2-1 Motivation

As a technology integrator, I would create a survey that lists various websites and programs and see how often teachers have used each.  By doing this, I could get a feel for different teacher’s comfort levels and experience.  Then, I’d like to do classroom walkthroughs to see what each teacher in a grade level is studying as well as what technology they already use on a daily basis (iPad, Elmo, laptop).  Finally, I’d like to sit in on content area meetings so I can hear about the upcoming units, content, and plans.  

Next, I’d brainstorm some ideas and bounce them off various teachers.  I’d ask if they’d like me to sit down and walk them through an integration tool or if they’d rather I introduce it to kids and have them watch.  They could also introduce it while I walk around the room and interject additional support or be there if a student asks a question with which the teacher needs support.  I would not go into a classroom and have the teacher use the time for anything but watching, assisting, teaching, or learning side-by-side with the students.  We have evolved from the old model when classroom teachers dropped their kids off in the computer lab and went to do something else.  Our 7th and 8th grade students have 1:1 computer that they can take home throughout the school year.  New to our district this year, every student in 2nd through 6th grade is also 1:1, but the computers remain at the school.  I would love to eventually work myself through each grade level so kids become more familiar with me and my role and don't just see the computer lab teacher as the "go to person" when something doesn’t work.  

In addition to modeling in classrooms and observing in content meetings, I’d like to hold weekly technology drop-by sessions so teachers who have time or ideas can use me to help write criteria or problem solve possible strategies for integration.  I’d like teachers to know my door is always open for collaboration and team-teaching.  Ideally, it would be great if I could hold a weekly technology content meeting per grade, but with time crunches the way they are now, I don’t see that working.  I actually foresee having to join teachers while they are on duty or eating lunch just to have some face to face time.  I also know how often teachers suddenly decide they want to try something new and need a resource.  My goal is to create a website or Diigo list that teachers could access when they want a fresh idea.  The website would be categorized by content and skill level (and whether or not kids have used it before and can then assist the process).  I'd love to see teachers willing to take risks and use me as their spotter or safety net.