A1:
Craig Ellison
Executive Director of Technology for Floyd County Schools
1st certified Instructional Technologist in Floyd County Schools circa 2007
Presenting screencasting using WINK at GaETC in 2006
#TECHtalkGA
A1: Kris Plummer, Digital Learning Specialist for Jefferson City Schools. I love teaching, and I'm also a huge geek who loves computers. The rest is history. #TechTalkGA
A1
Ryan White
Instructional Technology Coordinator for Floyd County Schools
My dad was a tech lab teacher, so I've been exposed to it all my life.
#TECHtalkGA
Hollie Sisk from Southeast GA. (Somewhere b/w Statesboro and Savannah) I fell in love with #edtech in 2002 when I started teaching my resource Ss how to find and use the resources available to them in order to be successful! #TECHtalkGA
Rhonda from Gwinnett. LSTC at Lanier HS. I was the teacher who loved trying new things once a computer came in the classroom, so I started with team newsletters and websites. #gwinchat#techtalkga
A1: Matt Body, Instructional Support Specialist, DeKalb County. I started researching personalized learning and fell down the rabbit hole. Tech is not going anywhere, so we need to find ways to incorporate into our instruction. #TECHtalkGA
Justin Mewborn ITS Vickery Creek Middle School. When I started teaching a brand new class called Enrichment at my prior school. Really opened my eyes. #TECHtalkGA
A1: MaryEllen West/ Gwinnett/ local school tech coordinator/ clicker response systems was probably the first thing that introduced me. Shared with others and it all went on from there =) #techtalkga
#TECHtalkGA Q2: If you’re currently working in Instructional Technology, share how you got here.
If you’re in the classroom but trying to become an ITS, why do you want to make the switch?
A1: Good evening #TECHtalkGA friends. I fell into the world of #edtech once I landed the inaugural role of Music Tech teacher in @GwinnettSchools at Mill Creek High.
I started integrating the tech I was using in Music Tech w/ my Spanish 1 and 2 classes and the rest is history!
A1: Sarah, 6th grade ELA teacher in Forsyth County. I'm not sure what got me started - maybe watching my kids so excited to try out our smart board way back when? #TECHtalkGA
A1: I’m Jaime, Spanish Teacher in a 1:1 school just north of the border. Was introduced to tech in schools by my spouse and 22 yr old son about 8yrs ago. #TECHtalkGA
I'm mostly going to lurk and learn. I'm a part of the amazing Floyd County Schools. Ed tech has always been my way of thinking. Starred on that Apple 2e in high school #TECHtalkGA
School building leadership position as Special Education team leader then got a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology. Guess I had my toes in the water with some leadership experience and working with teachers + EdTech = ITS #techtalkga
A2: I'm currently in #edtech.
I actively sought out ways to transform my class using technology. When a position came open, I didn't think that I had a shot, but I took the calculated risk and put my hat in the ring. Now @thecraigellison
puts up with me daily.
#TECHtalkGA
A2: I am very interested in ITS bc I will be the ONLY bilingual, second language acquisition background, ITS in the region and in order for our ELL students to be even more successful, we have to get meaningful tech in their hands. #TECHtalkGA
A2: I am passionate about connecting the dots across content areas bc they have shaped who we are as the human race. Coaching kids & adults who how to integrate those lessons is part of that passion as well. #TECHtalkGA
I spent a few summers working for a program through GATech. I helped gather data for various companies and I knew I had to incorporate more tech for my Ss. I shared with my team. I eventually started working with the LSTC at my school & 2 yrs later I had the job! #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q2: If you’re currently working in Instructional Technology, share how you got here.
If you’re in the classroom but trying to become an ITS, why do you want to make the switch?
A2: So...long story, but I am not currently in the classroom or in an ITS role. I would love to be one day because I am inspired when I see the light bulb come on while helping teachers and students. #TECHtalkGA
A1: #TECHtalkGA@jdayedu instructional tech in Floyd co. Schools. Entering late..my students introduced me to the life of edtech. I'm just trying to keep up😊
#TECHtalkGA A2: I was a French T who took part in #langchat. My struggle was that I couldn't take my Ss to France everyday, but I could use tech to take them there.
So I did...and fell in love with all the ways that #edtech could help me.
#TECHtalkGA Q2: If you’re currently working in Instructional Technology, share how you got here.
If you’re in the classroom but trying to become an ITS, why do you want to make the switch?
Addendum to A1/ My intro: I honestly think a seemingly innocent @google search plus my first @edcampcobb introduced me to the magic of #edtech.
#TECHtalkGA
A2 I got my start by harassing @thecraigellison. Also wrote what was my best email ever to our Superintendent several years ago asking for career advice and offering assistance. Don’t be scared to speak up for what you believe in. Never know what will happen. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q3: Describe your experience and/or education in Instructional Technology.
Have you felt it to be helpful? What do you wish you could learn more about?
A1: Brian DeRose Dawson Co Inst. Tech Coordinator. I got into tech by essentially creating my own LMS using shared network folders and Apple Automator functions to organize and grade certain assignments. #TECHtalkGA
Hola Amanda! Soy Jaime, maestra de español también (pero in Chattanooga). Y yo uso tecnología cada día. ¡No puedo imaginar mi clase sin este tec! #TECHtalkGA
#TECHTalkGA A2: Upon becoming a Google Certified Innovator and starting to roll out GSuite and Chromebooks I realized the school where I was located needed an ITS. They were not ready, so I jumped into #EdTech in Higher Ed before returning to K12 in @OconeeCoSchools as an ITS.
#TECHtalkGA Q2: If you’re currently working in Instructional Technology, share how you got here.
If you’re in the classroom but trying to become an ITS, why do you want to make the switch?
Hi #TECHtalkGA! Martha Bongiorno, library media specialist, currently in Bryan County. I fell in love with #edtech my first year of teaching through interdisciplinary units w/ STEM, ELA, and SS.
A2: I couldn't stop learning about and playing with new apps, sites, and EdTech resources. Then I befriended awesome educators like @Tim_ONeill_18 and @amyvitala who continued to add to my knowledge bucket. I was hooked and when the time was right, I made the leap.
#TECHtalkGA
A3 #TECHtalkGA
Experience is way more important. Teach others about #edtech, attend a local #edcamp, pinch pennies to attend @GaETConf, and be willing to "go the distance."
A3: Never pursued a certificate in IT. Just pushed through the hard way. Going to GaETC, presenting everywhere I could, and never backing down from what I felt was important.
Wish I would have had all this cool technology back then that we have now. #TECHtalkGA
A3: I just found ways to incorporate into my classroom. Seesaw, podcasts, Blendspace, etc. then I presented at my county’s digital learning conference. Then I moved out of the classroom and into my current position. #TECHtalkGA
A2: I think I am in a weird position at our school bc I'm not Instructional Technology but it's under my umbrella. I love being a media specialist because technology is embedded in everything I do and I can help so many of our teachers with our resources. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q2: If you’re currently working in Instructional Technology, share how you got here.
If you’re in the classroom but trying to become an ITS, why do you want to make the switch?
#TECHTalkGA A3: I am proudly an Expert Generalist and lifelong learner, so in most everything technological, I am self-taught and have learned via experience. The only exception would be my doctoral work, which provided context to link #edtech with curriculum and instruction.
#TECHtalkGA Q3: Describe your experience and/or education in Instructional Technology.
Have you felt it to be helpful? What do you wish you could learn more about?
A2: I was a teacher of gifted elementary students for over 10 years. I'm often not sure who taught who😊 They were using tech before tech was cool. Went back to UWGA for specialist in tech to keep up #TECHtalkGA
A3: #techtalkga i really think pursuing a degree in IT prepared me. That being said it’s always changing. 8 years ago in my program we were learning about new exciting things called wikis. To be ITS or ITS leadership you have to be passionate about new learning experiences
#TECHTalkGA A3, continued: I believe getting your hands in and experimenting is the best teacher for instructional technology. I do wish there was more opportunity to learn the in-depth research/theory-based aspects of the field without having to be enrolled in a program.
A3: I earned my IT degree in '05 from @GeoSouthernCOE. I have served as Media Spec over 10 years and basically served as the "go-to" ITS at each school b/c we didn't have a tech coach or only 1 for the entire district. It has been helpful learning by trail and error. #TECHtalkGA
My Ed. S. in ITS is responsible for my 21st Cent. skill set of research & pedagogy. However, I would like to get “dirty” and help to push out apps & assist with trouble-shooting online testing issues & TSM readings. #TECHtalkGA
A3: My experience with #edtech came as I was developing online courses for secondary Spanish & decided to get my masters in admin that way in hopes of better understanding the student role. In my 2yrs, I learned so much about the role tech could have! Changed my life #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q2: If you’re currently working in Instructional Technology, share how you got here.
If you’re in the classroom but trying to become an ITS, why do you want to make the switch?
A3: I have no formal degree in ed tech. I wanted to know, so I found answers! #GoogleEI was a huge learning experience! I seek out new learning every day and there is ALWAYS more! That is what makes it so fun! #TECHtalkGA
A4: Making what seems impossible to a teacher possible, and then taking it from possible to practical. Then from practical to transformative. Long process! #TechTalkGA
A3: Because of my desire to know, I’ve spent a lot of time learning things on my own. But I’ve recently attended tech conferences and #edcamp meetings which have opened my eyes to the vastness of the #edtech. #gwinchat#techtalkga
A4: The students & my own kids inspire me to be innovative and downright fun. They need these skills for the workplace and teachers need help delivering lessons to help with this crucial component. #TECHtalkGA
#techtalkga A4
I'm inspired daily by the awesome students and teachers of #floydpln. I learn from them and am in awe of what they can do with technology. It's truly opening up new doors that would otherwise be shut.
A4: Inspired by watching all of our schools move forward at their own paces with all the ITS leading the charge by supporting Admins goals and teachers learning styles. Can be emotional for me on some days. #TECHtalkGA
I was! It was the very start of the program in Gwinnett County, and I was proudly the only female. :) It was such a pleasure to build and teach; I learned so much!
Check out my classroom and teacher station at the time! #musiced#musictech#TECHTalkGA
A4: though I’m not an officia ET Coach for my district, I am one of the very few World Language teachers who use it daily, so my de facto I am called on as an expert to share at every gathering to teach/lead. #TECHtalkGA
A4: My greatest inspiration comes from my own children. What excites and inspires them, inspires me! The greatest satisfaction comes from Ts sharing their own moments of success with EdTech and Ss. #TECHtalkGA
A4. I love the excitement of teachers seeing something small that they can use right away. I love seeing students prod, ask, encourage teachers & other students too.
#TECHtalkGA
I have mixed feelings about InTech programs because they so easily run the risk of being outdated. I found that in the schooling I did get, when the opportunity to plan my own task came up, it was 👍. Didn't always happen though.
In short, drive matters most. #TECHtalkGA
A4: I am inspired when I see what true student engagement looks like. I am inspired when Ts take risks and try something new. I am inspired to see Ss creating for an authentic audience. #TECHtalkGA
A3: I have worked extensively with our LMS specialists the last few years to develop ways to use tech in class.
I am hoping to, at the very least, become Google certified in the near future
#TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q3: Describe your experience and/or education in Instructional Technology.
Have you felt it to be helpful? What do you wish you could learn more about?
A3 pt2, I then started learning on my own, attended #edcampgigcity, participated in a PLC for tech led by PEF, and just got my hands on any PD to improve my skills and what I could offer! #TECHtalkGA
A4: Being an LSTC gives me the opportunity to see the tech needs of my school and not just my classroom. I’m able to search for the tech tool that will best benefit everyone according to their respective disciplines. Sorta like an #edtech IEP!! #gwinchat#techtalkga
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What advice do you have for someone who is trying to become an ITS?
What's one thing you wish you had known BEFORE starting this journey?
A5. Before you become an ITS know that it means you have to help people where they are - not where you are. And sometimes you have to crawl on the floor & fix the plug.
#TECHtalkGA
A4: I love when students and teachers feel empowered to change, to create, to learn. I'm a previous humanities teacher and I really see #edtech as a way to connect with others, to find solutions to problems that can help others. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5
It is a journey. Once you become an ITS, the journey continues. There is always something to learn, a student/teacher to help, or a new initiative around the corner.
As @itsleegreen says, "can't stop won't stop"
A5. #TECHtalkGA advice for new ITS ; Stay current, learn from others, listen, listen, listen..build relationships with people who are doing what you want to do.
A5: Best advice is to become an expert at one thing. Then move on to one more thing. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. My goal every year is to learn three new things one at a time. And have patience with yourself and your teachers. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What advice do you have for someone who is trying to become an ITS?
What's one thing you wish you had known BEFORE starting this journey?
A5: Don't get out of the classroom just because you want to get out of the classroom. Get out of the classroom so you can get into other classrooms. #TechTalkGA
A5: Present to anyone that will listen to you. Learn the 20-60-20 rule, follow the rule of three, and keep it 100% focused on instruction; not on a new gadget. Gadgets fade; good instruction only gets brighter with energy.
Surround yourself with smart people. #TECHtalkGA
A5: Just keep learning. Don't be afraid to share your failures or successes and keep at it. The more you learn, don't get analysis paralysis. On top of that, if you're a super early adopter, know that it may take a year or two for others to join the party.
#TECHtalkGA
A5: Keep learning...don't stop surrounding yourself with people who teach you and then have the servant heart to pay it forward. I wish I would have fostered my relationships with my #PLN much earlier. I have learned so much from these amazing people. #TECHtalkGA
A5: Only get into ITC/S if you are passionate about InstTech. Don’t just do it to “get out of the classroom.” It can be harder and more frustrating many times than the classroom. It’s just as rewarding, however- if not more so. #TECHtalkGA
#TECHtalkGA Q5: What advice do you have for someone who is trying to become an ITS?
What's one thing you wish you had known BEFORE starting this journey?
A5: I wish I had known the true value of attending #edcamp and #GaETC conferences before I got this job it would have shaped my approach to teaching Ts better than how I started. So, the best advice is to keep learning and embrace tech changes #techtalkga#gwinchat
I wish I could RT this 7 times.
I'm grateful that I've had Ts feel safe to ask about moving into the realm of some aspect of digital learning/InTech, but cringe whenever it is prefaced with "I can't wait to get out of the classroom."
EGADS!
#TECHtalkGA
A5: Don't get out of the classroom just because you want to get out of the classroom. Get out of the classroom so you can get into other classrooms. #TechTalkGA
20% of the people will do what you ask because of your title
20% won't every buy in to what you say because of your title
60% are on the fence. Focus heavy on them. They are waiting to be inspired and motivated. These people can start organic movements of change. #TECHtalkGA
Hey #TECHtalkGA. GLISI is growing our amazing team. We're looking for an innovator, a student of adult learning, a passionate believer in the power of leadership to transform lives. Do you know anyone who might fit that profile? More here: https://t.co/R4nFJ3f7bi
