HS South EdTech Bulletin #2.9
Resources for Integrating Technology into Instruction
March 12, 2018
Instructional Coaching
Teacher Resource Specialist for Technology, that’s a mouthful. Longest title in the world*, some might say. A simpler way to describe the job might be: instructional technology coach. But what does it really mean, and how has the job evolved? At the heart of our job as your building instructional tech coach is making it easier for you to meet the needs of your students, so that students become more successful. Where does this begin? With instruction.
*Information unverified
An instruction first approach
When we meet, I like to talk about instruction first. Why? Because this is the core of what we do everyday with our students.
What are your students learning in your class right now?
Where is the curriculum taking you next?
What skills are the students developing and building in your class?
Then let’s talk about strategy. What structures are we putting in place to help students meet curriculum objectives? When we talk about strategies, the technology may naturally come in to support. The tech is not the focus but rather another tool in our instructional toolbox.
Examples of what we can do together:
No matter what we do together, you are always in the driver’s seat. You identify the focus, you make the final decisions, the choices are up to you.
Discuss instructional goals; how can we meet the needs of all students?
Set short or long-term student-focused instructional goals
Develop an implementation plan and try out strategies in your class
Adapt and improve strategies based on needs of students and feedback from your classes
What types of instructional strategies could we discuss? Self-directed learning, student choice, collaboration, differentiation, learner-centered instruction, formative assessment, etc.
Thought to Consider...
Benefits of having a coach
Did you ever notice how professional athletes not only have a coach, but a team of people supporting them? These are the people who are the best in the world at what they do, and they still have coaches. Working with a coach is a commitment to yourself to be the best possible version of you.
A coach is a partner:
Who has your best interest in mind
Operates confidentially
Creates a safe environment to try new things
Working together through a "coaching cycle"
Ready for the next level of coaching? Why not work with us through a complete “coaching cycle”? A coaching cycle is a three-step process that includes:
Identifying and setting a student-focused goal: Teachers set a goal based on an observed need in classroom.
Learning and implementing strategies to meet the goal: Coach and teacher research strategies together. Coach supports teacher throughout the process.
Improving and adapting until the goal is met: Coach and teacher revisit and revise strategies, if necessary, until the goal is met.
What’s the outcome? Having a positive impact on students’ learning and well-being.
How do you get started? Reach out to us and set-up a time to meet.
Read more about it:
Kim Lowden
Supporting teachers integrating technology into instruction
How can I support you?
- Set and meet a long-term technology goal
- Devise a plan to meet district and building goals
- Brainstorm & explore new tools that support your instruction
- Determine how technology can help your students meet your learning objectives
- Co-teach & assist you during a lesson
- Curate resources specific to your curriculum
- Collaboratively plan a lesson that integrates technology
- Find and explore the best tools for formative assessment.
- Model technology integration for your students to empower them as they demonstrate their own learning
- Recommend technology strategies and tools to augment lessons or projects
- Troubleshoot & problem-solve instructional issues
Find a time that works for your schedule to meet and then book me using this link: https://kimlowden.youcanbook.me
Email: kimberly.lowden@wwprsd.org
Website: https://www.pinterest.com/msitech/
Location: HSS Media Center
Phone: 5216
Twitter: @ms_itech