EdTech Integration Teacher

[Helen Back]

I don't have a tech degree, but would be interested in getting into a more tech heavy role. I'm primary, but also interested in middle school.

What exactly is the role of a tech integrator and what qualifications could take me in that direction? Thanks

[teacher tan]

Depends on the school. EdTech folks at obsolete schools (even some tier 1s) simply fix basic issues relating to student laptops, SMART Boards, share apps, store and distribute iPads/chromebooks upon request and offer minimal PD/troubleshooting sessions once a year. On the other hand, elite schools in Asia expect you to know the stuff like the back of your hand. Here is what the real job looks like:

Students

Assist in managing student technology issues as promptly as possible, as they arise. If this involves coordination with IT due to software/hardware needs, communication and follow-through should be detailed and prompt.
Work with faculty to ensure that source texts (novels for English, textbooks for other departments) are as accessible as possible (through Audible.com,Learning Ally, or Kurzweil). In the case where source documents are not accessible, work with assigning faculty to facilitate accessible versions.
Facilitate installation, support and training for students in speech to text/text to speech needs through Read and Write for Google, as well as Google Apps STT engine.
Facilitate installation, support and training for students to effectively utilize Google Apps for Education, particularly Google Drive and Google Classroom
Working knowledge of Chromebooks, and a broad-based knowledge of apps/platforms for learning engagement a plus

Faculty

Push into classrooms in order to observe and support students and faculty technology use.
Facilitate installation, support and training for faculty to effectively utilize available technology solutions
Facilitate and manage peripheral technology (interactive whiteboards, scanners, cameras, and projection appliances) which can be used in a classroom setting to create subject matter, or enrich the learning experience
Facilitate installation, support and training for faculty to effectively utilize content creation tools integratable with the interactive whiteboards in every classroom. The goal is that every teacher can deliver a multisensory, accessible curriculum.
Help with general technology literacy, vet and provide documentation and self-help resources

Community

Maintain documentation and resources on ms.marymcdowell.net
Help facilitate documentation of student/classroom work for school publications
Collaborate with IT and other division Ed-Tech coordinators on larger school-wide technology initiatives
Engage in professional development opportunities to bring new technology and methods back to MMFS

(Source: http://www.marymcdowell.org)

Michigan state offers excellent courses online. http://education.msu.edu/cepse/maet/
A friend who completed master's from here (also, quite experienced) is now director of tech at a tier 1 school in SE Asia.

[Helen Back]

Hmm, interesting. I can do a fair amount of that already. Thanks.

[Frenchie]

Hi there. I am a Tech. Integration Teacher and I run into the issue all the time that teachers think I am also IT. I know a bit about hardware, but not enough to warrant troubleshooting most issues. We have a technical dept. for that. That being said, I don't feel an IT person can also effectively teach tech. integration to teachers and students. We are responsible for teaching students ways to effectively show content knowledge using a variety of applications, not merely putting them on games. We also help teachers with ways to integrate tech. into their lessons. I learned a lot from Twitter, listen to podcasts and teach myself new things, but I also went back to school to get my Specialist Degree in Media and Instructional Technology so I could move into more of a Coach role.

I started by following many people on Twitter and started using many different Google Tools and iPad applications and the integration just took off from there. It also helps to know basic Coding. I enjoy lessons a lot more with technology integration. Good Luck with your Search!

[shadowjack]

Helen Back - you don't need a tech degree, although in today's day and age it might be more beneficial. At the same time, it is still an area where ability can count more than your academic paper. I was fortunate enough to get into teaching technology back in the day when there weren't many qualification programs and have just kept with it, branching into different tech areas. What is said seems reasonable, although Chromebooks are not as big internationally as domestically because they are really limited (being tied to the Google environment) compared to a full Windows/Mac school. As well, they are quite dependent on Internet connection so in many countries they are not efficient - and in countries where they are, for a couple of hundred more you get a more robust machine based on Win10.

If you are planning on being at an IB schools, Google Classroom will be redundant, because most full IB schools will expect all work to be on Managebac. Having multiple LMSs running is confusing to students, especially in MYP and DP where everything is delivered through Managebac. At PYP, Classroom can be used, but teachers see more value in Seesaw, to be honest. Managebac in PYP is more for parents, admin and the PYP coordinator. G-Suite - Slides, Sheets, Docs, Forms and more, are extremely useful to know and to be able to teach to students and staff. At the same time, it is not necessary to be a Google Certified Educator (I am not, although I could probably pass their test. I just can't be bothered).

What WILL you be expected to know? A range of technologies at different levels to assist teachers and students. Working knowledge of the ISTE standards and how to apply them and train teachers, students, and admin in them. Troubleshooting of simple technology problems (more complex hardware issues will be technicians and Tech Director and all network issues will be Tech Director and technicians. If you want to move in that direction, an MCSE is vital.

You will be expected to introduce robotics and coding if it is not already in place, sponsor hour of code, do some type of tech after school activity, know about Spheros and Beebots, possibly know how to set up a MakerSpace, make contributions to tech purchases such as 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, CNC equipment (for schools with design/Maker departments), and more. If the school has a vibrant media program, you should know about video editors both Mac and PC (although Mac is dominant, with Final Cut and iMovie being choice, along with Adobe AfterEffects for add ons. You might also be asked for, or have to, make recommendations for video and sound system purchases, green screen options (self-built and painted to ready made purchases of portable systems). You might also be responsible for managing and supervising people in your department depending on the level you are working at.

You should also be familiar with MS educational technologies and software. Microsoft has an amazing range of educational software and hardware and there are a lot of uses for it. Being familiar with OneNote and its capabilities, looking at Excel and Word and PowerPoint and knowing them, are important. For HS programs, knowing MS Access will be important because it ties in with Computer Studies. If you are into programming, knowing some basic programs such as Arduino for electronics, Vexx for robotics, Python and Java for Computer Science, HTML, CSS, Ajax and others for web design and programming will also go a long way.

Basically, the more versatile you are and the more you can bring to the table, the greater your chances of being hired. Even with no formal title, having the experience and capability will open doors for you when you look to move on. I've been fortunate in my career to gain a wide range of experience in different curricular areas that made me very versatile, which schools like, and which gives me a vision that I can apply to many different schools based on where they are in terms of technology use and integration.

I hope this helps!

Shad

[Frenchie]

Wow!Shadowjack! you have some impressive skills. I certainly can't beat that. I am hoping to find a lower primary position and hope my tech skills are at least beneficial and helpful to others and students. It seems IT schools regard highly a variety of skill sets for a technology job which I don't think I am quite there yet. Thanks for the input - much appreciated.

[shadowjack]

Thanks Frenchie. Most is self-taught. I just like technology - and can learn it faster than my students. LOL It REALLY is lifelong learning, though. Every position is something new, new learning, and creating different models. I have been fortunate to be around for awhile and work at a range of very different schools that have allowed me to experiment, develop, and grow in my courses. I wish the same for you and Helen Back too!

[PsyGuy]

Tech Integration ITs is mostly a non-classroom appointment, its primarily working with ITs to actively use technology tools in instruction. This means educating ITs on technology, and getting buy in from them to design lessons around and with the technology, then provide the support for them to implement and execute it. Its not really working with students thats what the ICT IT does, its not doing tech support on hardware or software thats what technology coordinators and techs do.
Managebac is a SAS package thats primarily works with curriculum mapping, asst and reporting. Its not like Google Classroom which is classroom tools and a suite of productivity tools. Google Classroom is a classroom tool, Managebac is a coordination tool. Aside from that lost of ISs that arent IB ISs or have various degrees of IB implementation use Google Classroom.

You dont need a tech degree, you need to demonstrate you can add value. A tech degree would be more relevant if you wanted to be a tech director, otherwise its going to be overkill. Google Educator is a good start and has a low barrier to entry. Apple has a similar Apple Teacher certification. Microsoft has their certified educator program, but ISs that use WIN tend to be more old school.

I disagree with @SJ, robotics, and coding is the province of the DT/CSI IT, maybe the science/physics IT its not something a tech integrator does, its staff technology coach tasking.

You will mostly spend your daily tasking working on technology integration projects with individual ITs, general training resources for ITs, being a point of contact for curriculum design and lesson planing that integrates technology. Looking for new resources, and distributing them to ITs.

[shadowjack]

Actually, for those in the know, Microsoft has made huge strides in educational software. But, as one rep said to me, "We're crap at advertising ourselves." Most schools still have Word or Office licences and there are a ton of schools in China that are wedded to Office 365 due to China's dislike of Google. MS products are still important to know in terms of international school technology and there are certifications for that too.

[PsyGuy]

@SJ

A lot of those ISs with those office licenses are old school type ISs, when a IS describes themselves as a 1:1 program and technology across the curriculum its apple hardware with Google Classroom and either Managebac or Power School. Its iPads and Mac Books, its not Surface Pros and WIN iDeaBooks. when you look at those ISs ho dont have tech integration its WIN PCs for business functions and general operations.
I did identify that Microsoft has an educator certification program. Yes you need to be proficient with Microsoft productivity suite, and hile there are ITs who dont know how to use Power Point its an increasingly smaller pool of ITs who dont know how to use word, or excel, etc.

[Helen Back]

Thanks, guys. Great info. I've always leaned toward tech at school and been known as the one person who might have the answer when all else fails, although I've never had an official position. My interest level went up when I attended a Google App Event in September and exploded when I signed up for Twitter (which I had avoided like the plague for years). Twitter is such an amazing resource. In four months I followed 600 people and 200 are followed me. They are all edtech, Maker and STEAM people. I've purposely kept the focus narrow. The amount of information coming at me right now is immense. There's no way I can keep up with it.

So, I already have the first Google Cert. I'm planning on doing Cert 2 in the next three months. After that, I'm not sure what to do. The Microsoft cert might be a good option, although I have tried to wean myself off Microsoft as much as possible (I do realise they are very good at some things). ISTE is doing some kind of certification conference in Hong Kong every February, starting this year. Then I've got to get on the code thing, which I've never really gotten into and the kids are always way ahead of me in code.org and Scratch.

The Michigan masters looks good as does the MET at the University of British Columbia, but as we are heading to the fairs in Jan 2020, that'll have to wait. I'm really looking at micro-credentials, things I can pick up to put on my resume.

I've bought a bunch of books; Hyperdoc Handbook, Bold School, Ditch the Textbook, Disruptive Classroom Technologies, the Google Infused Classroom and more. I'm slowly nibbling through them.

I teach geometry and gardening as clubs, I'm the Year 5/6 STEM leader and, as a result of comments here and other places, I am now doing a woodwork club with another teacher.

Also thinking about doing the Making the PYP Happen course, but not sure if its worth it.

Anything else I can do? Thanks again.

[shadowjack]

Haha - Avoid the 'Making the PYP Happen' course and save yourself the 600 bucks or so.

But think about attending your NESA or equivalent conference and take all you can on the tech side there. Network. I follow several people I met at conferences and workshops and they are amazing! Put your hat in the ring to present - it will get you out there and looks great on your CV. I have presented at several conferences over the years and used that to highlight my tech skills and training ability.

[PsyGuy]

@Helen Back

::sigh:: Twitter....

I would also agree with @SJ MTPYPH isnt worth the resources, and I dont see any IB workshop for a Ed.Tech being worth the effort. The MS exam is somewhat pricey, the Apple Teacher program is free.

You dont really need to develop any coding expertise, its not really what Ed.Techs do, and as I rote before an Ed.Tech masters is overkill.
For the time frame you have Id look into three activities:

1) If your state has a technology credential available, and you can do that though an asst. look into it.
2) Add the Lvl.2 Google Classroom, Apple, and the MS certifications, they are quick, easy and very cost effective for the line items you get to put on your resume.
3) Start looking at constructing a digital portfolio of what you can do as an Ed.Tec, put together a plan for a 1:1 IS or classroom, create some training materials in something like Adobe, some training videos youd give ITs about integrating some technology in a classroom, some help documents or guide. Show them what you can do, what you can add.
4) If you really want more coursework, I would take a look at the EdX Micro Masters in Instructional Design and Technology from Uni. Maryland, its about USD$700 for the 4 course program with for the μM, but you can sit the four courses and get a course completion certificate for free, its open admissions, no applications, and to of the courses already started but you could still slide into it if you did some work. At $180 a course thats for graduate credit thats less than the cost of UPe. The entire program finishes before the 2019 AY.

https://www.edx.org/micromasters/instru ... is-program

[shadowjack]

PsyGuy wrote:
> @SJ
>
> A lot of those ISs with those office licenses are old school type ISs, when
> a IS describes themselves as a 1:1 program and technology across the
> curriculum its apple hardware with Google Classroom and either Managebac or
> Power School. Its iPads and Mac Books, its not Surface Pros and WIN
> iDeaBooks. when you look at those ISs ho dont have tech integration its WIN
> PCs for business functions and general operations.
> I did identify that Microsoft has an educator certification program. Yes
> you need to be proficient with Microsoft productivity suite, and hile there
> are ITs who dont know how to use Power Point its an increasingly smaller
> pool of ITs who dont know how to use word, or excel, etc.

@PG - you'd be surprised... Surface Pros, especially the Pro2, are a lovely machine. There are still many schools with a WIN backbone, but it's BYOD and, even though many students choose MAC, the backbone and everything behind it is PC, and a significant minority of students are still PC. In the classes I visit, I would guesstimate it ranges from 30% Mac/60% PC to 65-70% Mac and 30% PC. Interestingly enough, MAC students tend to be the middle of the 6-12 curve...

[shadowjack]

Actually, if you want some free training (and get MIE badges, which wow people) to want look at programs for MS educators, go to https://education.microsoft.com/microso ... s/overview

Also check out the rewards tab. I do badges - just can't really be bothered to do the certifications although I guess I should.

MS has a TON of really neat stuff - and the sad thing is, as the guy I spoke to said, "They're crap at promoting it."