Today we got to hear from Polly Brake. One main point I thought was useful, not only for being a technology coordinator, but for all teaching was to get the principals and administration of your school on your side and rooting for you. When it comes to professional development remember that teachers are like their age group. Meaning that elementary teachers act like their students, middle school teachers like their students, and high school teachers like their students. You also have your problem children within the groups and your champions. When it comes to technology it's about the students. If anyone can help, let them. The quicker you get things fixed the better for the students and the way they learn. A useful resource for the future is Teachertube.com. Today is only the second time I have heard of Mimio.
This will help me when I know answers to continue to remember to present those answers in a nonthreatening way so that others are not frustrated with my attempts to help. If I were ever to become a technology I now know not to start in the same way Ms. Brake did, but to take careful steps in the beginning so backtracking is not necessary later on. It is so useful to learn from others mistakes. I think if I was ever a technology coordinator I would love to be in a group such as the group that Polly meets with to share ideas and resources.
You seem to have gotten a lot out of her talk. Thanks!
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