2.1 What does a technology facilitator look like?
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the
courage to lose sight of the shore” is a quote attributed to French author, Andre Gide. Acting with curiosity to learn something new or create change for the
better often requires that you have the courage needed to move in a new
direction. Innovation is a change that improves the outcome. Those that are
innovators are curious to solve a problem, often one that they do not know
exists, and they have the courage to follow a new path. Couros (2015) describes
“innovation as a way of thinking to create something new and better.”
Innovation empowers people to move in a different direction with a new perspective
to overcome an obstacle.
Innovation often includes a new technology but
technology is not necessary for innovation to exist. Innovation is also not
just integrating new technology just for the sake of doing something different.
It is fine to try new things but if it does not clearly improve the situation
than it cannot be considered innovation.
The role of the technology facilitator in education and training settings is a relatively new vocation. The technology facilitator is an individual who provides training and support to the instructional staff on technology integration, as well as, assists in maintaining hardware, software, and network products.
The graphic above, What Does a Technology Facilitator Look Like?, was inspired by the images produced by Bill Ferriter. Couros (2015) praised the creative presentations created by Ferriter for encouraging free thinking. The image that I chose to remix encourages us to look at the role of the technology facilitator through a lens of good qualities and better qualities that would take the position or an individual in that role to the next level. I feel that the position requires curiosity and the ability empower a community. The technology facilitator really has to be a self-starter who seeks professional growth. Lastly, they need to be not only a leader in technology but also innovation in order to create change with improved results. The technology facilitator needs to have the courage and the mindset to lose sight of the shore.
Couros, G. (2015). The innovator’s mindset. Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.
I love the quote you chose. It is true that the role of Technology Facilitator is new. The word empower seems to be the key word when talking about role of facilitator. Offering the educator the key knowledge to innovate and create while supporting and finding ways to help them on their journey of creating that vision by utilizing technology is an important element of the facilitator role.
ReplyDeleteI liked the focus your "Better Answers" had on empowering staff. I think often in K-12 districts, technology is encouraged, but little guidance or professional development is offered. Many educators learn to be wary of the next newest hardware or app, because the onus is completely on them to figure out how and when to use it. In a world where standardized tests, parent communication, and other factors already make teachers feel overwhelmed, having an ally in technology that can even allow a teacher to have the freedom to want to be curious would be invaluable.
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