How do participants put QTL concepts to work after participating? Instructional Resource Teachers (IRTs) from across Virginia participated in the program during Summer 2005. Here are comments some of them sent in after completing the program:

Cathy Scolpini
Lead Technology Resource Teacher
Pittsylvania County Schools
"You have given me a wealth of activities to use to get us started. Not only was the conference valuable in that respect, it refreshed my memory on practices that hve been around for years, and reminded me that not all teachers are aware of these concepts, nor do they appy them in their classrooms. (QTL) is teacher-friendly. It allows for brainstorming and sharing of ideas among professionals with common goals. I will highly recommend it."

Lori Poythress
Moore Middle School
"I would encourage (other IRTs) to attend, as the classes were very interactive (they practice what they preach!!! YIPPEE) and informative. I am also going to address the idea of having QTL training for all teachers in the county."

Marion R. Wood
Instructional Technologist
Appomattox County Public Schools
"I would tell another ITRT to take this class if they had a chance. It has been one of the most informative classes I have ever taken regarding Instructional Technology. I love the emphasis on instruction and goals first and appropriate technology second. It has made me feel more comfortable in this position. The teacher is absolutely wonderful in her presentation and demeanor. She models a high degre of quality and professionalism."

Joyce Dittrich
William Byrd High School
"If one wants to understand the relationship between technologies and enhancing instruction with varied technologies, then this is the program to study. If one is unaware of how to use the many common classroom technologies, then again, this is the program to study.

The program... was very well done. It unfolded naturally and was never forced. There were a balance of activities and my attention was held throughout each day. Experience was the key during these activities and our instructor was able to continually model excellent instructaional techniques (all which were enhanced by technology).

I particularly enjoyed the learning environment. It was comfortable and conducive to learning. It was an awesome experience. How luck Botetourt County teachers are to be involved with QTL."

Darnelle Carr
Isle of Wight Schools
"Three perspectives learned from this QTL conference were:

1. Modeling is an essential part of my job as an ITRT. In order for the teachers to truly understand how integrating technology in the curriculum works, as well as enthuses and motivates their children, I must model lessons for them.
2. Establishing a positive rapport and open communication with the teachers is very important. I must make them feel as if I am an equal, a valuable resource to them, and not one to critique or evaluate their performance or use of technology.
3. Using research-based theories can help teachers understand why integrating technology into daily lessons will ensure success. Once teachers realize that the ideas/lessons I am proposing use differentiated instruction, involve multiple intelligences, match (standards of learning), etc., they will be more open to experimenting.

Karen Williamson
Burlington/Glen Cove/Masons Cove
"I learned that modeling lessons will be a great tool for me to use to help the teachers with technology. I also learned that there are many ways to use the different programas. For instance, PowerPoint can be used for more than presentations. All the examples you used in class really opened my mind to many possibilities..."

Julie Weaver
ITRT
"I learned that in being an ITRT, there is more to the job than ust choosing the best technology to use for a lesson. It's about collaboration. Helping teachers create a lesson that incorporates technology while addressing the learning styles of the students.

I learned that I shouldn't go into a teacher's classroom and teach how to use a particular software, program, and/or equipment and then expect him/her to use it. I should model the technology and offer ideas on how it can be used and then talk with the teacher on ways he/she can use the technology.

I learned how important it is to differentiate instruction and how this can easily be accomplished by having students work collaboratively and choosing activities that require the use of multiple intelligences.

Sean Sharp
Floyd County Public Schools
"The lessons that we have been exposed to this week are exceptional examples of using strategies to help increase student learning, creative teaching, and the use of technology. (QTL's activities) are giving me more confidence in approaching teachers in creative wayas, in non-threatening wayas, and in ways that hopefully will benefit what they are doing in the classroom. To be honest, I was feeling more nervous about this position given its newness, but as the week goes along, I am feeling more confident..."