The Role of the Instructional Technologist

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The Role of the Instructional Technologist

• Jennifer Schmucker
• University of West Georgia
• Summer 2005

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Introduction

• An Instructional Technologist has to wear many
  hats. Patience is probably the most important
  one. I believe that in order to gain the trust of
  teachers and students, an IT needs to show that
  they are willing to help in any way possible.
  This presentation serves as a model of the many
  hats worn by an IT in a school system.

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Troubleshooter

• As a troubleshooter, an IT fixes and maintains
  the hardware and software equipment in his/her
  school. This can range from changing ink
  cartridges in printers to installing software.

4
Counselor

• As a counselor, an IT provides guidance to
  faculty, staff, and students in selecting
  appropriate software to complement the
  curriculum.

5
Teacher

• As a teacher, an IT provides continual
  professional development to faculty on
  integrating technology across the curriculum.
• An IT also provides instruction to students on
  using technology.

6
Student

• As a student, it is important for an IT to learn
  about the newest technologies. Participating in
  ongoing professional development could prevent an
  IT and most importantly a school from becoming
  behind the times.

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Assessor

• As an assessor, an IT needs to become aware of
  the strengths and weaknesses of teachers,
  administrators, and students in regards to
  technology. A good way to do this is a needs
  assessment.

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Domains of the IT profession
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Resources

• Continuing the Professional Development of
  Educational Technologists and Information
  Specialists
• http//www.ncrel.org/sdrs/thepoint/edtec.htm
• Invisible Educational Technologists
• http//www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers
  /caplan/invisible2.html