Teachers' use of a technology coordinator in an elementary school
Abstract
We are continuing to invest large sums of money into technology for our schools. Despite this, many teachers are still not effectively using the technology in their classrooms. Researchers have indicated that technology-using teachers are often found in schools in which there are available technology coordinators. In this study I assumed the role of a technology coordinator in an elementary school and examined the roles that a technology coordinator played. During this study, I was available to teachers to answer any type of technology request or question. I tracked and categorized the types and number of technology requests that the teachers made. I examined if the availability of a technology coordinator would help teachers integrate computer technology into their classrooms. My intent as a technology coordinator was to be available to the teachers on a weekly basis and to provide any computer support that they requested, including responding to software, hardware, and computer integration questions. The purpose of this study was to determine if/how teachers utilized a technology coordinator when one was available on a part-time basis. Specifically, my role was not to offer help to the teachers but to wait for them to approach me with specific questions. Teachers came to me with hardware, software, resource, and integration requests. Three roles emerged: troubleshooter, resource/answer person, and integration advisor. Teachers most frequently requested troubleshooting support, followed by requests for resources or answers, and then by integration advising requests. It is important to know the types of support that teachers request of a technology coordinator in order to ascertain the skills and background necessary to be an effective technology coordinator. The knowledge gained from this study may advance our understanding of the types of courses prospective technology coordinators might need in order to prepare them not just to use technology, but to help teachers integrate computers into their classrooms.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Ertmer, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Curricula|Teaching|Elementary education|Educational software
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