The role of a technology integration specialist is one that has evolved into a much more complex role over the past few years. In the past the teaching of technology related concepts used to fall solely on the technology teacher. However, as technology grows and becomes an integral part of our society, it is now important for technology to be integrated into all classrooms and learning environments. Therefore, the role of the technology integration specialist is now focused on developing strong relationships with administrators and teachers to guide the implementation of technology into the school. Technology integrationists are responsible for providing the appropriate support and guidance needed to develop technology-infused learning experiences. In addition to this, one of the responsibilities of the technology integration teacher is to find ways to bring new technology into the school and "to provide ways around lack of funding," (Olah, Module 1 Lecture). There will always be difficulty with the budget and it is important for the technology integration teacher to look for other creative ways to bring in new technology.
The role of the technology integrator becomes increasingly important in a school when thinking about today's students and the lives that they lead. Today's students spend most of their free time using various devices that connect them to the outside world. These devices range from iPods and Smartphones to iPads and laptops. These electronic devices are an integral part of their every day lives and they are not going away. One study even indicates that, "by 2013, there will be 1.82 billion smartphones," (Marshall, 2011, p. 1). Thus, it is in the best interest of our students to incorporate these devices into their educational experiences. As educators, we must accept these devices into the learning environment and show students how they can be used for educational purposes. Unfortunately, as stated in the Module 1 lecture, most schools require students to turn off and put away these devices as they enter into the school building. This is like asking students to step into a time machine and go backwards. It seems as if a much more logical approach to this would be to embrace these devices and to teach students how to use them for educational purposes. Yet, I believe that in order to do this, teachers need to be guided and supported by the technology integration teacher in their school as well as by the administration in their district.
As a result of this, it is evident that the role of the technology integration teacher is extremely important to the success that a school experiences with technology integration.
References:
Marshall, G. (2011, April 16). How smartphones and tablets are taking over. TechRadar. Retrieved on March 30, 2014 from: http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/how-smartphones-and-tablets-are-taking-over-942724
Olah, D. Module One: Reviewing the Role of the Technology Integration Specialist (State/National Standards) EDU 642. Southern New Hampshire University.
Technology Photo. Retrieved on April 4, 2014 from: http://blog.techimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Technology.jpg
I love your comment about the time machine! That is exactly spot on. Technology and the outside world keeps moving forward, but the schools stay stuck in the past. A lot of it has to do with budgets, I guess, but we need to find open minded ways to continue to evolve and keep up with society.
ReplyDeleteGreat point about being able to find ways to integrate technology within very tight budget constraints. Technology integration specialists have to be creative and think "outside the box" to provide technology access and tools to all teachers and students. Most schools don't have a 1:1 device ratio, many are lucky to have one or maybe two computers in the classroom. I also like your time machine comment! Students today don't go anywhere without their digital devices, and if we can help teach them to use them for education that is a great thing!
ReplyDeleteEllen,
ReplyDeleteYou have made some great points and I agree with you and Debbie that technology integration in education takes some creativity. I have been fortunate enough to visit Londonderry High School (LHS) where technology is fully integrated into all course subjects throughout all grade levels. This has been a result of support from the community, administration, educators, and of course, a technology integration specialist. Although the Londonderry community has passed the school budgets proposals that help buy the technologies that the school uses, the planning of which devices are best suited for each level and class subject actually made it possible for each student to have the access to their own device, in the classroom as well as at home. Not each class has the same device to help with cost but which device when where and which devices are allowed to go home with students were not only decided by cost, but purpose for each subject. For example, Literature and English classes used iPads because there need to access information and text, but the lack of using software such as PowerPoint and other presentation application. There are more ways to support technology in classrooms than just increased taxes, and the more education stakeholders are aware of the "creative" ways for technology integration the better.
Great Post!
April,
DeleteIt is true that schools will always have to find ways to work around budget issues. The more creative a school can be, the better off it will be. I think it's great that you had a chance to visit LHS and see how they are implementing technology into all of the course subjects. It seems like they have a solid system in place. It also sounds like they have put a great deal of effort into determining what devices would be best for each class and grade level. I think that this is important to take into consideration. In our district we have also dedicated specific devices to specific grade levels to try to encourage the maximum amount of use. Also, in terms of budget issues, our school has done an extensive amount of fundraising to raise money that is put directly towards educational technology. For the past few years, our school has hosted a Friday Night Roller Skating event that occurs every Friday night from 5:30 -8:30. It is open to students as well as to the public. People are able to come to the school and roller skate around the gym. It is $7 to skate and we provide the skates. Teachers in our school sign up as volunteers to chaperone this event each Friday. It has had a huge success rate and the money is hugely helpful when purchasing technology related tools for our students.
"Therefore, the role of the technology integration specialist is now focused on developing strong relationships with administrators and teachers to guide the implementation of technology into the school."(Donahue,2014) This is a great comment and observation. Developing strong relationships is key. The technology integration specialist must be someone approachable and knows and understands the needs of the school in which they are working in.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that we must teach students to use their devices for educational purposes and not just for their own social communication. It concerns me that we are not teaching them the many ways they can use their device to learn. I also agree that the technology integration teacher be one that can pioneer the use of students personal devices and the need for students to learn how to use their devices for education.
Ellen you make some great points about the fact that the role of a technology integration specialist needs to focus on the integration of technology into all content areas. I find that some teachers is certain content areas think that technology does not have a place in their classroom, but it does even in the smallest way. Especially with the help of administrators and other teachers, technology can be used in great ways!
ReplyDelete