After reading the chapter, I found that there could be a wide variety of challenges that I might face as a technology leader. As a technology leader, you might be responsible for writing grants and securing funding for new initiatives. Another issue you might face is getting teachers to be on board with new technology initiatives. Older teachers are set in their ways; they don’t want to invest the time and energy into adding technology into the curriculum. They have taught the way they are teaching for many years, and they don’t want to change the way they teach. New teachers, while they may be willing to embrace the technology, are overwhelmed with trying to set up their classrooms, and make sense of the curriculum. The key is finding a core group of teachers that are willing to try new things, and develop a bond and working relationship with them. Another issue that you might face is the lack of staff to implement technology changes, and deal with issues. In our district, every workstation was replaced over the summer. There were many issues, and not enough staff to deal with them. One issue, none of the new workstations were hooked up to the printers. A decision was made to allow the teachers to install the printer drivers for their own machines, due to lack of technology staff to do it. Older teachers were frustrated with this, and still had difficulties. One final issue you may face is hardware and software issues. Things break, and while as technology majors, we understand that these things happen and sometimes we can’t do anything about it, not everyone understands this.
I think that our book nailed it right on the head, that in order to be a successful technology leader, you have to have four characteristics: broad background knowledge and a dedication to lifelong learning, knowledge of the education field, interpersonal skills, and a background in technology. By embracing those skills, and applying those beliefs, you stand a better chance of being a successful technology leader. Nobody wants to work with the creepy technology guy that is mean to everybody; likewise they don’t want the sweet technology guy with very little technology knowledge. I definitely believe that by making sure you stay current in the technology field, by involving yourself in the latest educational trends, and by being warm and welcoming, you will be a successful technology leader.
I think that you make a lot of good points Amy. Through reading the text and a few of the blog posts now, it has become very apparent that something many people suspect is indeed true, technology departments in schools are very understaffed. Other posts have even mentioned that schools are the absolute worst when it comes to staffing in the field of technology. I also agree the the issues are many and the knowledge needed is great for successful technology leaders. It may well be a fine line between being great and becoming the 'technology creeper.'
ReplyDeleteAmy I also feel you had some great points. One area you touched on was the digital divide that exist within the staff. Mant new teachers are more comfortable with technology and are usually more open to using it in the classroom. Experienced teachers often are scared of technology which may result in avoidance of technology. It is important that a technology coordinator help close this divide and creating a more consistent technology friendly environment.
ReplyDeleteThe first challenge you listed (writing grants and securing funds) happens to be one of my biggest concerns. I worry about choosing and purchasing software after a short testing period (often done by the technology staff itself) without getting to really see how it works in a lab full of students. I have purchased software for myself that doesn’t work properly on my home computer even though it meets all of the system and network requirements. How can a technology coordinator truly know whether or not he purchased a “lemon” until he rolls it out and sees how it is works for the end user?
ReplyDeleteI really liked Amy's points. I agree that Technology Leaders need the four characteristics pointed out in the book. I don't think that there is any skill better in this role than empathy. Empathy allows a leader to understand the challenges other people face.
ReplyDeleteLets face facts - technology should not be driving our schools. Educating students should. We need to refocus our view of technology to make student learning the priority, and empowering the staff to make educated, responsible choices about technology and it's use. The printer driver example is a good one. Every year a school I worked at sent out directions for staff on how to "capture" their profile so hey could have all their preferences, desktop icons, shortcuts, etc to staff and made that a staff responsibility so we could image the computers over the summer. However, we would never begrudge a request to come help with the process, even though we didn't have much time at the end of the year. At the start of the year, teachers received instructions on how to restore their profile. They were part of the process, and we worked like this as much as possible with other endeavors as well.
Our expectation was that professionals were professionals, and deserved to be treated as such. In turn, we left administrative rights, the ability to install software, and manage labs in their hands. Very seldom did we have issues that were user related. And the teachers were using the equipment as intended and beyond!
Pat...I love the term the technology creeper...it made me smile. I recently was trying to help my friend set up her smartboard, we were playing with cables, and basically trying to follow signal flow to get the projector to portray her screen onto the smart board...well we got everything working and her monitor turned a lovely shade of magenta...all I thought to myself is I just shorted out a year old monitor by plugging the wrong cable in somewhere...then I thought...oh well if they didn't want us to figure it out...we should have been provided with step by step instructions...she then got a trojan virus on her school ocmputer...how does that happen...and had to have the tech guys come and fix it...well low and behold her monitor is no longer pink, but her projector is now pink...so I am no longer worried...
ReplyDeleteDennis...I find myself stuck somewhere in a paradox...as a newer teacher..in a technology amsters, I am very comfortable with technology in my room...I will put the effort into getting lessons ready, and into learning programs...I find my self stuck with do I help older teachers, who probably arn't going to use it anyway, or do I just use my time for me...so I resolve myself to, if you ask...I will gladly help you...but if you don't ask, I am not going to search you out.
Kevin I think blog assignmnet 2 addresses your concern...though I don't know if a technology coordinator can ever be sure...one thing is ask the company for a list of all schools using the product and then make some calls to schools you select...not just the ones they suggest...when you call, talk to the end users if possible...
ReplyDeleteTy...I wonder when is it going to come to a breaking point...when is enough enough...when do we say kids are tooo plugged in...I am only 31 and it irks every bone in my body when I see a family out to dinner and the children are sitting at the table listening to Ipods or texting...my parents would not stand for it...even now at 31 I turn the volume off on my phone and don't answer it, and I would never think of bring an Ipod...I see it as rude...the response I usually get is well kids these days don't see it that way...and my response is shame on us...shouldn't they be taught to see it that way...Okay...I am getting off my soapbox and returning to school work.