A professional coming to speak with graduate students about professional development. It is important to continually grow and learn as a teacher.
She is an ex-marine, which she joined the military to get involved with technology. She only recently, as in past 15 years, entered in educational technology. Being a technology coordinator really makes a difference for the school and the students therein. I believe it is important to note that she has a background in technology and not necessarily education.
She wanted to begin, at first, an after-school computer camp. Now she likes to design and create all policies relating to technology for students and staff. It is important to not start form scratch. The policy led to the integration of technology in 2009. This is when she first began working with teachers. She was also told that her technology classes were boring, so it had to develop her instruction. It is important to network with other teachers.
SMART boards really helped with students enjoying technology class. Promethean boards were recently installed, but she had to step-back and had to teach the teachers how to use this type of technology. You have to learn it quickly so you could teach it. The teachers needed hands-on tasks in order to grasp the material. Also, as a technology coordinator, it is your job to research new developments, like a Mimio, which is much cheaper. It also requires for training for teachers. She had to begin offering night classes to give professional training. This requires preparation and a willingness from principals and administrators on board to take the lead.
Most of the teachers are older and are technology immigrants. This requires being dedicated to teaching teachers. They sometimes act like the students they teach. The Q&A has a black screen.
Teachers need to have the willingness to learn; it is ironic because teachers must model a love for learning!
What happens when a teacher is not willing to change?
Seminars, conferences, and webinars are huge for technology coordinators! Wal-mart is willing to give 25$ to buy school supplies each month!
GCA would still say they are behind! They are trying to work on it!
Always be prepared when stuff goes awry.
gcatechnologyblog.edu/blogs.org
youtube.com/teachers This kinda cleans up advertisements and anything bad so teachers can just show the video.
Richard Byrne (Free Technology for Teachers) (freetech4teachers.com)
Professional Company (Powertolearn.com)
Google is a great place to answers which you do not have. Googlizer? I have never heard that term before, you learn something new everyday.
The head of the school is the one who should create a vision for how to use the technology tools to enhance the educational experience.
GCA is now looking for using iPads in the classroom. They know have 12 iPads in the library. The school and other schools are being challenged to innovate quickly.
Be prepared!!!
Do you believe, in general, technology is worth the investment? This is interesting, especially considering a Christian school making a whole lot of advances in technology. Coming from a different Christian school where technology is not prevalent. Three areas where she has received funds: parents, workshops, and TETA. The 1st and 5th of the month is a great time for the 25$ a month.
A willingness to help a teacher is huge.
I know this blog post seems sporadic, but it does contain several gems throughout the "rough."
Boom.
It looks a little like you were taking notes as she was speaking. Good job!
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