As Technology Support Teacher I am the main contact for Technology questions and issues in my building. I try to "keep the trains running on time" by working with all staff with their technology (hardware mostly) questions and try to provide solutions to their issues. As with so many of our issues in public schools, many of the issues with our hardware stem from the heavy use and age of this hardware.
My duties as Technology Support Teacher have allowed me to see the big picture in a building with over 70 faculty, smart board classrooms, and wired and wireless networking. Working in this type of environment, with very limited resources, it is a challenge to be resourceful, patient, and creative in solving tech issues.
These responsibilities have become more important as all students, staff, and faculty strive to practice their "digital voices" on an everyday basis. Everyone is using technology to raise their voices and opinions.
Here is a short (but not all-inclusive) list of some of the responsibilities:
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Educate all students regarding PPSD Acceptable Use Policy, manage AUP student/parent/school agreement process and documentation
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Serve as liaison with Technology department to troubleshoot/resolve all first level technology problems, create work orders for issues that cannot be resolved without higher level intervention
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Advise principal of equipment use and condition, recommend future purchases and repairs, make decisions regarding allocation of technology resources
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Maintain three heavily used laptop carts, make repairs to wiring or other issues as necessary and able, work with Technology department to keep carts in up-to-date, working condition
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Manage auditorium presentation technology including audio and video, educate faculty and building guests in the proper use and care of these assets
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Work with special populations staff to accommodate disabled students’ technology needs
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Communicate and work with all faculty regarding maintenance and care of classroom interactive whiteboards, laptops, desktops, document cameras, printers, scanners, etc., work with vendors on repair and maintenance issues
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Manage Nathan Bishop Middle School website: (recent new website vendor for our District/School Website- something new to learn)!
While many of the above responsibilities may not have appeared in the job description of a school librarian ten years ago, it is clear that more and more schools are turning to their Library Media Specialist as a technology resource. What are your thoughts on this? Check out the “State of School Libraries 2015” document from the School Librarians of Rhode Island association for more information on this topic.