computerdisc-l: RE: Congradulatins

[Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>]

Shelia asked me to share I would be doing - I guess I'm not real sure.  My 
title is Instructional Technologist and my ultimate assignment is to "help 
teachers" (and also help administer Novell servers)  I know what I've 
talked to the superintendant about.  I'd love any advice any of you have. 
 I'm determined I'm going to have some affect on our school district and 
its use of technology.

I've been in Computer Discovery for three years.  I've preached integration 
and the necessary connection that I think is so desparately needed if 
technology is going to be effective in our student's lives.  I've been 
disappointed at my efforts to help my Computer Discovery students see the 
use of what they are learning.  It's the same old question I use to get in 
math - why do we have to learn this stuff and how will we use this?  It's 
very difficult to show them a connection when teachers are not comfortable 
and say students know more than them; therefore teachers don't want to 
integrate technology (and don't have anyone to help them).  Of course, I 
believe students will ALWAYS have a way of knowing more than us because 
they have the time to learn it all - I depend on my students often to teach 
ME and give them due credit when they do.  It's also difficult to expect 
teachers to learn it all on their own.

What will I be doing?  Maybe some of you can help me help my boss decide. 
 I envision my purpose being training sessions, but just as important, 
being available to go into a classroom when a classroom teacher wants to 
integrate technology, helping her/his students use a spreadsheet to collect 
and graph data, helping them use presentation software for projects.  I 
also envision myself helping them prepare units that use technology.  I 
think teachers need someone there in their classroom to help them until 
they are comfortable with the newness of technology. I feel somewhat 
overwhelmed already, but I'm so enthusiastic about it.  I'd love any of 
your suggestions.  I depend on them, and have already started asking 
questions around my own school.

I'll miss my kids (some days more than others, I'm sure).  I've loved this 
age group.  I've asked to maybe still teach a course, but I may have 
already bitten off more than I can chew.

Please give me your thoughts, your ideas, your advice, anything. . . . 
Thanks

Cynthia


-----Original Message-----
From:	Goldcurls3@aol.com [SMTP:Goldcurls3@aol.com]
Sent:	Friday, April 30, 1999 11:55 AM
To:	kahler@watervalley.net
Subject:	Re: Congradulatins


I am excited about your new job.  Good people are needed like you to help
assist teachers in technology.  Are you the first in this position?  If you 
have time give us some more information about what you will be doing.  Are
you setting up training sessions for teachers to sign up attend after 
school
etc. Bye Sheila Bruno