Reading+Reflections,+Technology+Facilitator+Standard+I,+Technology+Operations+and+Concepts

While most teachers are committed to providing a high quality education, there is often resistance to change and fear of the unknown. In many cases, teachers’ concerns are valid. They are overworked, underpaid, and mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted by the demands of the job. Asking them to become deeply involved in and utilize new ways of thinking, new methods, and new resources can seem unfair. The visual—men and women draped in weights and anchors pushed into the deep end of a swimming pool and expected to stay afloat. A swim coach would never start the training that way! Effective leadership from technology facilitators and leaders is key. Learners of all ages need and deserve time to explore concepts and build skills. They must trust that the leadership with in-depth understanding is in place to support them as they try and fail. Teachers may start tentatively only by getting their feet wet, some may tread water, but eventually we want them all to have the confidence to dive in.

Recently, as I have ventured into the world of Educational Technology, I have recovered these training files from somewhere deep inside my cluttered brain and have made some meaningful connections. Web 2.0 resources are, to many Digital Immigrants, the deep end of the ocean. Many of today’s teachers are aware that there are some curious and wonderful things out there, but they think that they are ill-equipped to access them. Educational technology, and Web 2.0 more specifically, involves learning a new language, engaging in risk-taking, and utilizing new tools and methods. It all sounds rather time-consuming and frankly—scary!

 Campus and district leadership must step up and take an active role in preparing teachers for educating 21st Century learners. Comprehensive professional development delivered on-site by experts who provide relevant methods and techniques, on-going support and follow-up assistance, is crucial.

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). //Iste\'s technology facilitation and leadership standards, what every k-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Intl Society for Technology in educ.