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.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Here's to Your Health...
Ok, so I went back and read my last post and I had commented on what a horrible blogger I was and that I was going to try to blog more regularly. So much for that... that was May 1. Oops. ;-)
Yesterday I posted on Facebook that I was going to try something new to help me lose some weight. I have tried for the good part of a year to watch what I eat, count calories, etc. My husband has been on the same journey, both of us kind of doing our own thing. In his words "I just don't eat as much." It has totally worked for him. He's lost somewhere between 30-40 lbs! He looks AMAZING! :-) If I'm honest, though, I have to say that I am jealous. He keeps telling me that #1 - He's a guy and #2 - He hasn't had three kids. I get that, but its still frustrating. I am so incredibly proud of him, but I want to experience the same success.
In May I started going to Boot Camp Madness for 3 reasons. #1 - to help with weight loss; #2 - to get healthy and toned; and #3 - I just LOVE anything active! I have loved going to BCM. In fact, since May 1, I have gotten up every morning at 4:40 to go work out. Anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. But I really have not had a problem getting out of bed. I feel so good when I'm done working out, that I don't want to miss it. I've missed only 3 times. Once for sickness and twice because I overslept. (It happens to the best of us) Reasons #2 and #3 have been fulfilled... I am definitely healthier and more toned than I was 10 weeks ago and I love it! Now on to my #1 reason for starting BCM... weight loss. Zilch, nada, nothing, big 'ol freakin' goose egg... Ok, I'll be honest, maybe 3-5 lbs, but it fluctuates so much that I can't keep track of it. Lately I have been so frustrated and depressed at the lack of movement on the scale, that I really didn't know what else to do.
I had shared my feelings with my workout partner, Jeana, at BCM one morning and the very next day she came back so excited about a book that she had read the night before. The Belly Fat Cure. The author of this book explains how much of the reason people plateau or can't lose weight to begin with is because they aren't attacking the really problems: Sugars and Carbs. These are the culprits when it comes to fat storage, especially around the belly... MY problem area. So, yesterday I began. Basically, you don't worry about counting calories, you just watch your sugars and carbs. I can have 15g of sugars a day and 6 servings of carbs. Anything less than 5 carbs you don't count, 5-20 = 1 serving, 21-40 = 2 servings, 41+ = 3 servings. Anything more than that and you really shouldn't be eating it! You would not believe some of the "healthy" foods that are packed with sugars and carbs. For example: A Lean Cuisine meal has 47 CARBS and 14g of sugar!!!! That is almost your entire daily allotment in one little meal! Wow.
Another reason that was in the back of my mind for starting this new way of eating, (hesitate to call it a diet, because a diet implies that you will only do it until you've reached your goal. This is a life-style change) is that diabetes runs very prevalent in my family (especially my dad's side). I have got to get things under control now, for the sake of my children.
Who knows if or how much weight I'll lose by making this changes. (I had Dan hide the scale so that I quit tormenting myself) I have my physical on the 17th, so I'll be weighed then. Time will tell. Bottom line, I know I'll be healthier than when I started.
Yesterday I posted on Facebook that I was going to try something new to help me lose some weight. I have tried for the good part of a year to watch what I eat, count calories, etc. My husband has been on the same journey, both of us kind of doing our own thing. In his words "I just don't eat as much." It has totally worked for him. He's lost somewhere between 30-40 lbs! He looks AMAZING! :-) If I'm honest, though, I have to say that I am jealous. He keeps telling me that #1 - He's a guy and #2 - He hasn't had three kids. I get that, but its still frustrating. I am so incredibly proud of him, but I want to experience the same success.
In May I started going to Boot Camp Madness for 3 reasons. #1 - to help with weight loss; #2 - to get healthy and toned; and #3 - I just LOVE anything active! I have loved going to BCM. In fact, since May 1, I have gotten up every morning at 4:40 to go work out. Anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. But I really have not had a problem getting out of bed. I feel so good when I'm done working out, that I don't want to miss it. I've missed only 3 times. Once for sickness and twice because I overslept. (It happens to the best of us) Reasons #2 and #3 have been fulfilled... I am definitely healthier and more toned than I was 10 weeks ago and I love it! Now on to my #1 reason for starting BCM... weight loss. Zilch, nada, nothing, big 'ol freakin' goose egg... Ok, I'll be honest, maybe 3-5 lbs, but it fluctuates so much that I can't keep track of it. Lately I have been so frustrated and depressed at the lack of movement on the scale, that I really didn't know what else to do.
I had shared my feelings with my workout partner, Jeana, at BCM one morning and the very next day she came back so excited about a book that she had read the night before. The Belly Fat Cure. The author of this book explains how much of the reason people plateau or can't lose weight to begin with is because they aren't attacking the really problems: Sugars and Carbs. These are the culprits when it comes to fat storage, especially around the belly... MY problem area. So, yesterday I began. Basically, you don't worry about counting calories, you just watch your sugars and carbs. I can have 15g of sugars a day and 6 servings of carbs. Anything less than 5 carbs you don't count, 5-20 = 1 serving, 21-40 = 2 servings, 41+ = 3 servings. Anything more than that and you really shouldn't be eating it! You would not believe some of the "healthy" foods that are packed with sugars and carbs. For example: A Lean Cuisine meal has 47 CARBS and 14g of sugar!!!! That is almost your entire daily allotment in one little meal! Wow.
Another reason that was in the back of my mind for starting this new way of eating, (hesitate to call it a diet, because a diet implies that you will only do it until you've reached your goal. This is a life-style change) is that diabetes runs very prevalent in my family (especially my dad's side). I have got to get things under control now, for the sake of my children.
Who knows if or how much weight I'll lose by making this changes. (I had Dan hide the scale so that I quit tormenting myself) I have my physical on the 17th, so I'll be weighed then. Time will tell. Bottom line, I know I'll be healthier than when I started.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
I'm not a very good blogger...
I really stink at this blogging thing... I am constantly thinking, "I should blog about that!" But I never get the job done! This morning I did something new and so I decided today should be the day I get back on the blog train. :-)
I'll start by saying, I am NOT a morning person. I'm not crabby or difficult in the morning. Its just that my blankets and bed REALLY love me and I hate to disappoint them by abandoning them too early. So, when Boot Camp Madness made its way to New Sharon I had two choices. 5:45 in the evening (which would be difficult because Dan mows and I would have no place for the kids) or 5:15 AM... Well, at 4:55 this morning, I rolled my tired rear out of bed, pulled myself away from my warm blankets and made my way out into the darkness before dawn. Dan is an early riser, but I even beat him today. He's always said, "If you would just get up and get going, you'd feel better!" Ok, ok... I give in. It's not very often that a wife says this to her husband (and I hesitate to even put it in writing, much less on line for fear that it will come back to bite me in the butt..) here it goes... "Dan, you were... right." UUUUGGHHH.... That was tough. ;-) Not really, but you get my point. I actually feel really good and the prospect of getting up again tomorrow to go get the snot beat out of me actually sounds appealing.
I supposed I should explain a little bit about BCM (Boot Camp Madness). It is a 30 minute, high intensity, interval workout. Today we did squat jumps, tricep pulls, trunk twists, mountain climbers (HATE), suitcases, high knees, bicep curls, and crunches. Three rounds of one minute of each exercise with 15 seconds to transition to the next. Thought I would hurl... People who had experienced it before kept saying, "Just throw up, you'll feel better." They don't know me very well... Throwing up might give the illusion that I couldn't hack it and THAT was not happening. As awful as it was while it was going on, I loved it! I am ready for tomorrow! Boot Camp Madness, I give you permission to kick my booty again. :-)
I'll start by saying, I am NOT a morning person. I'm not crabby or difficult in the morning. Its just that my blankets and bed REALLY love me and I hate to disappoint them by abandoning them too early. So, when Boot Camp Madness made its way to New Sharon I had two choices. 5:45 in the evening (which would be difficult because Dan mows and I would have no place for the kids) or 5:15 AM... Well, at 4:55 this morning, I rolled my tired rear out of bed, pulled myself away from my warm blankets and made my way out into the darkness before dawn. Dan is an early riser, but I even beat him today. He's always said, "If you would just get up and get going, you'd feel better!" Ok, ok... I give in. It's not very often that a wife says this to her husband (and I hesitate to even put it in writing, much less on line for fear that it will come back to bite me in the butt..) here it goes... "Dan, you were... right." UUUUGGHHH.... That was tough. ;-) Not really, but you get my point. I actually feel really good and the prospect of getting up again tomorrow to go get the snot beat out of me actually sounds appealing.
I supposed I should explain a little bit about BCM (Boot Camp Madness). It is a 30 minute, high intensity, interval workout. Today we did squat jumps, tricep pulls, trunk twists, mountain climbers (HATE), suitcases, high knees, bicep curls, and crunches. Three rounds of one minute of each exercise with 15 seconds to transition to the next. Thought I would hurl... People who had experienced it before kept saying, "Just throw up, you'll feel better." They don't know me very well... Throwing up might give the illusion that I couldn't hack it and THAT was not happening. As awful as it was while it was going on, I loved it! I am ready for tomorrow! Boot Camp Madness, I give you permission to kick my booty again. :-)
Friday, January 25, 2013
I love germs... Seriously!
Strange title, eh? Well, its the truth. Sunday-Wednesday this week found me sick. Not the piddly little sniffly nose type of sick. Oh, no... The OMGosh someone find me a bathroom, NOW type of sick. It was awful! I had plenty of time to think over the past four days and I found myself wondering, "Why do I even bother with GermX and flu shots?" Now, I know the flu shot is for the respiratory flu, but even at that... Are we really doing what's best for our bodies? Getting the flu shot doesn't mean you WON'T get the flu, only if you do, it won't be as severe.
I think back to when I was in school. We washed our hands after we went to the bathroom and before lunch. No GermX, no flu shots. Our bodies had their own immune systems that were tough enough to handle germs. Yes, we got sick, but not like we do now. We've taught our immune systems to "Take a load off, and don't worry about doing your job. Someone/something else will take care of it. They may not do a great job, but hey, its good enough for who its for!" Interesting parallel to our society today...
I could go on and on, but I won't. Instead, I will say, "Good-bye, GermX! Hello germs! And btw, Immune System, you've got some catching up to do!"
I think back to when I was in school. We washed our hands after we went to the bathroom and before lunch. No GermX, no flu shots. Our bodies had their own immune systems that were tough enough to handle germs. Yes, we got sick, but not like we do now. We've taught our immune systems to "Take a load off, and don't worry about doing your job. Someone/something else will take care of it. They may not do a great job, but hey, its good enough for who its for!" Interesting parallel to our society today...
I could go on and on, but I won't. Instead, I will say, "Good-bye, GermX! Hello germs! And btw, Immune System, you've got some catching up to do!"
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Could be fun...
I know quite a few people who blog about their families. I love to read about what is going on in other people's lives and thought, "Why not do a blog of my own? Could be fun..." So, here it is. "My Three Sons" seemed an appropriate title because that is probably what I will be blogging mostly about. My kids. :-) I'm sure there will be times that I might fill you in on what is going on with Dan and I, but we are not nearly as exciting as the three little monsters that live with us!
Trace and Cory are wrestling this year and are really loving it! It is so much fun to watch them grow as a wrestler and a person. Trace has had to learn that he won't always win and that has been VERY good for him. Cory is just there to have fun, which is great, too! They have a wrestling meet this Friday and I'm excited to watch them go at it!
Dawson is full of energy and has quite the personality. He is Trace's little sidekick. It just melts my heart to see how good Trace is with his little brother and how much Dawson adores him. Cory, well lets just say he basically tolerates him. I'm hoping as they grow they will become closer, but right now, they are pickles and peanut butter... They just don't go together! (I know some of you would disagree with the pickles and peanut butter statement, but, I'm sorry, that's nasty!)
Well, not much else to fill you in on for now, but stay tuned for the next episode of "My Three Sons" -Goemaat style!
Trace and Cory are wrestling this year and are really loving it! It is so much fun to watch them grow as a wrestler and a person. Trace has had to learn that he won't always win and that has been VERY good for him. Cory is just there to have fun, which is great, too! They have a wrestling meet this Friday and I'm excited to watch them go at it!
Dawson is full of energy and has quite the personality. He is Trace's little sidekick. It just melts my heart to see how good Trace is with his little brother and how much Dawson adores him. Cory, well lets just say he basically tolerates him. I'm hoping as they grow they will become closer, but right now, they are pickles and peanut butter... They just don't go together! (I know some of you would disagree with the pickles and peanut butter statement, but, I'm sorry, that's nasty!)
Well, not much else to fill you in on for now, but stay tuned for the next episode of "My Three Sons" -Goemaat style!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)