Advice From Some Experts

Expert Advice

In the interest of starting a technology integration program at Hastings Public Schools, I visited with two people that I know have been successful in this area. First, I went to Aurora Public Schools to visit with the PK-12 Technology Integration Specialist, Craig Badura. I first became acquainted with Craig at a workshop which he co-presented. Craig is very straight-forward with some of his advice and that is helpful when you begin working with teachers.

Some of Craig's advice:

• must get buy-in
• help teachers fully understand the value
• teachers talking builds buy-in
• most likely never 100%
• professional development is a MUST
• cannot expect teachers to know how to implement without training
• needs to be more than Sit and Get
• don't just show how, help them develop lessons to use it
• present it and get them curious, let them "play"
• guide them to the edge, then push them off- be ready to catch them and hold their hand
• be willing to be a punching bag
• you are forcing people outside of their comfort zone
• may be frustrating at first and it will be taken out on the one pushing them

Jackie Ediger, technology integration trainer and professional development director at ESU9 (educational service unit) is another person I have looked to for information and advice concerning technology integration.  Jackie went to Aurora when they were first implementing technology.  She spent every other Wednesday at the schools being available before and after school and during plan times. She started with basic information such as websites, tips and tricks on computers, Google Apps, Chrome and iPads.  Through her work there, Aurora determined there was a need to hire a technology integration specialist.

Jackie's advice:

• set a schedule for each day, teachers attend sessions they need
• need to push because teachers are so busy they do not have time to see everything
• think outside the box (ideas she has seen from other integration specialists)
• Tech on the Deck (meeting outside on the deck of someone's home)
• WOW Wednesday
• Breakfast Club
• survey teachers to find out how they are using technology
• Bright Bytes
• start a blog or newsletter sharing information bimonthly
• create how-to videos (less than 4 minutes)
• use Screencast-omatic or record right on YouTube
• create a list for principals of what technology facilitator's role could be in their schools, year 1 and year 2

Take away:

The biggest thing I learned from these two is to draw from the resources and support of others. Both encouraged me to join professional learning networks on Twitter, Google+, and any other site where information is shared. To aid me in becoming successful, both wanted me to understand the importance of sharing the things I and my teachers are learning and doing, this is how you develop professional collaborative relationships that are mutually beneficial.

It is nice to know I have the support of these two great individuals and the myriad of resources they share! I am excited to get my teachers connected with them, and others like them, as well.

One thing that I would like to do but I have been asked not to at this time is the survey. Our teachers filled out surveys at the beginning of the school year so I have been asked to hold off on conducting the Bright Bytes survey. Although I am a little disappointed, I do understand the reasoning behind this request and will look forward to the survey results in the spring or next fall.