My interview was conducted with a resource technology teacher. While she has many responsibilities her main focus is teaching the teachers how to use available technology in the classroom and getting the resources to support technology use in the classroom. The most important point made during the interview was that technology is used to support learning. With that thought in mind, the technology specialist suggested that prior to purchasing technology she had to research the practical use of the technology and make sure that many people could apply it to their classrooms. A part of her decision making process is research, and another part is getting teacher feedback through pilot programs and interviews. When purchasing technology it is important to understand how it will work and if it will work with the current system in place at the school. Technology in education should support teachers’ lessons and help the students to learn the state mandated standards. A technology specialist should not go out and purchase the newest technology simply because it is new. Technology should fit the needs of the school and should be investigated prior to purchase to ensure it will support the learning environment.
I like they way your technology person will run pilot programs and test things rather than blindly making a decision to approve or disapprove something without giving it another thought they way that our does. Not only that he tends to talk down to teachers (even when they are more technologically savvy than he is) and is generally unapproachable. How nice for you to have an actual "person" to work with that is willing to work with the staff instead of dictating restrictions to them.
ReplyDeleteI think the profession you interviewed has a very important job! As mentioned by my professional, it is extremely important to be adequately trained in technology use in order to have the technology benefit the students as well as the course. Therefore I also agree that technology is used to support learning. This a very important philosophy because it establishes the importance of how technology should be used to enhance the educational experience and not to merely take the place of it. Overall I feel as if your professional was a real "stickler" to the technology being valid. This is very important for not only the students and teachers but the teaching environment as a whole. It is great to see that such a thoughtful process goes into the purchasing of technology integration for school districts. Thank you for your post!
ReplyDelete