4D: Technology Coordinators as Digital Learning Specialists: From Lead Actor to Stage Manager

[Debi Krulak]

The educational technology field is constantly evolving.  We used to be behind the scenes.  Now we are on stage with the teachers as learning coaches and guides—helping them integrate technology into their curriculum and classrooms to prepare students with technology skills for their future.

Annmarie Merow and I are very excited to be facilitating this panel discussion at the upcoming 2012 AIMs Retreat.  If you have a moment, we would appreciate it if you would complete this brief survey.  Your answers will help us frame the discussion session and ensure that we make best use of our hour.  And, we will share any resources mentioned!  

In the meantime, we thought we'd get the discussion going!  We would welcome any thoughts or comments in answer to the question:

How has your role changed in your school?

Please feel free to contribute to the conversation, even if you are not registered for the session on Monday afternoon.

Photo by Victor Jeg

[Jonathan Max Jacobs]

My role has changed from a full-time teacher and part-time technologist to an assistant technology director to a 12 month, full-time tech integration specialist. I no longer teach the students, but coach the teachers and help them with integrating technology into their courses.

[David Withrow]

I've been at this at Harford Day for 24 years. In the beginning I was a part time computer teacher, part time academic teacher. Through many iterations I am now the Director of Technology, King of Ephyra. I run robotics and video after school with students (because I am a teacher at heart), but otherwise I am the hardware, software, network administrator, professional development, technology budget manager and just-in-time fixit personnel for the school. I advise our admin team. 

[Jonathan Fichter]

It's my first year as a technology coordinator (I taught English for the past seven years), so everything has been a change this year! I see changes similar to what Jonathan described when I shift from working with one grade to another: with Grades 2 and 3, I'm part tech teacher (with a stand-alone class) and part tech coordinator. With all of the other grades between K and 8, I wear just the tech coordinator hat. Earlier in the year, the latter grades got the best use out of me because I could work with them on a flexible schedule (lots during weeks where a tech-integration project fit into the curriculum, less during weeks where they were fine on their own). In the past month or two, though, the consistent face time with Grades 2 and 3 has been helping those teachers feel comfortable with a good deal of tech experimentation. Still learning, I guess, about the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

NB: I'm not on the roster for this group because I'm facilitating session 4F. I'm really interested, though, in participating in your session asynchronously--if that's okay. Looking forward to learning from all of you! 

[Mia Walsh]

@ Stacie from GFS and James Lucas from National Cathedral - I would LOVE to grab some of your lesson plans from the filmmaking course.   I am  teaching a module of that and am looking for some ideas.   Thanks!