Daily Archive

Today’s Question:  What positive action have I taken?

I have begun to sketch out a big project that I will prepare for work.  Being a Technology Integration Specialist (K-8), I am the frontline resource for tools, links, ideas, examples to bring tech into the curriculum.  Through my research for my graduate courses, personal research, info from NECC, and just plain talking to people, I have come up with a goal.

In essence, I wish to create a toolkit that includes:

• technology tools matrix
• 5 minute tips for staff meetings
• tri-fold brochures explaining a tool/resource
• step-by-step directions, with screenshots, for the more popular tools

Working with educators that are at a variety of levels of expertise & interest, I hope to cover all the bases.  The matrix will cover examples of activities in the classroom (e.g. produce a map), tech tools that could help with that process, and examples to extend the activity (publish an interactive map online).  There could be several tools/links for each activity.  This is an ambitious project, but once it is in place I think it can be updated regularly.  Almost like a very detailed bookmarking tool.

I have begun collecting information for the 5 minute tips.  This is not an original idea from me, but one that is regularly used in meetings… given just 5 minutes, provide some useful information on your area of expertise.

The tri-folds and steps will be time-consuming, therefore I will have to narrow my focus to tools and ideas that warrant the effort.  Also ones that would last for some time – not the flashy gizmos that are gone next month.

So, after all that – what positive action have I taken?  I like to think that I am working to advance my school’s technology integration initiative goals with a project that gives the teachers a tool they can really use.  Along with my support, the teachers should be able to make their own choices for what tech is used within their curriculum.  Right now, almost any action forward is positive.