Last week I attended the district technology meeting. This was the first time I had ever attended one of these meetings, and I really did not know what to expect. I wasn't even sure if there was an actual committee, or if any interested party was welcome. It was a long, but valuable experience. We were in session for approximately 2 hours. There were so many items on the agenda that I thought would have been discussed at prior meetings. I was surprised to learn that previously the group had only met about twice a year. The main purpose for the formation of the technology team was to write and oversee the district technology plan.
Topics ranged from changing to a new district homepage, to communication between buildings, to technology policy changes. Many important issues were talked about, but there really was not sufficient time to cover anything in great detail. I was pleased to hear that the group thought it beneficial to meet more frequently. There is another meeting scheduled for next month.
When the meeting began, I was feeling a bit guilty because I had just invited myself. I do not know if there is some proper etiquette in this situation or not. However, I quickly changed my mind and felt positive about my decision to attend. I think that I do have something to contribute to the group. There are not enough people in my building that use technology consistently in the classroom. Everyone needs appropriate training and support to transition to new ways of teaching our students. I am excited to be a part of this change, and want to contribute to the technology vision of my school district.
So, this got me thinking and wondering about other technology teams. Does your district have a technology team consisting of representatives from all the schools within that district? Do people volunteer to be on the team, or are the reps chosen by administration? Should there be certain criteria to be a member of the team? Do you have a technology curriculum, and does everyone contribute to the teaching of the curriculum?
I wish that my school had teams. We have a position that teachers can apply for - like an extra duty extra pay position, that ONE person can hold at the school. This one person is interviewed for the position and attended meetings once a month for updates on technology. However, the entire rest of the school is left in the dark about the changes being made unless we request information from that person. I feel that the team idea could spread the word to people - and more would become involved. Who knows? Maybe I will invite myself to the next meeting like you?!!!
ReplyDeleteGet'em Kim... give them some of that Mule knowledge!!!
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