Time!

As teachers, the one thing we need the most is what we seem to have the least of - time.  Any teacher would love an extra hour in the day or an extra day in the week.  This lack of time is the number one reason I hear from my staff members why they can't implement a new activity, whether it is using QR codes or a particular app.  They simply don't have time to learn how to use it, and subsequently, how to teach their students how to use it.

As a technology coordinator, it is my job to demonstrate new technologies and inspire my staff members to embrace technology and incorporate into their daily lesson plans.  This year, I have implemented an App of the Month at my school.  Each month, I pick one app (Scan (for QR codes), Edmodo, Puffin, and ShowMe have been among the apps so far this year) each month as a focus.  I offer optional staff development training, at multiple times to fit different schedules, and offer my help throughout the month getting comfortable using the new app.

I hope this new method is just enough to get my staff comfortable with the technology available to them, and creates a bit of buzz around the new app each month.  I hope my staffers use this little bit of time to learn something new, and see something that excites them enough to try something new.  So far, I feel that is is successful.  I got really excited when I saw a Poe scavenger hunt featuring QR codes posted around the school.  I was thrilled when I was invited to join a group of our teachers on Edmodo.  I love when teachers come to me and complain that an app isn't working (because I know it means they are trying something new).

I love this technological world we are living in, and kids love it too.  We need to harness the technology, put it to use, and engage our students in learning!