What teachers really want

I haven't got the answer to what teachers really want but my questioning and the responses given over the last two weeks tell me that it is not complex ( or even simple) Learning Platforms or VLEs or portals ... it is not integrated systems that allow them to store/share/access materials, and it does not appear to be more kit or software.

Now whether this is because they want a quiet life and just to get on or whether they just don't get it. The idea that a little time an effort invested in new technology and new ideas might just make a whole lot of difference to their teaching and their children's learning is not new but the back to basics is seductive in its naivety.

Some interesting comments cam out of my questioning ... I leave them here without personal comment, hoping for yours ...

Simple to use software that meets real needs in their own particular subject area and preferably free

What teachers don't want: Student information management systems... which they can't understand and/or operate

Easy to install - no complicated systems needed to get it ready for use - last one I installed involved registering it, getting an emailed code back to activate it - too long/fussy!
Easy is the key word to start with on most of it!
Easy to use
Easy to adapt for different purposes
Easy to differentiate for different outcomes/pupils/tasks

...some programs already developed for my purpose, one which I won't need to read a 100 page manual before I can use it. I need it to be teacher and pupil friendly and have both explanations and fun applications.

... a course/inset where someone passionate about the subject exposes me to fun, exciting websites which will enthuse both staff and pupils rather than me spending hours, days, weeks finding one or two myself. Teacher enews would be good. Once a month stating cool website - something short and concise would be great. i would subscribe.

...on going training when updates are introduced
- training for class teachers outside of government initiatives e.g. look at the differences in the skills of Orchard's KS2 teachers to KS1 with whiteboards because KS2 were part of the initiative
- tips and suggestions and training as to how generic software can be used in all curriculum areas
- More training to move teachers on from the use and apply software to the create stage.

I’m not sure that teachers have a view on software priorities: most teachers only become aware of new software as it is presented to them and are not actively going round saying “I wish I could find a piece of software that did this...”

Teachers appear to want things that affect them now on a day-to-day basis ... their medium and long term view does not seem to be part of the agenda. Is this a surprise?

Next week I am in Scotland working with a wide range of teachers and senior managers ... I wonder if the answers will be the same?