- How do you deal with the unreliability of technology working?
- We don't even have internet in our section of the building.
- Our technology help tickets (submitted when there are issues) are never answered.
- The technology resources we have aren't reliable.
- We don't have enough training available.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
New Technology Coach
For the past seven years, I have taught Social Studies. At the end of this past school year, I was hired as the new, and first within our school, Technology Integration Specialist (i.e. the Technology Coach) for the upcoming year. Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to connect with teachers to see what some of their struggles and frustrations have been with technology in our school. Here are some of the issues that I have heard.
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Alicen,
ReplyDeleteThese are excellent questions. This year I was selected as one of two "tech reps" along with the computer teacher at my school. It has been a growing process to really find my role in our building. I found that quite a few teachers in my building had doubts about heavy technology use, for some of the same reasons you have listed.
The best way I have helped answer these questions is to be familiar with all the technology in my building as much as possible. I try to see myself as a sympathetic support system for my coworkers. For example: some were frustrated by how quickly their devices would lose battery power. I would suggest that they charge the devices overnight and then showed them how to use "sleep mode" when they weren't using the device during the day.
As for the lack of training… I just had to take time and really become an expert at a couple programs. I use Google Drive and Doceri (iPad app that allows your desktop computer screen to become mobile). I made certain times available during the week for other teachers to swing by my room and get help with specific issues.
I don't know if this helps you at all. I'm still learning my role. It also helps to find another person in the building who is equally "tech savvy" who is willing to team up with you!
I think one of my main goals will be to do lots of classroom observations so I can see where technology can be integrated, any common areas that technology would be helpful, and questions that have a common theme throughout the school. You're right...familiarity is the key!
DeleteAlicen, it seems that the basic premise that is preventing the teachers from using technology more are related to the reliability of the technology and their ability (or lack thereof) to troubleshoot technical issues.
ReplyDeleteYes it is. I just struggle with how to move past that. Teachers are very hesitant to use technology because of the lack of reliability of it.
DeleteAlicen,
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting prospect for you, congratulations!It does sound like many of the issues are technical, is that part of your role?
Technology is a tricky adventure, teachers tend to have a love/hate relationship with it. I liked Christa's suggestion of being well-versed in a few apps or programs that are useful across grade and subject areas.
One thing that worked pretty well in my school is we had a Tech Tuesday in-service time offered after school(30 min). This allowed for sharing of new ideas,collaboration and coaching. Colleagues signed up for the sessions they wanted and it helped guide tech integration in our school. It was a voluntary activity, and I found it very helpful.
Good luck in your new position,
Angela
It's great to hear that you're taking on this role Alicen, I wish all schools had tech coaches to help teachers when they run into trouble. Unfortunately, so many of the issues we run into while we're teaching are so situational that it's hard to prepare for them ahead of time. One of the pieces of advice that I often give to colleagues is that it's okay to have students help them when something goes wrong. Students aren't always an authority on tech topics (despite what some may believe), but if the class pools together their knowledge, it's often possible to solve a problem that you couldn't solve yourself. The teacher is the subject matter expert when it comes to course content, but teachers aren't all expected to be tech experts. It's okay to tap into the knowledge base that's already around you at school.
ReplyDeleteSince I work at a Vocational school, I always try and use the students' prior knowledge. My IST students are always number one on my list for computer questions and help!
DeleteSomething I suggest are regular trainings. I know I have given a lot of one on one trainings for starting blogs with teachers that are interested. A lot of teachers have hesitations about technology because they don't know where to start. I think they all want to be involved, but they don't know where to start, like you had mentioned. I think there are a few programs that are easy to use, but make tons of difference. For example, all things google (google doc, forms...etc). A lot of the Google products have changed how I teach. Also, starting a simple blog, even if it is merely to post what they did that day in class is a huge beginning.
ReplyDeleteThat is something that I am going to have to remember. I'm so excited about starting to help people integrate technology that I need to remember at this point less is more!
Delete