It's been a year of growth

So, I know I haven't been very consistent with blogging, but I have been very busy. This year brought to light a lot of milestones in my journey in educational technology.

My skills are finally being recognized in my school district and although I proposed a full time educational technology integration specialist position a year ago, it is being talked about and I do believe time is proving it is necessary.

In addition to my daily job duties and becoming a building technology mentor last year (which I continue to serve as), I was invited to participate in a district technology committee. This committee involves administrators, teachers, board members, students, and community members. This committee reviews district technology needs and proposes to the Board of Education solutions to the many obstacles involved in its implementation.

I was called upon, because of my Google training, to create a database for Parent Teacher Conference sign ups. With 3000 students and 250 faculty members this was not a small task. I did it using all free Google products. I created a Google Site in which each teacher has a page. On each page each teacher has a google form to make an appointment with. Thanks to the amazing add-ons, like Choice Eliminator and Simply Send, I was able to configure the form to suit our needs. I then used my Professional Learning Network to ask for help to create a master spreadsheet where all the teacher appointments would be imported for administrators to be able to view. I came across an amazing contact who was more than willing to help and continues to provide technical support.

Each day I look forward to challenging myself with a new task or something I haven't attempted before. I never stop learning and every day I look forward to improving upon an old practice. I am sure there are bigger and brighter things in my future.

Innovative Ideas

So aside from recently asking the assistant superintendent of my school district for a position as a Educational Technology Specialist or Tech Coach, I have been collecting ideas on how to prove I am worthy of this new position.

I had a brief meeting with the principal of my building yesterday in which I mentioned allowing me 10 minutes of department common planning time a month to introduce a new Ed Tech idea. It seemed well received but it has to be brought to the department chairs who will collectively decide as a group if its worthwhile; some of them more interested in technology than others.

I know classroom teachers and administrators are always super busy and have to juggle a ton of responsibilities, what can I do to help them realize I am another set of hands for them and can show them "shortcuts" on their journey?

My next big idea is to try and collect data to support the need for an Educational Technology Coach. Ideally I would love for teachers or administrators to fill out a Google Form when they need help with technology (not a hardware/software issue but a USER issue). Not sure how I could initiate a project like that without ending up doing two jobs at once or having teachers angry that they filled out the form and didn't receive help. It is at the idea stage and I will pursue it. Stay tuned...

PBS Learning Media Digital Innovator

Although I was not chosen as the Lead Digital Innovator for New York State, I am proud that I was accepted as a Local Digital Innovator. This allows me to connect with some of the best teachers and mentors in the country virtually. It also allows me to demonstrate my passion and commitment to the integration of technology in education.

In the last two years, I have accumulated a variety of badges that I am proud to display!

Every School Deserves Technology Integration

This year I was grateful to hold the position of a building technology mentor and have been able to work with many teachers helping them to utilize the technology we have available to us. I have, however, recognized the need for a stronger support system for teachers to integrate technology.

There is a trend in research emerging that supports the need for a Technology Integration Specialist in school districts. Technology Integration Specialists act as coaches. “The specialists suggest new ways of teaching, demonstrate new equipment, bring in new resources and create new policies. They use their credibility as a classroom teacher and their knowledge of teaching strategies to help design lessons and plan projects with the teachers. These specialists also use their position to make technology visible.”1  

If I was given the time and the flexibility to reach beyond just one building in the district I can share my knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion with teachers and administrators. I would not only have the ability to conduct in house trainings at times that are conducive and are the least disruptive to learning, but I can cater to individual needs and act as a liaison to build collaborative relationships district wide. “Teachers need the guidance of a coach, someone who is not also burdened by the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching a class.”2

Although my Master’s in Library and Information Science degree included educational technology, I also acquired a Master’s in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology in 2011. As a member of the International Society for Technology in Education, among other smaller local groups, I have a very strong Personal Learning Network and continually engage in professional development. I would love the opportunity to share what I have learned and the challenge to implement it in the district.

Below is a job description I found in Kankakee Valley Schools in Indiana for a Technology Integration Specialist. I feel the role it describes would be an asset in any district.

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Technology, this position of Technology Integration Specialist promotes the use of technologies to support student achievement in the classroom. The Technology Integration Specialist provides leadership, staff development, and instructional support to instructional and administrative staff. In addition, the Technology Integration Specialist serves as a liaison between school and district technology initiatives and school based implementation and support for administrators and teachers. He/she also assists in the development and implementation of curriculum and technology integration reports. The Technology Integration Specialist provides instructional staff with the essential support needed to complete technology–based instructional management and productivity functions. The Technology Integration Specialist collaborates with appropriate instructional and technical staff to support, manage, optimize the use of instructional software, and network resources to support quality teaching and learning. This skilled professional works independently and collaboratively with colleagues.3



1. Hofer, Mark, Barbara Chamberlin, and Tammy Scot. "Fulfilling the Need for a Technology Integration Specialist." T.H.E. Journal 32.3 (2004): 34-39.ProQuest. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
2.  Hertz, Mary Beth. "Mentoring and Coaching for Effective Tech Integration."Edutopia (2011): n. pag. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.

3."Technology Integration Specialist Job Description." (n.d.): n. pag. Kankakee Valley School Corporation. Kankakee Valley School Corporation Office. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.

 
 
  

I'm still Reaching

I was recently given a task by an administrator to create a Google Form. I was to include a simple description of a program we currently have and ask teachers to write how it should be updated with Common Core Standards. After considering the data flow and the amount of teachers who would be responding, I chose to create a more advanced Form. This simple task became my big project for my mid-winter recess break.

I ended up creating an eight page form with drop down menus (to eliminate the need for teacher data entry). On the bottom of each page I included a text box for comments or suggestions and made sure it was not required for them to input there.

Each page of my form became a discipline area. I realized the sheet that reflected the answers also needed to be altered in order for the data to be sorted and readable. I created tabs along the bottom of the sheet and entered in formulas so that the Master would be untouched but the data from each page of my Form would also be its own Sheet in my Workbook and the tab would be visible along the bottom of my Master. I then color coded each discipline so the color on the master also reflected the color on the separate sheets and the tabs.

I realized I went over and beyond what was expected and I may have even gone too far. I find that I get caught up by the possibilities when working on these projects and want to add all the bells and whistles to illustrate what can be done.

I have shared my creation with the administration and am anxious to receive feedback. I am so happy to have been asked to help; considered to have expertise in Google Apps. I want to produce quality that will be appreciated in hopes that I will be called upon again.

I truly enjoy the challenge of being able to take a "blank" slate and alter its settings and content to meet the needs of the educational institution that I work for. I hope this is the beginning of many such projects.

Keep Growing

Anyone who is an educator (or even anyone who has been a student) has seen a teacher burn out. The teacher who is angry, given up, does the bare minimum and is just "coasting" till retirement. I can't imagine that mentality. Yes, I'm only 10 years in to my 30+ year career, but I also can't imagine keeping things stagnant for long enough for it to get boring.

It's hard. I'm a mom of two young kids; one with special needs. I have a house that needs tending to, a husband, and extended family that all demand my time. There will always be somewhere I have to be or something I have to do in my personal life. Even though family comes first, I made a promise when I went in to the field of education. I am not standing in an assembly line in a factory, my 'product' are human beings. These are other people's children; their first priorities. It is my duty as a piece in their educational puzzle to give them the best that I can so they can prepare their future the best they can.

It makes me so angry when I see teachers give up. We may not be doing emergency surgery, but we have direct impact on young lives everyday. We are important and every word, smile, or gesture could make a difference in someone else's life. If a teacher is "coasting" or ready to give up they need to put their own gluttonous behavior aside and get out of the classroom. You can't just collect a check here and have summer off, you are robbing a child of their entitlement.

I loved my job with minimal technology, but the more technology I have available to me the more I get to try out new ways of engaging students. It helps with any dullness to my workload, it lets me be creative. I also love helping to convince those teachers who are skeptical about using new tools and, in some cases, watching their love of teaching become revived.

I just want to Learn!

I would be a full time student if time and money allowed. I want constant stimulation, problem solving, and learning new skills.

I decided to apply for some awards. I am not sure if I will be found to be deserving but it can't hurt to apply. I'm putting myself out there and if I win I will be ecstatic. I want to recognized for my passion and intrinsic motivation to follow that passion. I don't need huge jackpots (although that would be nice), a little recognition or even the ability to attend a prestigious event would be a thrill for me.

So for now, I am writing my bio, demonstrating my dedication, and hoping that the future awaits new and exciting possibilities. I am feeling hopeful.

Aspiring Google Innovator

I received the disappointing news yesterday that I was not selected for the February cohort of Google Innovator. Dealing with mixed emotions about this amazing opportunity, I decided to begin by documenting this journey which will hopefully travel down the road to educational greatness.

I have succeeded great lengths in the last 5 years. I completed my second Master's degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, I was accepted as a Google for Education Certified Trainer, and now I am always trying to put new and innovative ideas into practice in my school district.

I did not always imagine this is where I would be or what I would be passionate about. It is something that I was introduced to and fell in love with. I found that I gained no greater satisfaction then having an idea about integrating technology in education and then watching it become implemented.

My epiphany happened upon my disappointing email. I want to reapply to be a Google Innovator in March and I have to find a way to show my dedication. I have to create the perfect application. I have document my success and failures; to learn from my experience and become better. Hence, my new blog.