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.
Thank you for this post Kristy! As education is trending more and more to the use of innovative technology, the more resources the schools in my district are given. At my current school, when it comes to checking out technology equipment, the Technology teacher and Librarian work collaboratively for the most part; however, when it comes to trouble shooting software, removng viruses, calibrating activeboards and etc, the Technology Teacher and school IT Specialist are the people to use. In addition to the Technology Teacher, we also have a Math Lab teacher. Both of these teachers were already "tech savvy" but they are also trained monthly (by the district) on the lastest technology strategies and resources as they relate to educational practice. The district allocates a lot of funds to support the the use of technology and training. At my previous school, we did not have a technology teacher and the librarian had very little experience with technology. Honestly, most of the teachers would come and ask me for assistance regulary. My technology knowledge allowed me to be chosen as the school's Innovative Technology Leader for two years. This program also allowed me to develop professionally in the area of technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the ISTE article was redundant and wordy; however, it was very insightful. Media Specialists should take a more active role when it comes to the many areas of technology. Media Specialists are imperative to education, and with education rapidly trending with innovative technology, it is imperative that Librarians, recieve adequate training on technology.
Ashley Murray
I am sure that we can all agree that integrating technology into our daily instruction is a great way to ensure that students are engaged and that we are providing real-world experiences. However, there are still many teachers who are not comfortable using technology to create blogs, websites, and other “techy” tasks, so they avoid using them. The media specialist can definitely use this as an opportunity to inform teachers about the many benefits of using new equipment and programs to improve their instruction. Technology provides opportunities to tap into students’ interest, showcase talents, and work cooperatively to create products. The ISTE article, provides great insight on the roles and knowledge required to assist teachers with the use of technology. The guidelines and expectations are stated clear and the importance of providing educators with the necessary support seems to be the primary focus.
ReplyDeleteThis information will hopefully guide us in the right direction as we educate students who were born in a digital age. A focus on training and supporting teachers on all equipment and programs will definitely motivate more teachers to utilize technology. In my district, a lot of money is spent on new and innovative technology, however, proper training on how to operate the equipment and integrate it into daily instruction does not take place. There are teachers who will take the initiative to “figure” out how the equipment works, but there is still a small percentage that will opt to continue to instruct in a traditional manner. The information in the article was very informative and supports the importance of coaching and training teachers to take advantage of all that technology has to offer.
Stacie Thompson
Your school's knowledge of technology mirrors mine. We have a few teachers that still don't use the Promethean board to enhance lessons. I am glad to see that the number reluctant teachers is dwindling. I also agree with what you considered as the two barriers to technology: time and money. I am interested in learning more about Jing and Screencast after you mentioned it in your blog.
ReplyDeleteAgain, media specialists are extremely important in the school setting. Their roles in the media center has changed drastically in recent years. The amount of technology they must be current in is almost overwhelming. They truly serve as the IT Specialist in the building. I enjoyed your blog
Blog 6 Response
ReplyDeleteTechnology now?
One thing I can say about the technology in schools today is that it is being used. Granted, may not be used to its fullest capacity but there is no getting around it. Regardless of the ability level for faculty and staff there is a certain level of expectation for the use of technology in and around our classrooms. From the grading process, to attendance, testing and daily instruction teachers are expected and required to utilize the technology that has been provided for them. With all of these things in place the component that is most lacking would be adequate training. The best thing I can say about this technology integration is that the newest technologies are much more user friendly.
Currently at my school, training on the technology and use at the school level is very limited. There are districtwide trainings available that teachers can sign up for. However, with all of the pressures and demands on teachers today, most times those classes are rarely filled. That leaves us with minimally use technology that could be beneficial to the advancement of our students. Just about every piece of technology in my classroom has been learned by on-the-job training which for me may not be as complicated as it is for some of the teachers in the school. Another source of training has been each one teach one.
There are so many ways we can overcome the fears and challenges of the available technology. The first, and to me, the most important thing to me would be to show a proven usefulness for the technology.
How does it improve student achievement?
How does it make my job easier?
How easy is it to learn?
Will I have support while I am learning to use the product?
If these questions are successfully answered teachers are more likely to happily be onboard, instead of begrudgingly.
As a media specialist and technology leader, I would require that I have a flexible schedule that allows me to regularly attend planning meeting with the teachers. These sessions can be used to answer any technology questions in small group settings and it will be designed to take as little of teacher’s busy time and give me the opportunity to work with until they reach some level of comfort with the new technology. Another important thing for me to do would be to be a consistent model of an avid technology user. Seeking and implementing various technology that engages students and advances our educational goals.