1. Technology Interview Christina Hosford, M.Ed. ESOL Teacher Lithia Springs High School

2. What is technology? “ Technology is change” (Williams, M. 2010)

3. The Man with the Plan Michael Williams: Instructional Technician for Lithia Springs High School, Douglas County Schools. Bachelor’s in Information Systems 18 years of experience Microsoft and Cisco Certification

4. Job Responsibilities Provides technical assistance to departmental users with personal computer problems. Responsibilities include providing centralized personal computer and network support, developing computer configurations, and ordering personal computer hardware and software packages.

5. Technology Needs to be: Easy to Integrate: Must interface with existing programs. Relevant: Teachers must find new technology useful and meaningful to successfully integrate it. Meaningful: Teachers and students want simple efficient technology that is easy to use.

6. In Focus: A success story The In-focus has allowed teachers and students to have direct access to the internet. Teachers can use the internet to make learning engaging, rich, and relevant to students. Educational websites such as National Geographic offer valuable learning tools.

7. Technological Literacy Defined as, “Knowing how to use technology.” Learn the basics Keep up with changes Become an advocate for change

8. Tech Kids Technology should be used every chance you get. Kids like technology; teachers can engage and capture their attention through email and even texting. Phones; Integrating technology involves kids more actively. Teachers should be encouraged to text kids questions for homework.

9. Key Players “The Key Players are the people that hold the money.” School Board Members make the final decisions. Students, parents, and teachers can make recommendations Technology support staff must “sell” to the B.O.E.

10. Principles that guide integration Innovation: Will it make a positive change? Ease of use: Is the technology easy to integrate? Does it interface well with existing hardware and software? The newest latest thing is not always needed

11. Questions to consider Is the price right? Will it interface successfully with the existing technology? Will it make learning more meaningful for students? Will it prepare students for success outside of the school setting?

12. Preparing to integrate Perform trial runs; have a few teachers use it and provide feedback Receive quotes from several vendors Research how other counties have dealt with integration. Provide training for staff, teachers, and students.

13. Challenges Getting teachers to accept change; learning something new Limited county budget People are now dependent on technology Teaching students how to differentiate between validated internet sources, versus faulty ones.

14. Internet Safety Teaching Internet safety; teach students to be responsible. Their electronic footprint follows them for a lifetime. Poor choices can lead to ruined reputations, infringements on privacy, and unwanted attention from predators. Safety training should be provided for staff, teachers, students and parents on an on-going basis.

15. References Interview with Michael Williams, August 19, 2010 at Lithia Springs High School.