Technology: In Plain English טכנולוגיה: באנגלית פשוטה: School IT Staff... Just another Brick in the Wall??

I was demonstrating the wonderful telecommuting device called Kubi (see a previous blog post) to a colleague of mine out east, when they confided that they felt under-appreciated by their school management - that they felt like they are just "another brick in the wall." Stuck with a new "ear-worm" in my head causing me to hum the Pink Floyd song with that same lyric, I asked my colleague what did they mean? Their answer was very telling.

You see, my confederate in technology and education, has more than one degree, is a master teacher with years of experience, has been on multiple innovation teams, spoken at regional educational conferences and yet is still introduced by their Head of School (HOS) as "the Techie." While I personally like being called "techie," I could completely understand where they were coming from!

Is this what you think of when you hear "Techie?"

From Wired Magazine (http://www.wired.com/2014/06/in-person-etiquette/)

In my many years in education (30 + now!!), most of that being involved with leading edge educational practises and technology, I have had the opportunity to work for and with many schools, colleges and universities. Those institutions that make their IT Director, Academic Technology Coordinator, Early Adopting Technology Teacher - whatever the title - part of the school's educational administrative team, tend to succeed at effective implementation and use of 21st century teaching skills and technology. Those that don't... Well, let's just say that they don't succeed as much as they could!

Some of the schools that I work with, have the idea that a technical expert will be consulted when there is a need. That was a good plan for ten years ago, but nowadays with the access to information and the rapid changes in the way the world does business, it is imperative that the technology leaders in the school have input at the start of the conversation. Imagine the time spent selecting an app/program/new educational innovation only to be told that the school WiFi can't handle the increased bandwidth!! In our current day and age, the IT and Academic Tech people that help make our schools successful, really should have a seat at the admin table. So, if you are an HOS or Principal, take uncle Yossie's advice and buy a coffee and donuts for your "techie" and then invite them to participate with the educational admin team.

Now, you are most probably thinking... "How do I understand what "my techie" is talking about??"

First, stop thinking of them as "techies!" Many of us are highly trained, multiple degreed teaching professionals - but I hear you.. so fear not, I have that covered as well!!

CIJE's Technology in Plain English is offering LIVE webcasts that cover the basics of key technology that every school can't be without.

The next session is on:

Tuesday, April 19, at noon PDT,

Where I will be hosting a panel on: Effective WiFi for your whole school.

I have just confirmed Clark Brandon, from the Arete Preparatory Academy (http://www.areteprep.org/) in Los Angeles will join us to share his experiences of creating a WiFi network in his school from "Zero" to "Full Coverage!" Arete Prep is a small private school (about 60 students) that has educational excellence and effective use of technology written in its DNA! Also joining us will be David Rackliff, the IT Director at EMEK Hebrew Day School (http://www.emek.org) where he just completed a full upgrade to the WiFi for their K-8 school of 740 students!

Please join us LIVE and... as always, I solicit your input on the blog site.

Yossie