Blog 6 Technology

Technology
Our current faculty technology skills range from the very beginner (use of internet only and no knowledge of how to make folders, files, or find/create anything) to very advanced (creating their own websites, blogs, troubleshooting, videos, online assignments, and more).   I've assisted a variety of teachers in all areas except those that are advanced.  I've had to show basics like how to save and print a Word document and walk others through step by step a required online staff development module.  Their frustration level is almost painful and I've tried hard to assure them and alleviate their embarrassment.  I've also seen reluctance in staff members (particularly of a certain age;  not to be ageist, just an observationist) to embrace tools for daily use.  As we advance though, it's not always an option, but a requirement.  However, this is a very small group now.  While we have a technology department, most of the time is spent on the "technical" aspects of ordering, setting up, maintaining, and repairing the programs and equipment.  Any instructional lessons for faculty and students are usually completed by someone outside the tech department (whether in-house staff or outside consultant).  I've determined this is primarily because the tech staff is hired more for their skills in security, hardware, and technical repairs as such and are not equipped to teach.  The barriers to staff development are 1. time and 2. money.  Like anything else, it needs to have a greater priority because we are guilty of buying and implementing programs without any advance training.  We are a Mac school with iPads, Chromebooks, and Promethean boards in every classroom.  Teachers that are not utilizing technology tools are becoming more apparent and seen as less competent (regardless of reality).  We use online modules to complete staff development, Google forms and Drive on a daily basis, in addition to the many instructional and student data programs implemented every day.  I've been a big fan of Jing and Screencast to provide short videos for staff development.  I've had one teacher share that she has a disability and the videos help her tremendously to have a visual instead of written information.  All of our Media Specialists are also the web masters for our schools, so we are expected to learn and grow in this area.  In summary, we should BE the model technology user we want to see in our students and staff (to paraphrase "Be the change you want to see in the world"). 
ISTE
After reading the ISTE assignment, I felt like some of the information was a little wordy and redundant.  Overall, Media Specialists should contribute to the vision and advocate for policies, procedures, programs and funding for technology and tools.  While our budget is limited, I have used some of my funding to enhance learning in tools for Makerspaces and books that support technology (nonfiction support materials).  We are the models for implementation and should coach teachers in learning, instruction, and  assessment for students and to collaborate, research and assist in producing final products.  We should be using the tools and resources that we want them to use and be ready to help select, evaluate and facilitate their usage of new programs and tools.  We could also help troubleshoot hardware, software, and connectivity issues.  I have done this by learning from our school's technology specialist and found that a few of the other Media Specialists have done the same.  We all have a role to play in teaching digital citizenship with accountability.  This is a responsibility shared by all since not only do we supervise student use, but we use technology every day as well.  It's a journey not a destination as nothing stays the same in the technology field.

Copyright & Multimedia - Stacie Thompson

I will be perfectly honest, understanding copyright and fair use can be quite confusing to most educators including myself! The increase in technology has only added to the confusion and fear of using material without permission. My rule of thumb has been if it is available in the media center and a resource that was purchased with school funds you are safe! However, after reading the article “Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education” guidelines for using material for instructional purposes must be approved and follow appropriate rules and mandates of the Copyright Act. I gathered that most copyright concerns are handled case by case. There is not a “one size fits all” policy for using material. It is imperative that print-images, websites, and other types of media are used for educational purposes and this permits a bit of leniency for using hard or digital copies of materials. It still doesn’t provide full permission to quote or copy material but the resources can be used for instructional purposes.  

Although, it is not the easiest to understand, as a media specialist or teacher there is no way of avoiding the importance of Copyright. When I began my teaching career 14 years ago, I remember viewing books that were labeled in large print DO NOT COPY! It is not that simple anymore because there is an increase in the amount and type of material that is available to enhance instruction.  We now have numerous websites, print-images, sound media, and so much more that we must have permission to use. The article was very helpful and informative on what the current guidelines are and how to avoid copyright infringement.

The article listed quite a few myths, but the one that addressed fair use and a possible lawsuit reminded me of Mrs. Taylor, my high school media specialist who constantly threatened us that this would be the case if we copied material.  This definitely instilled fear in me and I have always avoided copying material or text from published works because of her consistent spills on copyright! Although it is possible, the author stated that many will prefer to ask one to “cease and desist” to avoid any further legal action. Fortunately, my school district does a really good job of ensuring that material and media have the appropriate licenses and that teachers are aware that resources must be approved before they can be utilized in the classroom.