Tech Training ~Malena

I really think that technology training is very important to classroom instruction, but it does not receive the attention and funding that it deserves. Currently, I am working in $62 million brand new school with LCD projector mounts in every single room but no LCD projector attached. Apparently this technology was not included in the budget. I often ask myself why buy and install the mounts? Luckily, I am a world languages teacher and we have language labs and those come with a sound system and an LCD projector that I use every single day. I mean, I love LCD projectors and don't know how I was able to teach without one for 2 years! For the first month of school this year I did not have the projector installed and I felt very ineffective and boring as a teacher. There are some of the other teachers that have been teaching for many years don't even use their projectors because they get nervous when using technology. I have a colleague who doesn't even know how to use power point! This is really hard for me to understand.
The lack of technology training doesn't end with the teachers, because I have some students that have used PowerPoint for the first time in my class. When I was in high school 8 years ago I used power point several times so I don't know how now a days some of my students have not used it, but can navigate MySpace with their eyes closed!
As a media specialist I would definitely stay on top of all emerging technologies because I enjoy it and because I think that teachers and students can really enhance teaching and learning by integrating technology in the classroom.