The Role of the Technology Integration Specialist

In my previous studies, I learned that a technology integration specialist is much like a curriculum, math, or literacy coach. Their main job is to help the students with staff with training and implementing

various technological devices and tools into their curriculum. The technology integration specialist is to also help students learn how to effectively and responsibly use technology. The majority of our early elementary students will likely come to our schools with experience with technology.  They may use their parent’s iPad, computer, or Smartphone to play games or utilize various apps to learn basic knowledge. Because of their student’s familiarity with technology, educators should always seek ways and methods to integrate technology to help their students better relate to the curriculum. Technology integration specialists should also seek to use technology whenever possible because these will be the same tools that the students will use once they enter the workforce. Technology integration specialists should also help students practice responsibility and digital citizenship.  Students will need to understand not only how to use these tools in an effective manner but acceptable use and responsibilities that come with their use.

It is not enough that we teach students how to responsibly use technology; we must also help our fellow teachers do the same.  Many of the teachers in our schools are digital immigrants, meaning they did not grow up with modern technology. Some teachers may fully embrace these new technologies while others may be extremely reluctant to implement their use in the classroom. The technology integrator must deliver effective professional development, model, coach, and encourage teachers to use these new technologies to better prepare our students. 

The technology integration specialist will also have to work closely with the district information technology department to acquire new technologies and develop ways to integrate those in the curriculum. As school budgets may already be thin, this may involve quite a bit of creativity. The integration specialist may consider grant writing, partnerships, donations, and/or fundraising efforts to acquire expensive tools. In order for specialists to be able to do this, we must be well-informed and have a preconceived notion and plan for implementation once this tool is acquired.

Even though the physical hardware and access is essential, technology integrators should be concerned less about the individual devices and more of how these devices are used in the classroom. David Warlick states, "21st century learning is about the experience, not about the tools you are using. The experience defines the tools, not the other way around" (2010). One way to think about this by using the example of a pencil. A pencil is a simple tool made of wood, graphite, metal, rubber, and paint. It, by itself, cannot do anything other than take up space. It is the user of the tool that can manipulate it to sketch a portrait, solve a math problem, or write an essay. Likewise, it is not the tool itself that the technology integrator should focus on, but rather how they will be used. 

Reference:

Warlick, D. (2010, August 16). Technology for 21st Century Learning: Part 1 : 2¢ Worth. Retrieved from http://2cents.onlearning.us/?p=2712