Section 4: Human Performance Technology

1.     I taught senior English in my school district 4 years ago, and I left the following year to become the District Media Specialist in another school district and  because the technology was not supported or encouraged by the administration.  I was very frustrated.  I am now back and in a position to make a large difference in technology that I know has been faltering for years.  Although we have already made some huge strides in the first months of school in acquiring resources, there is an overwhelming attitude of apathy by staff in seeing the benefits of technology and in desiring to learn how to use it.  In the past, they did not receive adequate training or support, but that is not the current state of the district.  So, how do we overcome years of hindered growth?

The first approach is to provide time for teachers to “play around” with technologies presented to them, time to collaborate with peers, and time to plan for the future with campus leaders.  The first approach lends itself to the next, which is just as valuable…empowerment.  Teachers must feel as though they are a part of the process and key figures in its success. When they are never asked to help direct the ship of the campus/district, teachers feel unimportant and unnecessary.  Sadly, teachers at MVISD have not been given either of these for years and years.  So, I think time and empowerment are the first two vital steps to turn the boat around.

Time! Time! Time!

2.     Performance Support is simply providing help through information or tools at the moment a performer (teacher, student) needs it.  In the case for my district, I feel multiple layers of performance support is required.  First, I have been creating a live binder for online support and videos to address different skill levels for multiple technologies.  In addition, each department or grade level has a designated teacher that gets a stipend to attend additional training to commit to help teach his/her peers.  Furthermore, I send out surveys through Survey Monkey to determine technological needs of teachers.  Then, I offer lunch and after school trainings to meet those needs.  Finally, administrators have made it very clear that incorporating technology into the classroom is an expectation. Thus, I have begun assisting principals with their presentations to faculty, so that they are sure to model the expectations for their teachers.  Sadly, my heart attack in September threw a wrench in the plan, but we will be back on track very soon.

3.     One type of knowledge management is The Live Binder.  It is a wonderful online resource that teachers have at their disposal within their classroom and within their home, wherever they have access to the Internet.  Live binders allow many types of information to be collected and organized.  It provides quick access and is friendly to use.  In August, teachers were given instructions on where to find the Live Binder on the school website and given the direct web address.  In addition, they were taught how to make it a favorite on their desktop to make it even easier to find. 

One other knowledge management skill that teachers need is understanding how to quickly negotiate the millions of emails they receive.  So, giving thorough instruction on how to create folders, to instantly organize by subject headings or by who the email is from is a tiny pinch that goes a long way in keeping the barrage of information from overwhelming them.

The resource of Live Binders and the skill to organize emails are two wonderful ways to help teachers in MVISD to become proficient and comfortable with technology, which is our ultimate goal.

4.     I have been very fortunate to have worked with Stuart Burt, who is now the Technology Director at Community ISD.  Through Twitter, online meetings (Skype etc), brainstorm sessions, and staff development, I have gained knowledge and experience that is invaluable.  Stuart is generous in his willingness to share his ideas and skills to better those around him.  One particular idea is something that I began to use at MVISD, and I will continue to use when I return to work.  www.joinme.com is an easy online tool to have teachers collaborate around the district without anyone having to leave his/her room.  It is possible to record these meetings and archive them so others can watch the discussion.  Besides the advantage of collaboration, which is priceless, camaraderie is accomplished.  Camaraderie invites a positive learning culture for teachers and students.   It is one of those intangibles that is more valuable than any piece of technology.  I am hoping that live discussions through www.joinme.com will encourage a change of culture at MVISD, and the beauty is that everyone benefits…administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community.