As much as it is time consuming to post things in this blog, I find it very healthy and helpful. This blog has helped me stay focused and motivated. It has directed me and forced me to reflect on what is going on and search through my own experiences and thoughts. As mentioned earlier, the edtech world can be a lonely one. There are so many things I miss about the classroom…...from the student smiles, daily positive reinforcement from the kids, student energy and kindness to the feeling of daily success that occurs when a lesson is complete. Seeing this role involves a lot of listening and coaching people through their struggles I am unable to talk through my own struggles. Through this blog, I feel I am telling/talking to others and almost shouting it out. I hope others can relate. I would love for some feedback. If you ever have any ideas or additional thoughts, please share. Good, bad, ugly? As much as I love positive feedback, it’s the negative stuff that really allows us to grow and become better and stronger.
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As the week’s are continuing on, I am beginning to question my title. The title on my contract reads “Technology Integration Specialist”. For weeks I have been calling myself a “Technology Instructional Specialist” only to find out that is not even what I am titled by the district. As a result, I began to question my title and what I am doing, feel I should be doing and expected to do. There is a lot of gray. I have been hired to integrate the technology, yet in order to integrate the technology with a purpose there needs to be a deep understanding of the instruction and curriculum. As much as I try to grasp 8 different curriculums (content areas of 6th and 7th grade) it’s pretty overwhelming and a big juggle. Being effective is essential for me. Many times I question my effectiveness. It has been difficult to digest everything that is coming my way. That is where the question of my title really comes into play. It’s not about the technology, rather the transformation. Technology needs to be integrated to ENHANCE instruction, not just integrated to be integrated. Many teachers see me as a resource provider. I don’t feel effective being just a resource provider.
My personal thoughts are in order to fully serve the 21st century child, there needs to be a shift in teaching and learning. Where does the teacher stand in this shift? What is the student’s role and the teacher’s role? How do both roles play a part in the final outcome of achievement? And what is my role in all of this???? I have had the opportunity to chat with several amazing teachers about the question of exactly what are we doing? The conversations have been insightful, filled with passion and intensity. These teachers care about what is happening! Even though there is some resistance to the change, their passion for learning and achievement is clear. So the question becomes, how do we go to more of a student centered environment and maintain the same quality of learning? What does the teacher’s role look like in this environment? How can the teacher be even more impactful? Many classrooms are not differentiated. It is more of a one size fits all. How do we become more of the “guide on the side”? How do we expect problem solving? It is time for the students to lead through personal discovery and pave the way while we enrich and support on the side. They need to be able to critically think, problem solve and create new ideas. This funny video really sums it up.........I Choose C So what is the title? Edtech? Technology Integration Specialist? Instructional Coach? Teacher? Transformational Leader? Technology Coordinator? Resource Provider? I am not sure….you tell me. |
AuthorHi! My name is Michelle Kenefick and this is my first year as a Technology Integration Specialist for a K-12 district in the Chicago suburbs. Prior to becoming an EdTech, I taught 5th grade students for 15 years. I had the opportunity to be a part of a 1:1 implementation my final year as a classroom teacher. The collaboration, critical thought, creativity and love for learning that occurred in those few months was empowering. Archives
February 2015
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