What is a Technology Coordinator?
Does a TC fix computers or manage them?
Does a TC plan a network or run cable?
Does a TC manage an email system or organize policy?
Does a TC develop vision or manage databases?
While Technology Coordinators are organizers and leaders. The term "coordinator" is often used for a campus-based technology leader and the term "director" is used for someone at the district office. These terms mostly depend upon the size of the district and the level of responsibility given to the coordinator/director.
The role of a TC can be a wide one. This is well-represented in an article by Rob Reilly, The Technology Coordinator: Curriculum Leader or Electronic Janitor? This article is over a decade old, but it does a good job of explaining the role of the Technology Coordinator in school districts.
What are a TC's Duties?
Do you know what a Technology Coordinator is supposed to do? Well, here is your opportunity to brainstorm with the rest of your colleagues. We will visit a website that offers Online Sticky Notes called Padlet (formerly Wall Wisher.) Here you will individually collaborate to create a wall of ideas for the duties of a Technology Coordinator.
Please visit our Padlet Wall at http://padlet.com/wall/TCduties (you will notice that we were able to customize our URL)
What's in a Job Description?
Reilly pointed out that it is essential to have a job description as a Technology Coordinator. I can personally attest to that. Being a TC can be a 70-hour/week job if limits are not identified.
- Montague Area Public Schools has a description that can take a whole team to satisfy.
- Minnesota Online High School proposes another job description for a TC.
- Williamson County School District has a description that really describes a coordinator.
Can you find some job descriptions that you would like to share with your colleagues?
As you find job descriptions (preferably in Iowa), please post them to this Open Google Doc. Please place the title, school district and a brief description into the appropriate column. Technology Coordinator Job Descriptions
Roles of a TC
What are the roles of a Technology Coordinator? ISTE is known for its National Educational Technology Standards for students, teachers and administrators. They have created NETS for Technology Leaders and Technology Facilitators but those recently transformed into a new set of NETS.
Download these NETS and review them before you meet with your Technology Coordinator. They will provide you with the background knowledge necessary to have a profitable interview.
Here are some Essential Conditions for Effectively Leveraging Technology for Learning
Return to the http://www.umass.edu/ednet/janitor.htmlto learn more about the interview you are to have with a Technology Coordinator.
