An Introduction to Instructional Technology (and my job as an ITF)

When people talk about the term Instructional Technology, often people are left wondering what that is, exactly.  I'd like to break down my understanding of it, along with a brief explanation of my responsibilities as an Instructional Technology Facilitator (ITF).

Instructional technology literally refers to any device or technology service that is used for instructional reasons.  It's probably best explained by giving examples, so here are some of the instructional technology resources available to teachers at the elementary school where I work:

• SmartBoards/Projectors
• Document Cameras
• iPads
• iPod Touches
• Laptops (Apple and Dell)
• Desktop Computers
• Computer Carts

Each of my teachers has access to all or most of the devices listed above, and they are encouraged to incorporate them into their instruction in organic and meaningful ways.  Other things I'd consider falling under the umbrella of instructional technology are services like various websites our school subscribes to (BrainPOP, Learning Farm, and Big Universe are a few favorites).  I add these under the same category because they facilitate instruction and they generally require the use of one of the devices listed above.

I'm fortunate to work in a technology-rich school district.  We spend our technology money wisely and aim to keep as much technology available to our teachers as possible.  (Please don't mistake this as a sign that we are an affluent area; my school is a Title I school with more than 70% of our kids on free and reduced lunch.  We are simply a rural district that knows how to utilize the state and federal assistance we're given.)

As an ITF, my responsibilities fall into a few different areas.  It's worth noting that different schools in my district treat my position in different ways at their sites.  A lot is dependent upon the funding (or lack thereof).  Here's how I'd break down my major responsibilities as an ITF at my school:

• I teach classes to all students (K-5) in the computer lab.  I see each class for one 45-minute session each week.  I cover topics like Internet safety, cyberbullying, and other skills covered by the NC Information and Technology Essential Standards. I also do my best to integrate content that's grade level specific into my classes, like doing research projects that tie to Social Studies or Science standards.
• I am a resource for the teachers (and administrators) at my school.  I offer one-on-one support as needed and work with teachers to help ensure that the equipment they have access to is being used as innovatively and effectively as possible.  (In the past, I had a TA to cover my classes 1-2 days a week, but our budget didn't allow for this position to be kept this year, so I no longer have time where I'm not teaching unless my classes are canceled altogether.)
• I lead professional development sessions for the staff on topics relating to technology policies and procedures for the county, along with other technology related topics, like using Google Applications or other resource training.
• I manage the technology for our building--I trouble shoot what I can, and have a technician who handles the more intricate technology issues that I'm unable to solve alone.  He serves our school along with 3 others and rotates through our sites each week.

I also serve on other committees and help with other things throughout the school, so it's safe to say I'm kept good and busy in this job.  I like the fact that I still get interaction with the kids, but I also really enjoy getting to work with the staff.  It's a new facet of this job (outside of managing the technology) that I have discovered that I really like doing.

I think that'll do for now.  I'm going to be working on adding entries to this blog on a fairly regular basis, but I thought it was important to properly define what I'm about and what my job entails.

I'll be back soon with more Instructional Technology (and other stuff).

So. This is new. (Kind of.)

Confession time: I'm sort of a blog-starting addict.

I've done it probably at least half a dozen times.  Started a blog, gotten it going, kept it up for at least a few months (sometimes longer), and then...I get bored.  I stop posting.  I find all kinds of reasons why I don't have time to write.

I'd say this time will be different, but I'm just getting started, so realistically--I'm not sure just yet.

I guess we'll start from the beginning and move forward from there.

My name is Marlee.  I'm 28 years old and I live in a tiny little town that most folks haven't ever heard of unless they've lived here at some point in their lives.  I didn't grow up here, but I've called this place home since 2010, and I'm pretty sure that after 5 years of living in a place, you become officially part of the place.

I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Western Carolina University in 2008, and since then I've been teaching.  I spent a couple of years in my home county, and after a less-than-great experience at a school there--a long story better left untold--I was given the opportunity to start over here in the tiny hamlet where I now have lived for 5 years.

In terms of teaching experience, I taught 3rd grade for 5 years, spent a year in 4th grade, and then was presented an opportunity in the form of an unexpected phone call from my principal over the summer of 2013.

"How would you feel about coming on as our Instructional Technology Facilitator?"

I've always enjoyed using technology with my students, but this wasn't a path I had considered.  Our previous ITF had left unexpectedly when an opening appeared at a school that was closer to home for her, and my principal was left to fill a fairly important position, hoping to pull someone who already knew the building/equipment/staff well.

The first hurdle to making the decision was knowing that it meant I'd either have to get a Graduate degree or at minimum a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology.  This meant time and money going into another degree.  The good news was that I had a year from the date of my starting the position to enroll in a program, so I didn't have to figure all of that out right away.

Once I came around to the idea of being in school again, it seemed like a great opportunity.  I'd been in the classroom for 6 years, and as many folks who've worked in education know, 5 years in is usually when people fall victim to burnout and leave the profession.  I wasn't burned out, but I could see the possibility of it approaching on the horizon.  Taking a position that shifted me out of the classroom into the computer lab, and also that presented the opportunity for me to work with the staff in my school in a new capacity seemed like an exciting and welcome change.

So I dove in, and a year and a half later, here I am still.  This job is a challenge, but I enjoy it immensely.  At this point, I couldn't imagine having not made the choice to take it on.

I began my Masters degree program with East Carolina University over last summer, and at this point, I'm about to finish up my fifth and sixth courses in the program.  If all goes according to plan, I should have the entire program complete by the end of 2016.

This is becoming quite a novel, so let me get to why I started yet another blog.

Basically, through my reading and learning in my Graduate degree coursework, the idea of professionally centered blogs have come up a number of times.  I find this idea intriguing, and I'd like to try my hand at creating a blog where I can talk about and explore things related to my degree and my job in general.  I hope to open up a dialogue about new tools I discover, things I try out in the lab with my kids, and experiences I have along the way.

If you're an educator, or you're interested in learning about the ever-expanding field of Instructional Technology, hang around.  Maybe together we can learn a thing or two.