Professional Learning Facilitator

As a TSSPEC, I am able to get into classrooms and see what students are doing with technology. Although I am primarily working to connect peripherals, install software, printers, or drivers, I am also relied on as a source for small bursts of inspiration, or professional development as the educators call it. I have been asked for my opinion on Newline Interactive White Board placement, software uses, grading practices, and even asked for creative solutions to problems that we encounter in technology like internet outages, mobility, or accessibility.

I'd like to highlight a recent interaction I've had with two teachers that are primary stakeholders in a developing Digital Media Production and Broadcasting track that is being created at Patriot High School. The idea is to implement a course track where students can learn about all different types of digital media. This ranges from the obvious; television studio production, broadcasting, and design to the not-so-obvious; digital art, film studies, journalism, or marketing.

In this quick interaction, I was able to provide teachers with equipment and knowledge that they can take to their classrooms and use with their students to produce high level content. My goal is not to step on the teacher's toes, but rather just provide them with the means and support necessary to allow their creativity to flow and engage students the way they know best. 

To determine if my interactions were meaningful and lasting, I will check in with those teachers throughout the following days and weeks to see how the setup, configuration, and product are turning out. If there need to be tweaks, I will spend time with that teacher or a group of students using the technology to improve their understanding and supervise some of their projects to give suggestions and guidance.