Teaching in a big, crowded high school, I sometimes feel like a small duck in a big pond. Our staff is physically, temporally and sometimes philosophically spread out which poses many challenges for helping teachers to integrate technology into their practice and supporting them in their journeys; clearly, a very important part of our jobs! Although idea of becoming a tech leader in a high-population school is exciting, it's a little daunting!
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Having 100+ teachers flocking my way for advice and ideas is enough to make me want to duck and cover! In a school such as mine, there are so many staff members with such diverse needs. Communication can be a real challenge... so where do I start?
Being lots of Rs:
In terms of responding to the needs of our staff, a big part of a SLMS' job is to be inquisitive and receptive! In addition to reaching out to staff, the National Library of New Zealand advises Teacher-Librarians to "Look for partners who are able to initiate change, have skills, strengths and influence that are complementary to your own and and are active users of the library."
In order to do this, it's important to be present at department meetings, committee meetings, collaborative meetings and pro D opportunities to connect with people both in groups and one-on-one. Each of these meetings presents an opportunity to listen to those who need our help and advice, take the time to understand their concerns, and then to find a way to make things work!
We also have to be willing to do some research in order to help others with concerns that may be beyond our current scope of knowledge. This means that although a SLMS may not have all the answers, they should be prepared to launch an inquiry: Go out and find them!
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In essence, we should be Receptive, Responsive, Resourceful Role-models!
On the "being a role model" front:
I got to thinking about the little things (routines, visibility, etc.) that a T-L or SLMS could do to encourage the exposure to and use of new and relevant technologies.
First off, I think that sharing what we've learned both with individual teachers, and with the staff as a whole is crucial! Bringing back knowledge from our own Pro-D activities and PLN should be right at the top of the list.
Our school already has a framework in place to make this happen. Each staff meeting we have a "staff sharing" presentation where staff members, alone or in groups, share what they've been doing with their Pro-D or Collaborative Planning time. I'm hoping to put together a presentation with the colleague who I will be attending the GAFE conference with for the following staff meeting.
Offering to host tutorials or in-school workshops on a particular technology is also a great way to increase exposure and demonstrate leadership. These can and have been done during Pro-D days, lunch hours and after school. A compelling presentation could encourage others to follow in your footsteps!
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Recognizing that many staff members have expertise to share is also an important part of the job. Organizing and Developing an "Ask Me!" list in the school can be a great idea. This is a good way to help connect teachers with tech questions to other staff members who have expertise with certain platforms, devices, programs or apps, and when they are available to help. A T-L could organize this through an online survey (yet another use for Google forms!) and then create a Google Doc or Sheet to be shared/edited by the staff. Most of our staff has a google sd61earn account, so this could be a great way to reach people who are already tech-curious. A T-L could also organize and moderate a school forum on the use of technology!
Finally, modeling curiosity and enthusiasm for our own discoveries, as well as the successes of other staff members is key.
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Works Consulted and Cited:
Mersand, Shannon. "Librarians Lead The Way In Edtech | Tech Learning".Techlearning.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.
National Library of New Zealand,. "Collaborations And Partnerships". Services to Schools. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.
Pappas, Chrisopher. "7 Tips On How To Use Forums In Elearning - Elearning Industry".eLearning Industry. N.p., 2015. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.
Well done and engaging blog post! Loved the on-going visual analogy of coordinating a flock of geese to get everyone moving in the same direction. Your "r"s are the perfect way to concisely focus our energies and ideas to best support as much of our school communities as possible. You've collected useful resources, highlighted potential challenges, reflected on your passions and abilities and presented an engaging narrative blog post full of media and great labels.
ReplyDeleteYou have included some really good ideas in your post. I totally agree with you when you state, "it is important to be present at department meetings, committee meetings, collaborative meetings and pro D opportunities to connect with people both in groups and one-on-one. Each of these meetings presents an opportunity to listen to those who need our help and advice, take the time to understand their concerns, and then to find a way to make things work!" I am doing the same at my school.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to increase my ability to truly collaborate with the teachers at my school and I really like your idea of "Ask Me" Google Doc.
Love your GIFs - too funny! Sounds like we are facing the same challenges in our schools. I also have found many interesting and helpful tips on the New Zealand resource sites. You have some helpful info on the Google doc idea - might have to steal that one!
ReplyDeleteI love your gif of the little duck paddling away frantically... that very nearly describes what I am feeling this week. And also at other times. But I recently heard a phrase that has helped me to put some of my paddling into perspective "The mundane prepares us for the magnificent."
ReplyDeleteWe don't know when something small we do will have a big impact on someone: maybe offer a new technology to a teacher in a way that makes sense for the first time, host a workshop that allows staff to feel both more competent and excited to use it, help a fellow teacher design a project-based unit that is engaging and successful. It's sometimes hard to see the big picture in our everyday paddling, but it is there, we just need to remember to look for it :)