IT services, including e-mail service, internet access, web browsing, and collaboration with other students through Microsoft Office suites, are available for students.
Technology training is available in all three school districts located throughout Smith, especially in the cities of Wilson, Blairsville, and Lithia Springs. In all three schools there are staff members who are trained to provide students with the professional development needed to use technology effectively. The sessions help students learn about how to create, compile, search, and edit Microsoft Office documents, PowerPoint presentations, web sites, and e-mails. Specific training sessions include information about how to use technology effectively for academic and professional goals and information about the different versions of Microsoft products that are available for purchase or for use on the computer.
Technology training can be tailored to meet the requirements of individual classrooms. In Wilson, the IT department offers training in the use of Internet access, e-mail, and web browsing for all students attending the school. For Blairsville elementary school students, the IT department offers training in using all the Microsoft Office programs and offering reports on a variety of subjects using the Excel spreadsheet program. Lastly, in Lithia Springs, the IT department provides training in using Blackberry smart phones, iPads, and all the other popular cell phone programs. Technology training is available in all three school districts.
