I believe I could be a succesful technology leader because I feel that I now meet the requirements as per the text. Prior to Ed 589 and reading the first chapter of the text, I would have thought that I did not have enough technical background. I did not have a full understanding of what makes up a technology leader. I did not know of the multifaceted characteristics a tech leader needed. Now, after reading the text, I see that though limited in my technical background I meet and exceed all of the other characteristics held by quality technology leaders. I do have a full dedication to learning and strive to input as much technology as I can in my day to day classroom activities. I believe my interpersonal skills are actually one of my best assests, and therefore can relate and support other educational professionals in the utilization of technology. As for the technical background, the text elludes to the fact that much of what you learn is on the go with my trouble shooting by trial and error.
Many of the challenges that I feel I would face are actually challenges that I see first hand at my current district. Too many times things are being integrated at the wrong time. Example ~ Updating our server the first 2 weeks of school, as opposed to having it completed and trouble free before the school year. Another challenge is the support for the technology. My district has many technological advantages but limited in the professionals to support the teachers for there proper utilization. Finally, I still see many teachers that are reluctant to incorporate technology for a vast amount of reasons (never working properly, no support, just a feeling of inadequacy with technology).
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI too lack a solid technical background in computers/programming. Most of what I have learned over the years in fixing computers and working with computers has been through trial and error.
As a technology coordinator, I forsee constant challenges. When in the position, I would prioritize technology issues every day into 3 categories: needs to be done immediately, needs to be done soon (tomorrow), and can be addressed in the near future (next week). I think much of the job you will learn while "on the job." I have found teaching to work the same way. I learned a lot of theory in college, but I learned more from actually doing it on a daily basis.
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI definitely got the same feeling out of the text that your technical ability is not the most important skill to have. It seems like you need a basic knowledge but not an in depth one on computer technology. The fact that you need to be more well rounded and be able to do a little of everything makes a lot of sense. I am sure over time that if someone is in this field they will build up quite a bit of technology know how.