As technology tools and applications are changing at such rapid speed, so is the role of the educator trying to integrate these technologies in their teachings of the curriculum. It is almost impossible to keep up with the newest trends in integrating these tools while staying abreast your specific curriculum/subject area at the same time. No wonder most teachers feel overwhelmed and even reluctant to take on yet another “chore” (wikis, blogs, social bookmarking, podcasting, etc…).

Technology Integration Facilitator to the Rescue (TIF)!

So far most schools have a “Computer Teacher” on staff. That teacher is usually responsible for staffing the computer lab, teaching all the classes the currently considered (by whom?) important software applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and run from classroom to classroom to troubleshoot network or hardware issues. Needless to say these computer teachers are overwhelmed. Some schools have hired an additional full time position that solely takes care of the troubleshooting issues of staff/ administration and keeping the network/hardwork current and running. That still leaves a void in the area of helping classroom teachers integrating technology into their curriculum areas. Someone that

• is familiar with the school’s technology resources and budget.
• has had classroom experience as a teacher
• is familiar with pedagogy, teaching and learning methods
• has the capabilities of passing “geekish” technology terms and concepts on to non-techie faculty, staff and adminsitration.
• has the time to invest in reading and going to proffesional development opportunities to stay abreast current trends.

Someone like that could fill this void and bring true technology integration to the schools and classrooms, by thinking of ways, teaching and following up with teachers while co-teaching with them in the classroom and until they become comfortable in continuing on their own with a particular technology tool. Mark Hofer, Barbara Chamberlin and Tammy Scot in “ Fulfilling the Need for a Technology Integration Specialist” define a technology integration specialist as a :

school-based position whose primary concern is empowering teachers to harness the power of technology integration for student learning.

What are your thoughts on the responsibilities and duties of a Technology Integration Facilitator? I would love to hear from your experience. What are you responible for at your school? What do you feel should NOT be in your job description? What would make your life easier as a TIF?

RESPONSIBILITIES of a TIF: (based on Fulfilling the Need for a Technology Integration Specialist ’s list)

• Design, create and maintain school’s website by keeping the goal of parent-school communication, extended learning opportunities, interface to outside resources, as well as global collaboration in mind.
  
  
• Collaborate with teachers to support their use of technology in delivery of curricula through a variety of instructional methods. In partnership, the TIF and the teacher will work toward integrating the use of hardware, software and Internet resources in support of student learning and assisting teachers in meeting state and national standards for subject-area and technology-learning objectives.
  
  
• Create learning resources for teachers, staff and students. These may include web sites, blogs, wikis, tutorials, and interactive programs that support teachers in integrating technology. Ideally, teachers will be guided and encouraged to develop their own resources, while the TIF will support these efforts by providing additional support as needed.
  
  
• Structure the technology education of teachers. Though the TIF may not directly conduct all training, lab work or classes regarding computer use, he or she will coordinate instruction to meet technology proficiency goals. Additional instruction of parents or community members may also strengthen students’ technology skills.
  
  
• Consult on the technology budget for computer resources, including hardware, software, learning resources and training needs.
  
  
• Recommend and, in some cases, purchase hardware, software and related resources.
  
  
• Identify trends in software, curriculum, teaching strategies and other educational areas.
  
  
• Assess technology skill levels of students, teachers and staff.
  
  
• Create, maintain and oversee integration of the school’s technology plan with a technology committee.

Posted: 10. September, 2006 at 9:39 am. Filed under: Uncategorized.
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