February 2006 — MacAdemic/Mac Educator
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Enter the Tech Director
Getting to Tech Success
In essence, all three approaches—hands-on, back-end, or a blending of the two—can strongly influence the quality of classroom learning and the outcomes. Indeed, leadership and technology integration go hand in hand. While there are certainly plenty of examples of tech-savvy classroom teachers who manage to become tech-integration superstars, we shouldn’t expect teacher technology martyrdom to become the norm. Success and excellence, yes—but teachers need help. Technology directors, demonstrating appropriate leadership and keeping in close coordination with teachers, can be a leading force in balancing high-tech with high-joy; operation with celebration; and technology know-how with the right amount of directional support to help teachers leverage today’s technology tools for better learning.
“I encourage [districts] to consider a technology director’s use at whatever level best fits the situation,” Reed says. “And don’t ignore the potential that programs such as iLife, GarageBand, iChatAV, iWork, etc. can provide your students and faculty.” Reed suggests visiting a campus where students and teachers are doing great things with these tools. “See for yourself how we’re helping students learn—and helping them change the world.”
To learn more about the Apple Distinguished Educators profiled in this article, write to Julene Reed (julener@mac.com), Joseph Morelock (morelocj@canby.k12.or.us), or Tim Wilson (tim@technosavvy.org). Also, visit Tim Wilson’s blog, “The Savvy Technologist,” at (www.technosavvy.org).
Larry S. Anderson is the founder and director of the National Center for Technology Planning (www.nctp.com) in Tupelo, MS.
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