Higher Education Teaching Guide

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Susanne Hunsberger American College of Education ET5083- Instructional Technology Systems Management Dr. Daniel Scheer October 27, 2024

Developing a Technology Job Aid

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INTRODUCTION

Benefits of Instructional technology

Types of Technology for learning and instruction

organizational technology decisions

Training Needs and Types

forming a technology committee

Technology Committee Roles and Actions

Challenges of instructional technology

More Technology Considerations

COnclusion

INDEX

TEchnology Mini Manual/ Job Aid

INTRODUCTION

TEchnology Mini Manual/ Job Aid

• Welcome to Spring-Ford School District's Technology Job Aid designed to instruct and inform you on how best to implement instructional technology in district.
• In this manual you will learn about the benefits and challenges of instructional technology.
• You will learn about district applications and resources for instruction.
• You will also be introduced to the types of training available in district, how technology decisions are made, what is considered when choosing and implementing technology, how to form a technology committee and what must be included in the decision making process.
• Also included is information about troubleshootig technology.

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"This manual was created through the knowledge gathered during my Master's coursework at ACE. I learned how to effectively manage and evaluate networks, hardware, and software in instructional settings. I also learned about multiple technology resources utilized by districts and how to make the best decisions in regard to purchasing materials and maintaining security and network capabilities. I also learned the importance of training and updating knowledge of the various technology systems and applications available for instructional settings. -Susanne Hunsberger

Benefits of Instructional technology

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

• increased student engagement and motivation
• individualized education
• expanded opportunities for collaboration
• easy access to information
• opportunity for self-directed learning
• increased opportunities for active learning
• improved equity in education
• exposure to new opportunities and experiences
• prepares students for post grad life

Enjoy a video on the benefits of instructional technology

Challenges of instructional technology

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

• Lack of professional development for educators.
• Student misuse of technology.
• Privacy and security issues
• Budget constraints
• Lack of access and equity for all.
• Inability to maintain infrastructure.
• Connectivity issues

Types of Technology for learning and instruction

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

Student Information System (SIS)

Learning Management System (LMS)

Single Sign-on (SSO)

Cloud-based Software

• Google Suite is a Software as a Service (SaaS) that provides access to a group of applications :Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive. It is accessed through a web browser and does not require installation.

• Skyward is a SIS platform that allows the district to manage student information: grades, attendance, schedules, discipline, and Special Education Services (Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

• Canvas is an open-source Learning Management System that is a central location for online, hybrid, and in-person classrooms. It is used daily as a hub where students access class materials.

• ClassLink is a SSO that allows students and staff to access various learning digital platforms and applications with single-sign on (SSO) access through a central location.

The district provides staff and students with various tools to use daily for learning and instruction:

• 1:1 K-12 students provided a Lenovo 500E Chromebook
• Viewsonic Smart Boards
• 2-4 wired ports in each classroom.
• Complete campus WIFI

How to make good decisions about the use of technology

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

• Form a technology committee.
• Conduct a needs assessment to determine district technology needs.
• Make sure to create a technology plan that is reflective of the organization's mission.
• Make decisions that are mindful of budget constraints.
• Plan for classroom technology integration.
• Provide training and support for educators and staff.
• Before purchasing, consider any program's compatibility with existing organizational programs.

Training Needs and Types

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

• Adult needs differ from student needs in regards to learning "Facilitators of PD must consider the needs of the learner. Adults learn best through interaction which can be incorporated in professional development through group work, discussions, shared presentations, etc"(ACE, 2022).
• Facilitators also need to be able to meet the needs of the learner in regard to teaching technology and plan a curriculum that "can tolerate people working at different rates of speed and/or different levels of expertise"(ACE, 2022).
• Types of Technology Training that instructors and staff should receive:
• Basic Technology Skills
• Instructional Technology
• Online Teaching and Learning
• Cybersecurity and Digital Citizenship
• Information Technology Fundamentals
• New and Emerging Technologies
• Teachers can also find free online Professional Development resources, click on the logos to check out the sources below:

""Professional development in the effective use of technology for learning and instruction is...often-neglected...If individuals do not know how to use technology well, they will likely not use it at all"(ACE, 2022).

forming a technology committee

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

• Forming a technology committee is important because it "is the most effective way to gather needed information, generate ideas, perform research, analysis, and evaluation, and spread the work around" (ACE, 2022).
• This committee should include "members who represent the different areas affected by technology"(ACE, 2022 ).
• These members include:
• trainers
• leaders
• instructors
• support staff
• IT Staff
• technology experts
• interested stakeholders
• community members

Technology Committee Roles and Actions

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

• Members need to be able to gather data to conduct a needs analysis.
• Create or update a technology plan to show the technology needs of the organization, continually reviewing and updating to meet changing needs.
• Ensure thoughtful and effective use of technology.
• Research emerging technologies and provide recommendations for their implementation.
• Be able to maximize the school's budgetary resources.
• Develop policies and procedures to address privacy and security concerns.
• Create an acceptable use policy for organization
• technology use.

Technology Troubleshooting and online safety

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

If you need support with your device, please contact the technology department by emailing supportcenter@spring-ford.net or call us at 610-705-6200.

Trouble with your Chromebook? Follow the checklist to troubleshoot:

• Refresh your screen.
• Check if you are connected to Spring-ford WIFI.
• Log out of your device, and log back in.
• Power off and restart your device.
• View the video tutorial collection below by clicking on the image.

• If you need further support, please contact us.

Internet Safety Checklist

• Think before you post
• Use proper netiquette, be a good online citizen.
• Create a unique password and don't share it.
• Never give out personal information online.
• Only download from known or trusted websites.
• Never open emails from people you don't know.
• Be sure to watch the video on cyber safety.

• If you suspect your accounts are compromised, please contact us.

cONCLUSION

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

I created this job aid to reflect how I value technology as a powerful resource and view it as a necessity for educating students today. Instructional technology is a catalyst for enhancing learning experiences and promoting engagement and collaboration between teachers, students, and staff. By including the benefits and challenges of technology integration along with the varieties of technology available I clearly show my commitment to informed decision-making that makes effectiveness and accessibility in technologies chosen a necessity.When I focused on the importance of forming a technology committee and the process for making district technology decisions, I demonstrated the instructional technology skills of critical analysis and collaboration. By providing information on forming technology committees and defining roles of members, I relayed the importance of collective input in decision making, a well thought out plan of someone with instructional technology expertise.This job aid encourages systemic thinking about technology integration. It is a practicalreference for individuals and teams, guiding learners how to incorporate technology in a structured way. Including training needs, troubleshooting support, andonline safety, it helps stakeholders envision an universal approach to technology use, strengthening the idea that successful technology integration must have ongoing support and collaboration.

reFERENCES

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

American College of Education. (2022). ET5063 - Creating Professional Environments in a Digital World: Module 1 [Part 1 Transcript: Professional Development that Works]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1957689/modules/items/39579059 American College of Education. (2022). ET5063 - Creating Professional Environments in a Digital World: Module 1 [Part 3 Transcript: Principles of Adult Learning]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1957689/modules/items/39579059 American College of Education. (2022). ET5083 – Instructional Technology Systems Management: Module 4 [Part 2 Transcript: Technology Planning]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1966706/modules/items/40802848 American College of Education. (2022). ET5083 – Instructional Technology Systems Management: Module 4 [Part 2Transcript: Basic Technology Troubleshooting].Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/1966706/modules/items/40802848ASCD Webinars. (2019). Ascd.org. http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars.aspx Bogard, A. (n.d.). Basic Chromebook Troubleshooting. YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQI1XqCZbP9f0SxELOqU6RbivBlAf6_KCreating a successful tech committee in K-12 schools. (n.d.). Www.linewize.com. https://www.linewize.com/blog/create-school-tech-committee Five Great Resources for FREE Online PD | Education World. (2022). Educationworld.com. https://www.educationworld.com/five-great-resources-free-online-pd-summer GoGuardian Team. (2019, November 5). Technology in the Classroom | Importance & Challenges | GoGuardian. Www.goguardian.com. https://www.goguardian.com/blog/technology-in-the-classroom- importance-

Technology Mini Manual/ Job AId

reFERENCES

gsuite - Google Search. (2024). Google.com. https://www.google.com/imgres?q=gsuite&imgurlInstructure. (2023). Canvas Overview. Instructure. https://www.instructure.com/canvasJoin a Professional Learning Community. (2023). EdWeb. https://home.edweb.net/professional-learning-communities-with-free-webinars/ Love, M. L., Simpson, L. A., Golloher, A., Gadus, B., & Dorwin, J. (2020). Professional development to increase teacher capacity for the use of new technologies. Intervention in School & Clinic, 56(2), 115–118. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053451220914886 Redirect Notice. (2024). Google.com. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stjohns.edu%2Foffice-information-technology%2Facademic-technology%2Fcanvas&psig=AOvVaw3SlUS32_lXkhcyKbMcCa3i&ust=1729933791622000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCPio4tqXqYkDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ Snyder, S. (2023, August 18). The Challenges Associated With Technology in Schools. Smart Strategies for Successful Living. https://www.agegracefullyamerica.com/the-challenges-associated-with-technology-in-schools/ TeachersFirst - OK2Ask®: Free Online Professional Development for Teachers. (2024). Teachersfirst.com. https://www.teachersfirst.com/ok2ask/ Top Educational%20technology Courses - Learn Educational%20technology Online. (n.d.). Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=educational%20technologywatchwellcast. (2013). Safe Web Surfing: Top Tips for Kids and Teens Online. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrln8nyVBLU