As I pondered the question about what a technology integration specialist is, many things came to mind. A Technology integration specialist is a facilitator, teacher, mentor, liaison, and in many cases a technical advisor. As technology is dynamic and always changing, so is the role of the technology integrator.
In EDU 641 class last term, we had some discussions about the idea of virtual libraries. The role of the library is changing as we move forward in the 21st century. As the library role changes, so does the role of the librarian. Librarians today are becoming facilitators. They are helping students to find information and help them find the technology resources they need to manipulate and present the information.
The technology integrator role is changing too. It is not about bringing a computer or iPad into a classroom. As stated by Warlick (2010) “21st century leaning has nothing to do with iPads, iPod Touches, or any piece of technology. The only thing that is one to one that we should be concerned with is equitable access to rigorous, relevant, and irresistible learning experiences that reflect and harness the times, environment, and ultimate goals of the learning” (p.1). I think this statement says a lot about how important it is to not just bring a piece of equipment into the classroom, but to bring a bigger idea or concept into the classroom and expand on it with the help of technology.
In my previous role in the corporate IT world, I was responsible for integrating technology into businesses to help enhance their business operations and help improve efficiencies. To be successful, we had to make the integration as seamless as possible, and focus on the benefits of the technology, and how it would make the employees’ jobs easier. We didn't explain the nuts and bolts of the technology to the end users; we incorporated the technology into their workplace and gave them tools and resources to help them be more efficient. I feel that integrating technology in the classroom is similar. The focus should not be on the technology itself, but on the content of the lesson, and the technology should be there to help students to make connections to their own experiences. It should also be there to help the teacher teach students how to engage their creative side and to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Technology integrators will take on the role of facilitator, and help teachers facilitate learning by helping them find technology that will enhance their lessons. We need to be familiar with the common core standards and help teachers achieve them. The common core standards are evidence-based standards designed to prepare students for college and entering the workforce. Students must have 21st century technology skills to be successful when they leave high school. They have to know how to use social media, for example, responsibly. They have to know how to collaborate and communicate using technology.
Students today are connected 24x7. They were born into a digital world, and most have not known the world without the Internet. Technology is an integral part of their lives. Technology is engaging. Who can argue that an interactive website is more interesting than a textbook full of words, and some pictures? I know I can’t.
Teachers have to embrace change and look at technology as a complement to their lessons. It is a way to bring lessons to life, and to engage students so they are active learners. We don’t want them to be passive. When they are active learners they are thinking and questioning and participating in the lesson. Technology integrators have to take on the role of teacher and mentor to some. Some teachers will not want to change and will not feel comfortable with new technology. Technology integrators have to find ways to engage the teacher, and help them to learn new technology while being there as a mentor to support them.
Being a liaison between the teachers and the administration is also another role technology integrators may play. Depending on the school district and the staff, technology integrators may work with the administration to let them know what the teachers need, and to help draft grants and proposals for new technology.
Finally, technology integrators have to be creative, and have a toolbox handy to provide resources for teachers and students. We have to be willing to be learning every day, because technology changes every day. What should we have in the toolbox? In the words of Mimi Ito, in the video Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner, we need to give students, “access to standards, literacies and expectations about what they need to participate in contemporary society, and be reflective” (macfound, 2010).
In EDU 641 class last term, we had some discussions about the idea of virtual libraries. The role of the library is changing as we move forward in the 21st century. As the library role changes, so does the role of the librarian. Librarians today are becoming facilitators. They are helping students to find information and help them find the technology resources they need to manipulate and present the information.
The technology integrator role is changing too. It is not about bringing a computer or iPad into a classroom. As stated by Warlick (2010) “21st century leaning has nothing to do with iPads, iPod Touches, or any piece of technology. The only thing that is one to one that we should be concerned with is equitable access to rigorous, relevant, and irresistible learning experiences that reflect and harness the times, environment, and ultimate goals of the learning” (p.1). I think this statement says a lot about how important it is to not just bring a piece of equipment into the classroom, but to bring a bigger idea or concept into the classroom and expand on it with the help of technology.
In my previous role in the corporate IT world, I was responsible for integrating technology into businesses to help enhance their business operations and help improve efficiencies. To be successful, we had to make the integration as seamless as possible, and focus on the benefits of the technology, and how it would make the employees’ jobs easier. We didn't explain the nuts and bolts of the technology to the end users; we incorporated the technology into their workplace and gave them tools and resources to help them be more efficient. I feel that integrating technology in the classroom is similar. The focus should not be on the technology itself, but on the content of the lesson, and the technology should be there to help students to make connections to their own experiences. It should also be there to help the teacher teach students how to engage their creative side and to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Technology integrators will take on the role of facilitator, and help teachers facilitate learning by helping them find technology that will enhance their lessons. We need to be familiar with the common core standards and help teachers achieve them. The common core standards are evidence-based standards designed to prepare students for college and entering the workforce. Students must have 21st century technology skills to be successful when they leave high school. They have to know how to use social media, for example, responsibly. They have to know how to collaborate and communicate using technology.
Students today are connected 24x7. They were born into a digital world, and most have not known the world without the Internet. Technology is an integral part of their lives. Technology is engaging. Who can argue that an interactive website is more interesting than a textbook full of words, and some pictures? I know I can’t.
Teachers have to embrace change and look at technology as a complement to their lessons. It is a way to bring lessons to life, and to engage students so they are active learners. We don’t want them to be passive. When they are active learners they are thinking and questioning and participating in the lesson. Technology integrators have to take on the role of teacher and mentor to some. Some teachers will not want to change and will not feel comfortable with new technology. Technology integrators have to find ways to engage the teacher, and help them to learn new technology while being there as a mentor to support them.
Being a liaison between the teachers and the administration is also another role technology integrators may play. Depending on the school district and the staff, technology integrators may work with the administration to let them know what the teachers need, and to help draft grants and proposals for new technology.
Finally, technology integrators have to be creative, and have a toolbox handy to provide resources for teachers and students. We have to be willing to be learning every day, because technology changes every day. What should we have in the toolbox? In the words of Mimi Ito, in the video Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner, we need to give students, “access to standards, literacies and expectations about what they need to participate in contemporary society, and be reflective” (macfound, 2010).
Resources:
Common Core. (2012). Retrieved from Common Core State Standards Initiative: http://www.corestandards.org/
macfound. (2010, December 1). Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner [video file]. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=c0xa98cy-Rw
Warlick, D. (2010, August 16). Technology for 21st Century Learning: Part 1. Retrieved from 2¢ Worth of Seeking the Shakabuku: http://2cents.onlearning.us/?p=2712
“21st century learning has nothing to do with iPads, iPod Touches, or any piece of technology. The only thing that is one to one that we should be concerned with is equitable access to rigorous, relevant, and irresistible learning experiences that reflect and harness the times, environment, and ultimate goals of the learning” (p.1).
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree more with you about the use of 21st century tools. I recently attended professional development around technology and the Key Note speaker continuously brought our focus back to “Why”. As an educator or technology integration specialist… we really need to focus on the why. Utilizing technology in the classroom is something that should be happening, in order to prepare our students for the real world. The main thing we need to stay focused on is why, why is this tool important and how will it help enrich and dig deeper into the learning that is taking place.
Hi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteYour post provided a great description of the role of a technology integration specialist. I enjoyed hearing about the similarities between business and education integration specialists. I love your statement that "technology is not about bringing and computer iPad into a classroom." I think the problem today is that many schools and teachers have this technology available to them, but do not know how to effectively integrate it. Teachers think they are integrating technology by having these tools available, when in reality, you must be trained on how to use them effectively. The role of the integration specialist is to help coach teachers in effective ways to use and troubleshoot the technology in their classrooms.
I also agree with you that integrators need to have a toolbox, which is the reason we are enrolled in this course! I look forward to reading more of your posts!
You are right about technology changing. It is nice to see that teacher education is now starting to change to reflect the use of technology in the classroom. A few years ago the only technology requirement in most education programs was an introduction to technology class. Now technology requirements are increasing. Pre-service teachers at some school are now given instruction in how to integrate technology into their classrooms. These teachers will demand more technology resources to use in their classrooms. They will also be a resource for other teachers who want to more effectively use technology in their classrooms. As cloud use continues to grow this will bring change to the role of the integration specialist. As the saying goes the only think we can be sure of is there will be change.
ReplyDeleteI liked your comparison between integrating technology in the business market compared to education. I agree that technology is something that should be seamless and should not overshadow the learning and exploring. Being a technology integrator requires one to wear many hats!
ReplyDeleteYour insights gleaned from our last term's class #641 concerning libraries and the evolving role of the librarian, for example, is very accurate. As I have recently the MLIS curriculum at Drexel U., it is ALL about digital prowess and data management.
ReplyDeleteLikewise, all other educators must take note and follow suit! It is not about if and when...it is here, so prepare accordingly.
When it comes common core standards, NETS-A/T, and what our students now require to fully succeed,we must assert our research and technology skills. We are the leaders, the guides, the ones who set an inspiring tone to the classroom and that requires professional development on a regular basis.
You mentioned the seamless interface for your former clients? Well that same approach and attitude applies with our "educational clients."
In essence, educators must be connected to the requirements of the higher educational and business worlds in order to ethically lead, and very best prepare our students.
Thanks, as always, Debbie!
I agree. It seems that too often teachers and schools spend more time arguing about how technology will not work rather than just doing it with seamless integration as you have done in the business world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments regarding a good tool box, as well. With a good tool box, the technology integrator can use the appropriate tool(s) for any given situation to support and assist the teacher with technology integration into the curriculum.