ProfessorTOSA Blog

After a good portion of summer work, the return of teachers and students has been a welcomed addition to my days. Where I was focused on planning and preparation in isolation, I can now help teachers in their curriculum development and their progress to becoming tech savvy or, in most instances, tech literate. This has been my lesson thus far. I have learned that integrating technology and curriculum so that our students manipulate computers as easily as a pencil is not easy and not without a bit of professional motivating and pushing. Certainly, every teacher I have spoken to is very eager to grow and “get” technology, but as educator, Graham Wegner writes, “people “get it” as soon as it makes their life easier.” And so this is my focus of sorts, to help teachers to “get” technology in meaningful ways that make their lives easier in order to best help our district’s students.

So, what does this mean to me? I believe that what I have learned and what I have found is exactly what I would expect. I believe that a shift in schools of thought is happening. As a TOSA – a pioneer or sorts – I am sensitive to those who are deathly cautious with anything tech because they are not “digital natives.” These teachers were not hard-wired to a computer since birth and therefore read directions, ask for help, and proceed with new applications with great care…and also reverence. This has been my second lesson, that those of us who are scratching to become comfortable and conversant with our technical world also appreciate our place in that world. Those who are “native” can sometimes not see the forest for the trees, however, those that have learned to utilize computers and mobile tech from living a full life without are appreciative and, as I am grateful for, are a pleasure to help.

Enjoy this video of how the book might have been first received. (you’ll need to watch from a non district computer, since YouTube will be blocked)