My first assignment for Dr. Z was to create a new way to introduce yourself to the class. We were charged with using a medium that we were not familiar with. I chose goanimate.com. Loved it! In fact, I just used it's student version, domo.goanimate.com for my fifth graders to create their own "retells" of a traditional fairy tale! Students were so engaged with technology and learning! It was incredible!
I hope you enjoy my quick introduction!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
What does a Technology Coordinator do?
So, for the latest endeavor on my long road toward a masters in Instructional Technology, Dr. Z has asked that we research the duties of a Technology Coordinator. While pondering this assignment, I had thought that I would be able to accurately create a concept map illustrating these duties. I spent all of last school year as an "assistant" of sorts to our district's technology coordinator. Our high school went 1-to-1 last year and the administration felt that would be helpful to have a teacher who was comfortable with technology to be a coach, of sorts, for staff and students. I enjoyed my time as a technology coach and felt that working so closely with the technology coordinator, I would have a deeper insight to the "real" duties of a TC. I must say, I fell short. Below you will find my "pre-interview" concept map.
Our school also switch TCs mid-October of this year. So, the person I spent last year with, is not the same one whom I interviewed for this assignment. Tom Hehli has been working with technology since 1981 when he started his work with PCs and Main Frames. He started working in the Public System in 2005 as a Technology Coordinator. I am fortunate in the fact, that, although I have returned to the classroom as a fifth grade teacher, Tom recognizes me as a teacher who is ready and willing to try anything new when it comes to technology. So, I get to be the "guinea pig" of sorts when it comes to trying something new.
When I sat down with Tom, I can't say that I was surprised by some of the duties that I had missed. I honestly, just didn't even think about it. It's all those "behind the scenes" things that you just don't think about. I knew he was in charge of the telephone, alarms, and bells. I knew he had to manage all the machines on the school's network, but it wasn't until he mentioned that number (510) that I realized what a huge undertaking it is. Below you'll see my "post-interview" concept map.
While I had most of the "big" duties mapped, again, I failed to remember all those "other" duties that someone has to take care of. I think staff would be astounded if they realized what, exactly, a TC does. Until I saw it on paper, I didn't realize it myself.
On a side note, one thing that I have experienced first hand, is the type of mentality a Technology Coordinator must have. Honestly, they really should be a teacher at heart. Because that's what they are. They should be able to handle being asked to help with technological issues that can sometimes seem "simple" to them, but to the teacher or student who is experiencing the problem, it is NOT simple and should be treated with respect and compassion. I have seen situations in which this has not been the case. We are very fortunate at North Mahaska to have a Technology Coordinator who does have this mentality. When asked about the parts of the job he enjoys, Tom's reply was, "Interaction with the staff and students. I never get upset if they need help. I enjoy it and always try to educate them whenever possible. Know one should every be afraid to ask for help. If they are then, I am doing something wrong."
As I reflect upon the duties that I have "uncovered", I realize that I don't believe that being a Technology Coordinator is for me. While I would thoroughly enjoy the support, training, and maintenance, the administrative duties are just not for me. I appreciate all that Technology Coordinators do. Without them, none of the fabulous technological opportunities that teacher's work to create for their students would be possible.
(See Q&A w/ Tom below)
What is the size and level of your school/district?
How long have you been a technology coordinator? I started working or on PC's and Main Frames starting in 1981 and it took off from there. I started working in the Public System as a Technology Coordinator in 2005.
What do you envision as your primary role in your position? Hardware & software support, help desk functions, training staff as a group or in a 1 to 1 situation. The most important thing to do is to acknowledge the person(s) problem, find a solution and follow through. If they ask the same question once or several times, be polite and answer their question. I tell the staff of students to never start you question with,"I have a stupid question to ask you." There is no such thing.
Please list ALL of your duties as a technology coordinator. (OK, so buy her/him another cup of coffee.) We are an Apple 1 to 1 school, here goes. We have about 510 apple devices on our network. I support (Apple): MacBooks, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, iPads, iPods, Mac Minis, Mac Xserves, Mac Mini servers with RAID arrays. Apple TV's. We have a Moodle Server, 2 Video servers and multiple cameras, buzzer system, 4 backup devices, iBoss Content Filter, SonicWall firewall, a Rukus Enterprise Wireless system, Casper Server, Telephone System, Clock system, Epson projectors with Interactive capabilities, Copier/printers and I am in the process of obtaining bids for a new phone, clock and paging system. Staff Development and administration support. I do the yearly E-Rate paperwork for the District.
What sort of assistance do you receive in doing your job? I have a 5-6 Geek squad which will help with the K-6 grade. I have a student helper that works with me every 7th and 8h hour. There is a staff member which takes care of the Web site and will help me whenever they can.
What are the parts of the job that you really enjoy? Interaction with the staff and students. I never get upset if they need help. I enjoy it and always try to educate them whenever possible. Know one should every be afraid to ask for help. If they are then, I am doing something wrong.
What parts of the job would you rather have someone else do? Purchase orders.
If you could restructure your position and responsibilities, how would you do it? I would approach a Project, Project management. Re-define Support by hardware, software, training, staff and student support, repairs in-house and by Apple, define the 1, 3, and 5 year goals and build outs.
What words of wisdom do you have for successfully Coordinating Technology in an Educational Setting? Computer and software are ONLY tools. Technology must be infused into the teaching environment and used effectively. Listening to someone give a book report is interesting however, it could be so much more. Imagine if a student created the book report using Garage Band and created a Pod cast. The narration could include videos, pictures and sound which, would not just tell the story but, stretch the imagination.
Our school also switch TCs mid-October of this year. So, the person I spent last year with, is not the same one whom I interviewed for this assignment. Tom Hehli has been working with technology since 1981 when he started his work with PCs and Main Frames. He started working in the Public System in 2005 as a Technology Coordinator. I am fortunate in the fact, that, although I have returned to the classroom as a fifth grade teacher, Tom recognizes me as a teacher who is ready and willing to try anything new when it comes to technology. So, I get to be the "guinea pig" of sorts when it comes to trying something new.
When I sat down with Tom, I can't say that I was surprised by some of the duties that I had missed. I honestly, just didn't even think about it. It's all those "behind the scenes" things that you just don't think about. I knew he was in charge of the telephone, alarms, and bells. I knew he had to manage all the machines on the school's network, but it wasn't until he mentioned that number (510) that I realized what a huge undertaking it is. Below you'll see my "post-interview" concept map.
On a side note, one thing that I have experienced first hand, is the type of mentality a Technology Coordinator must have. Honestly, they really should be a teacher at heart. Because that's what they are. They should be able to handle being asked to help with technological issues that can sometimes seem "simple" to them, but to the teacher or student who is experiencing the problem, it is NOT simple and should be treated with respect and compassion. I have seen situations in which this has not been the case. We are very fortunate at North Mahaska to have a Technology Coordinator who does have this mentality. When asked about the parts of the job he enjoys, Tom's reply was, "Interaction with the staff and students. I never get upset if they need help. I enjoy it and always try to educate them whenever possible. Know one should every be afraid to ask for help. If they are then, I am doing something wrong."
As I reflect upon the duties that I have "uncovered", I realize that I don't believe that being a Technology Coordinator is for me. While I would thoroughly enjoy the support, training, and maintenance, the administrative duties are just not for me. I appreciate all that Technology Coordinators do. Without them, none of the fabulous technological opportunities that teacher's work to create for their students would be possible.
(See Q&A w/ Tom below)
What is the size and level of your school/district?
How long have you been a technology coordinator? I started working or on PC's and Main Frames starting in 1981 and it took off from there. I started working in the Public System as a Technology Coordinator in 2005.
What do you envision as your primary role in your position? Hardware & software support, help desk functions, training staff as a group or in a 1 to 1 situation. The most important thing to do is to acknowledge the person(s) problem, find a solution and follow through. If they ask the same question once or several times, be polite and answer their question. I tell the staff of students to never start you question with,"I have a stupid question to ask you." There is no such thing.
Please list ALL of your duties as a technology coordinator. (OK, so buy her/him another cup of coffee.) We are an Apple 1 to 1 school, here goes. We have about 510 apple devices on our network. I support (Apple): MacBooks, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, iPads, iPods, Mac Minis, Mac Xserves, Mac Mini servers with RAID arrays. Apple TV's. We have a Moodle Server, 2 Video servers and multiple cameras, buzzer system, 4 backup devices, iBoss Content Filter, SonicWall firewall, a Rukus Enterprise Wireless system, Casper Server, Telephone System, Clock system, Epson projectors with Interactive capabilities, Copier/printers and I am in the process of obtaining bids for a new phone, clock and paging system. Staff Development and administration support. I do the yearly E-Rate paperwork for the District.
What sort of assistance do you receive in doing your job? I have a 5-6 Geek squad which will help with the K-6 grade. I have a student helper that works with me every 7th and 8h hour. There is a staff member which takes care of the Web site and will help me whenever they can.
What are the parts of the job that you really enjoy? Interaction with the staff and students. I never get upset if they need help. I enjoy it and always try to educate them whenever possible. Know one should every be afraid to ask for help. If they are then, I am doing something wrong.
What parts of the job would you rather have someone else do? Purchase orders.
If you could restructure your position and responsibilities, how would you do it? I would approach a Project, Project management. Re-define Support by hardware, software, training, staff and student support, repairs in-house and by Apple, define the 1, 3, and 5 year goals and build outs.
What words of wisdom do you have for successfully Coordinating Technology in an Educational Setting? Computer and software are ONLY tools. Technology must be infused into the teaching environment and used effectively. Listening to someone give a book report is interesting however, it could be so much more. Imagine if a student created the book report using Garage Band and created a Pod cast. The narration could include videos, pictures and sound which, would not just tell the story but, stretch the imagination.
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