Community Support
As a technology specialist working both across year levels and with a team of specialists across the school, I need to be mindful of the entire community. I start as we have our young students do with the concrete and immediate and working outwards all the way to cyberspace where they need to learn how to manage safety issues and craft their digital footprints.
I have divided this up into these three categories to make a concise summary of this considerable responsibility.
I have divided this up into these three categories to make a concise summary of this considerable responsibility.
More thoughts on the role of an Educational Technology Coach
Having taught in the PYP for nine years I know collaboration depends on relationships and organization. Having taught MYP Technology for going on two years I know where students are heading and have successfully helped them make the transition between these programmes. As a technology specialist and coach I have integrated technology into colleague's classrooms and supported them en masse through in-school professional development and one-on-one throughout the implementation of units. I have piloted initiatives in support of digital portfolios for students and worked towards whole school skill building to this end.
As an International Baccalaureate Educator Network Workshop Leader I have helped others develop the understanding of the need to integrate technology authentically in their units of inquiry and not just for its own sake. In all of these roles I have strived to ensure that skills and understandings are planned for and developed both vertically across the year levels and horizontally throughout them.
The digital tools available continually change. Students need to be introduced to them and given the opportunity to use them to improve learning outcomes across the curriculum. The rationale for doing so should be the same as for all aspects of the learning that takes place in our schools. It is planned for and implemented because it enables students to develop the skills, conceptual understandings, knowledge and attitudes to take meaningful action and to participate fully in the world they inhabit.
As an International Baccalaureate Educator Network Workshop Leader I have helped others develop the understanding of the need to integrate technology authentically in their units of inquiry and not just for its own sake. In all of these roles I have strived to ensure that skills and understandings are planned for and developed both vertically across the year levels and horizontally throughout them.
The digital tools available continually change. Students need to be introduced to them and given the opportunity to use them to improve learning outcomes across the curriculum. The rationale for doing so should be the same as for all aspects of the learning that takes place in our schools. It is planned for and implemented because it enables students to develop the skills, conceptual understandings, knowledge and attitudes to take meaningful action and to participate fully in the world they inhabit.