The work of a technological coach is to help teachers become more comfortable, competent and creative with digital tools, especially since schools are relying more and more on these tools for teaching.
But obtaining teachers' support for this coaching can be a challenge.
“It has always been difficult to bring teachers to work with us at the start,” said Patricia Ferris, specialist in technological integration for the Kankakee school district in Illinois. “They don't really know you. They don't know what you are doing. They don't really know if they need it (coaching). ”
Teachers are on different points on the technological spectrum, said Ferris, those who are not major technology users or may be afraid of using new digital tools to those who think they already know everything about technology.
Technological coaches must keep this in mind when they reflect on means of bringing teachers and as they develop these relationships, said Ferris.
During a poster session of July 2 at the ISTELIVE 25 + ASCD annual conference here, Ferris and Stacie Tefft, an educational technology coach for the Illinois learning technology center, shared the successful strategies they used to encourage teachers to work with technological coaches.
Here are examples of these strategies:
- Punch cards coaching: This is an incitement system in which teachers receive a stamp to engage in a coaching session, technical integration or professional learning activities related to technology. When their punch cards are over, teachers get a small price or recognition.
- Digital badge program: With a badge system, teachers can win microcredity For the mastery and application of technological tools aligned on the objectives of the district.
- Technological treasure hunt: This digital treasure hunt guides teachers to explore hidden features or creative uses of familiar technological tools.
- Extreme makeover: Modeled after the reality TV show, it is a challenge that encourages teachers to exchange obsolete or ineffective practices for modern and improved alternatives.
- 12 days of “techmas”: This is a daily technical challenge on the theme of the holidays, in which teachers are trying new or new digital tools in theater. They can receive small incentives for completion.
These learning opportunities for the size of a bite helped teachers become more open to technological coaching, said Ferris. Perhaps, above all, the teachers were grateful to learn new ways of engaging their students.
“They are like:” Oh, I didn't really know that technology could do it “, or” my students are delighted to learn with part of this technological integration, “said Ferris. “Once you have obtained hook and membership, (teachers) want to continue working with you on different tools and strategies.”
Ferris recommends starting little to establish relationships and ask teachers what would work for them.
“Try some things with some of the teachers you know want to work with you,” she said. “It is a thing of testing and error.”