The technology integrator also needs to collaborate with classroom teachers and help them feel comfortable using technology in their lessons. We need to work with them and help them implement lessons using technology, but ultimately we should help them get used to doing it independently as well, since we cannot be everywhere at once. We recently acquired iPads for each classroom, prior to that they were only available in the media center for loan, although some of the students have their own personal iPads. Now each teacher has at least one, some two, to use in their classrooms for instruction. (Class size is 8-10 students per class at our special ed school.) Some of the teachers were already comfortable using the iPads, as they had used the media center iPads or they have their own devices at home. But some of them had never touched one, but one new user recently told me that he showed one of the speech therapists how to turn off access to the internet on the iPad (after I had shown him), and she is pretty experienced in using the iPad as an assistive speech device. But she was very impressed that this teacher was able to show her something new and he was feeling pretty confident as well.
There are so many tools available and they are constantly changing. The technology integration specialist needs to keep up with changes in technology so that they are able to provide the latest and best tools to their students. It requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Since I started working in this position, in addition to taking these classes, I have also participated in workshops and other online classes and webinars on using technology in education. I follow other technology educators and experts on Twitter or by reading their blogs. I have attended additional professional development conferences and unconferences (or edcamps) to learn ideas from others. The classroom teachers are busy with creating lessons and managing their classrooms, it is difficult for them to keep up with emerging technologies. Some people think that they are resistant to change, and some may be, but I think the real reason is finding the time to learn about new technologies can be very time consuming. I know I have spent many hours learning how to use the Apple Configurator to manage our new classroom iPads. I have spent many hours researching and talking to Apple support in the last two months.
We also need to educate teachers and students about ethical use of technology. I have had to provide information to teachers on copyright laws on using photos and music found on the Internet. They don't realize that using images other media found on the Internet without permission is the same as plagiarism. It is so easy to find things online, that people don't even think twice about copying someone else's work. I also teach a unit on digital citizenship to my digital literacy (ICT) students.
The technology specialist also needs to be able to recommend technology needs to the administration and be able to justify the need for it. The responsibilities of the technology integration specialist are many.
Education "The times are a changing"
from Meade123 (YouTube)
