The MTA was established by the Maryland General Assembly and is funded in part by the General Assembly and a federal Technology Innovation Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to provide professional development for teachers from kindergarten through postsecondary education that will train them to use technology to improve student learning and school performance. During the summer institute, teachers will attend sessions on differentiated learning, designing lessons that use technology and identifying potential funding sources. They will participate in interactive discussions and hands-on labs and will design and implement technology projects for multimedia on Web applications, develop student learning activities that integrate the use of computers and technology, and examine the leadership roles and responsibilities relating to implementing technology effectively in instruction. The 1999 Academy Fellows were selected from nearly 700 applicants representing kindergarten through postsecondary teachers, including media specialists, special education instructors and all disciplines.
All participants have intermediate technology experience.
But they all share an interest and a desire to share their experience in technology with their peers. The summer session will include a two-day symposium on August 10 and 11 for administrators from each participating school. The administrators will focus on their role in helping to implement technology in their schools. MTA is allowing teachers to return to their schools to share a vast knowledge of technology.