- How does working with the public, school board, administration, and teaching staff differ from working with students?
There are many obstacles that can arise when trying to discuss technology with seasoned colleagues. Many are set in their ways and do not want to entertain the idea of learning anything new. This is something that truly baffles me. Once the decision has been made to be an educator or work within the school system the idea and understanding of being a life-long learner should already be well driven into the brain. There are constant changes that have happened for as long as I can remember and there will be more to come, so why the resistance? Not quite sure. If it is for the betterment of the students there should not be any hesitation.
However, when introducing technologies to students it seems to be a welcomed idea. Students are always plugged into some form of technology and when they come to school should not have to power down for their education. We need to be able to adapt and be willing to formulate ways to incorporate the technologies without hesitation to be able to offer a more engaging, challenging and enticing learning environment.
- What are the potential challenges a technology integrator faces from school communities?
I believe one of the biggest challenges for a technology integrator (TI) is getting everyone on board with the concept. As mentioned above there is much resistance to the change. Technology is not going anywhere and must be embraced to be able to function and offer the highest quality of education to our students. I think that being a TI could be overwhelming in the respect that trying to make sure everyone is putting forth the same effort that the entire weight and responsibility will be on their shoulders. Trying to make sure that technology is implemented correctly and at the same pace the TI will just do it to make sure it is done and handle any and all issues instead of making or encouraging the teachers to try to work with them and figure it out. We all know that once someone does something for you a few times it gets easy to rely on that as the norm. Teachers need to be willing to take on the responsibility and ask questions to learn the correct way to integrate technologies into their classroom.
- What do you believe are the best strategies for tackling these challenges?
The best practices that I think would be best are being available for questions/collaboration, sending out links to useful sites, scheduling staff meetings and simply checking in. I believe that if the TI can maintain a good rapport with the staff then the transition and focus stays on track. The willingness to educate and assist must be a priority of the TI. Keeping an open line of communication and being open to suggestions is always beneficial as well. My understanding is this: We are all adults and here to educate let's work together to offer the best educational experience and journey possible and do it together.
I love your post! Especially the line: Technology is not going anywhere and must be embraced to be able to function and offer the highest quality of education to our students. I would add to teach students to collaborate and use the technology responsibly now and in the future. But teachers have a lot to do, there are not enough hours in the day. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But, eventually we will get there.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Students need to be educated on netiquette and the responsibilities that lie with using technology. I appreciate that we all have a lot to do but if we take the time to collaborate then I think it does become much easier. The resistance from our seasoned staff makes it much harder but if we can set that aside and point out all the positives I think the acceptance of the utilization of technology and all it has to offer will become much more enticing.
DeleteI agree, as educators, you agree to being a life long learner. Some may forget this I think or they feel that there is too much on their plate, as I can really identify with. In the end though, it is about what is best for our students. Technology is not going anywhere for sure. Any job I can think of has some time of technology involved. Doesn't matter what it is, car mechanic, electrician, service delivery driver, marketing manager, etc. They all use a computer for something.
ReplyDeleteHow would you help the school board along with the community to understand the benefits of technology use? Your suggestions about keeping open communications are vital to the success of an integration program. Offering help with links, scheduling meetings, etc. is a great way to do this, but what do you do with the teachers who do not want to take advantage?
Actually I have been working with administration on making some significant changes with regard to communications. I have also posed the option of having teachers who utilize technology wonderfully in their classroom to offer after school meetings with their suggestions and ideas with an open question forum. I think collaborating with colleagues can be vital when becoming more comfortable with things that may seem foreign. My husband is one that utilizes technology in a way that is amazing. Everyday! His students are always engaged and excited about his class and believe it or not he teaches Social Studies. I am very lucky in that I have a good rapport with the teachers and administrators at the school I volunteer at and they really appreciate all my suggestions. It's actually quite nice. And as far as the teachers that do not want to take advantage I continue to encourage them even with small steps. I keep in contact and consistently make suggestions. They are slowly moving forward :) Thanks for the questions.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I like how you mentioned that TI's will sometimes just implement the technology or set up by themselves just be sure that it is done correctly rather than taking the time to encourage, explain, and assist teachers to do it themselves. It may take a few more minutes of your time initially, but that little investment now will save tons of time from not have to set it up or implement it each time the teacher needs to utilize the tool! It is the same as with working with students. For example if you spend time explaining and practicing procedures at the beginning of the year, you will generally not have to spend much time throughout the year reviewing explaining them.
ReplyDeleteBINGO!! I think taking the extra time is beneficial especially if time management is taken advantage of and conduct colleague collaboration meetings. I believe if you have a group together there is a greater chance that more really good questions will arise and many challenges can be tackled. I'm a huge fan of time management and getting the "team" together.
ReplyDeleteCollaboration is so important. I think it's easier to see who the nay sayers are and concerns can be shared (and hopefully alleviated!) We had many years in our district where we did not gather by grade level across the district. It got to the point that we as teachers assumed it was so that we couldn't compare notes because of differences between the schools. What a loss of time. Hopefully that is changing now, only time will tell. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. There was lots of time wasted because of some differences. We all just need to realize that it's time to pull up our big girl/boy pants and put differences aside especially for the greater good. I do hope that things are changing.
ReplyDeleteNice post Windie,
ReplyDeleteI agree Teachers need to be willing to take on the responsibility for integrating technologies although our tech integrators and administration must take the right approach in leading the way. All too often leaders bring the challenge for new technology use but mistakenly introduce it as some professional homework for teachers to master. Just as leaders adapt to change and reconfigure mindsets accordingly, teachers must also be shown that they can be in control and not adversely affected by it. By exemplifying “a high touch caring approach to introduce change”, a leader will see more enduring success and is steps closer to accomplishing the vision (Polka, 2000).
Cheers,
Jason
Reference:
Polka, Walter S. (April 2000): “High Tech, High Touch.” School Administrator1-7.
www.findarticles.com.
Exactly! I believe if it is approached in the manner of enhancing what is already in place the challenge may not be as difficult. If the TI can present ways to assist and make the task not as daunting or seem as though they are going through training all over again teachers may be more enticed by the idea.
ReplyDelete