Technology+Facilitator+Standard+III+Reflection


 * Reflection on Technology Facilitator Standard III: Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum **

While many teachers know how to use technology, using it to facilitate learning requires a new set of skills. Pitler, Hubbell and Kuhn (2007) state that “Integrating technology into instruction tends to move classrooms from teacher-dominated environments to ones that are more student centered.” As a technology leader, it is my job not only to train teachers in the use of technology, but in its use as an instructional tool. Data suggests that while today’s student both desire and need engaging, media rich learning experiences to maximize their learning potential, schools are falling short of meeting that need (Williamson and Redish, 2009). My school is a highly regarded magnet school, but falls short in integrating technology. My challenge is to utilize the Technolgoy Facilitator Standard III to help bridge the gap between how students want to learn and how we are teaching.

One step I took was the simple act of installing software on school library computers that allow students to access textbooks in a text to speech format. This software was usually reserved for special education students, but once I discovered that it was available to all students; and that all the district textbooks were available in this format, I made it accessible. This is a small step, but for the student who is an auditory learner, he or she now has a tool. If a teacher assigns a reading passage, the student has the option to read it, listen to it, or both.

For the teacher who wants to provide computers for instruction, we have laptop carts. I want teachers to use them, so I have made it easy as possible to request a cart, and have provided tips to solve most common problems (can’t connect to the internet, touchpad disabled, no sound), and have preloaded software for teachers when requested. And, I never fuss at them when they request a cart at the last minute. If it’s available, it’s theirs. That’s my job.

My principal is supportive of providing funds for the latest technology and staff development. To further my knowledge of best practices and the latest research on technology integration, and to assist me in developing our technology plan and budget, I attended sessions at Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA) as well as Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI:ME). What was interesting about these sessions was that they modeled technology as a teaching tool. Sessions were set up with computers, with discussion sessions going on simultaneously online, and hand outs available via a website – no paper! These were valuable experiences as the sessions were led by educators who have already successfully integrated technology to achieve student learning.

Using the ideas and experience from my courses at Lamar, and my internship, I have been in collaboration with some teachers to help make some major changes in the way we use technology in the coming year, to take the step past using technology to teaching with technology.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., & Kuhn, M. (2012). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works// (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.