Blog Post #12 - Redefining In-Class EdTech Leadership

Technology Coach Community

The Indiana Department of Education released an excellent webinar from veteran tech coaches in Indiana providing advice and tips for in-service EdTech Leaders: eLearning Coach Community to the Rescue. Tim Wilhelmus, an innovation, curriculum, and technology specialist, shared his insights on “Building Your Why to Increase Relevance and Reach.” Kyle Kline is a math and technology integration specialists that focused on the “Importance of Relationships and Support for Teacher.” Michele Eaton is a professional on virtual and blended learning, and she explained the topic of “Personalizing Professional Development.” Lastly, Diana Gill, an instructional EdTech coach, told about the “Importance of Partnering with Building Administration.”

A common word of advice shared by all of the technology coaches participating in the webinar is to develop a shared vision with your school community. Everyone has their own role in achieving said goal; however, without teamwork it is unrealistic to expect successful implementation of technology in each classroom. Another tip provided is to create a strong relationship and communicative bond with those you are working with. When you care about someone or something, it makes for a much more pleasant and cohesive working environment. We need to know what we are working with to best complete the work, and this knowledge comes from evaluation and reflection of ourselves and others. Lastly, a universal theme from the webinar is to be authentic. Everything we do without purpose is pointless. As leaders, we need to recognize the needs at hand and truly believe what we do is making an impact for the common good.

Classroom Application for Educators

There is so much to take forward into your own classroom from this IDOE Webinar. The two topics that I would like to focus on are educator professional development and student relations. Both areas are broad focuses but seen clearly through information provided by the veteran tech coaches.

Professional Development: For an educator to integrate technology into their classroom, the new technology must first be taught to the educator. We must know how to do what we want to do for it to be effective. This is taught through PD; however, oftentimes PD is attended on a voluntary basis, and not all teachers feel the need to attend. Michele Eaton centered her conversation on creating professional development that is authentic and tailored to the teachers’ needs. Michele explained a method of PD called “Genius Hour.” This approach is teacher led in the sense that the teachers can choose their own topic to research and implement in their classroom. Then, that teacher shares the found resources and tips with others in the field. I think that the concept of choice is motivating because the topic is certain to be meaningful.

Student Relationships: Relationship is an essential for effective learning. Kyle Kline spoke of the importance of relationships and support from teachers. A specific quote that stood out to me is that to F.A.I.L. is to take the First Attempt In Learning. Kyle emphasized the importance of encouragement. The struggles are the steps to success, and students need to be reminded of this to keep motivated. Kyle also discussed prioritization and making meaningful connections through care and compassion. This is found in mutual trust and respect. Lastly, when it comes to relationships, it is necessary to have a shared goal or interest. All of the coaches pressed this notion throughout the webinar.

What is an EdTech Leader?

About three months ago, I published “Blog Post #2 - What is an EdTech Leader?” stating my personal definition for EdTech Leadership. I focused on the principals of adaptation, innovation, and reflection. To me, EdTech leaders were to use technology resources to enhance classroom instruction and teach others how to do the same.

Over the past few months, my ideas have changed and grown. I now understand that EdTech leaders don’t have to discover new tools; rather, they can elaborate on the resources already in possession to obtain better use. Leadership is as simple as modelling. We don’t necessarily have to be the first in line for everything to be a leader, but we do have to be willing to hop in the line. My opinions on the three principals (adaptation, innovation, and reflection) remain; however, I realize that they are not concrete in how they must be done.

Resources:

1. eLearning Coach Community to the Rescue Webinar

2. Blog Post #2 - What is an EdTech Leader?

3. Tim Wilhelmus: @twilhelmus

4. Kyle Kline: @mrkline_edtech

5. Michele Eaton: @micheeaton

6. Diana Gill: @eastpco_tech