This will be my second course here at SNHU focused toward on the field of being a technology integration specialist. My first course here had me hooked and diving right into using technology in the classroom. Then came the educational courses, though full of great information and strategies, did not focus on the role of technology in the classroom. Either way, knowing that this was my passion, I was able to incorporate it as best as I could. Using technology and technological concepts within my action research projects. Going back to my first course, my professor was a technology integration specialist which was was a rewarding experience because I got to hear of some of her challenges and triumphs in the field. Over time I have come to look at the role of a technology specialist as someone who collaborates with others on a daily basis in order to provide tips and strategies focused on the integration of technology in the classroom. They are the one's doing the research behind the scenes of what is most effective and what just simply will not work for the school/district in terms of time, commitment and financial restraints. Then, this takes away the burden of classroom teachers having to do the research all themselves, while still planning lessons, grading student work, and researching their own instructional areas.
As far as today's students, they are rapidly exploring and using technology in more ways than most people can imagine. Unlike some adults who may be timid to dive into technology, today's students are curious. They are not afraid to "break" something per se, but rather they want to learn how to build it back up. In my own experience I have found that of course there are some challenges though. That is why it is up to technology educators to seek answers to these issues. Elsewhere others are dealing with the some of the same issues and that is where we must research effective ways before we deem the technology ineffective or problematic.
I think the role of today's teacher is to continue to look for and seek out new ideas to transform their classrooms. Perhaps this is why some are so afraid to step out of their "comfort-zone" and build that wall up between adapting their lesson and sticking with what they know.
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned the technology specialist's role being to collaborate with teachers in order to help them integrate technology into their lessons. In my school, I'm the technology specialist, but I teach six classes per day K-5. Because of this, I don't get much time to collaborate or work with other teachers in my building. Ideally, the integration specialist would be able to do the work behind the scenes in order to take some of the pressure off of the classroom teacher, but unfortunately it doesn't always work that way. I'm hoping that in the future my school can adopt the model that you described!
Good work!
Jess
Brittany:
ReplyDeleteThis is good: Over time I have come to look at the role of a technology specialist as someone who collaborates with others on a daily basis in order to provide tips and strategies focused on the integration of technology in the classroom.
I think when providing that professional development aspect of education it is important that all leaders, technology or not, be ready to do the work themselves. It is too often that we see supervisors in positions ready to give orders but do not provide the role model mentality that is needed as a motivation.
I like to guinea pig myself because my content is music and I am absolutely no good at other contents, however I always dive in and work to learn a new integration method toward a different discipline to demonstrate the learners' perspectives for teachers. In this way I can develop myself by the feedback I receive as a learner and can provide feedback as to what students might say, given their perspective as a learner myself.
Collaboration is key and our leaders need to be working leaders, not passive!
Great post!
I like what you said about tech integrators taking the burden off of teachers. Being a tech integrator means doing a lot of research, finding new things that teachers can use that will work for particular teachers and particular lessons. They do the leg work so the teachers don't have to. An effective tech integrator needs to bring ideas to teachers that they can use right away in their classrooms, not just ideas of something they may want to try out.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteAlthough the TIS may take the "burden" of research from the teacher (and I've put burden in quotes because researching new tools is almost my favorite part of my job), the TIS and the teacher do have to put in some good effort to effectively work technology into the curriculum. You don't want to be seen just as the person who delivers a new tool to try out , but rather someone who works closely with teachers to incorporate technology standards with their learning goals. Honestly, my teacher background has been the most important tool in my schooling thus far, because knowing how to put together a great lesson plan based on standards is where both teaching, and technology integration, begin.
Great post!
ReplyDeleteAlthough the TIS may take the "burden" of research from the teacher (and I've put burden in quotes because researching new tools is almost my favorite part of my job), the TIS and the teacher do have to put in some good effort to effectively work technology into the curriculum. You don't want to be seen just as the person who delivers a new tool to try out , but rather someone who works closely with teachers to incorporate technology standards with their learning goals. Honestly, my teacher background has been the most important tool in my schooling thus far, because knowing how to put together a great lesson plan based on standards is where both teaching, and technology integration, begin.
Nice Job!
ReplyDeleteI like how you pointed out that Technology Integrators take the burden off of the teachers to research tools and develop how to incorporate them. Although teachers are free to do their own research, the reality is that many of them simply do not have enough time in the day to do so. The relationship with the integrator fosters true collaboration and working together will ensure that both parties are able to achieve the goals they have established for student learning. Teachers can focus on what they want their students to learn and reflect on how they want this process to happen. Integrators can focus on these needs and reflect on the tools that will help bring these outcomes to fruition. In order to be successful, this partnership must be an equal relationship. One side cannot relay on the other to do all the work. Both sides need to develop and agree on a shared vision which will help guide the course of action that each side will need to take.