Looking Back...Technology Professions

As I look back at my Ideal Job Description (from earlier posts), I've realized that there is much more to consider if I was ever to include Instructional Technology. As I stated in a previous post, my definition of instructional technology has expanded. So, it is only natural that my ideal job description would expand as well to include more of the components that I have learned about in the last few weeks.

Originally, this is what I listed as my ideal. Now in red, I have added a few changes:

Job Title: Science Educator, Department Technology Coordinator

Primary Objective:  To provide technology resources to the science department as a way to improve the students' learning. To enhance the current and relevant scientific topics required to be taught by the Colorado State Standards. To create professional development opportunities for educators to include pedagogy strands using NETS standards, Universal Design for Learning, Marzano's Nine Essential Strategies, and Learning Theories.

Lists of Duties or Tasks Performed:

• Technical support for science educators for computers, peripherals, and network.
• Support and maintenance of hardware and software for all equipment used by educators.
• Support and training of technology resources for educators to enhance student learning such as iPads, iPod touches, UDL technological resources
• Attend District meetings/trainings to stay up to date on all district requirements.
• Member of ISTE or other Professional Organization; attend ISTE conferences to stay up to date on NETS standards and available resources.
• Conduct staff training sessions on updated technology.
• Attend trainings to remain up to date on all techniques.
• Assist in teacher evaluation of hardware and software used in lessons.
• Stay up to date on all changes to Colorado State Science Standards.
• Design, Develop, Utilize, Manage, and Evaluate science curriculum using instructional technology.
• Evaluate teacher's usage of instructional technology within classroom.
• Communicate to principal all evaluations.
• Create Professional Development classes to teach peers about Universal Design for Learning (with resources), Learning Theories, Marzano's Nine Essential Strategies and TPACK.
• Be knowledgeable about NETS standards for teachers and students; be able to provide resources for other educators to incorporate NETS standards

Description of the Relationships and Roles:

• Supervisor of school's science teachers
• Communicate with school's principal, especially on teacher's strengths and weaknesses.
• Problem solve with a solutions for any weaknesses expressed with a teacher.
• Be open-minded to suggestions and criticisms from all teachers within the science department; express with principal.
• Create an open door policy among the science department.
• Create an open door policy for other educators to learn ways to incorporate NETS standards

Typical qualifications and experience:

Minimum:

• Bachelors of Science in one or more science fields
• Secondary Teaching License in Science
• At least 5-10 years teaching experience
• Knowledge/Experience of Current Technology techniques and practices

Superior:

• Member of a Technology Organization such as AECT or ISTE and attend any professional opportunities throughout these organizations.
• Masters in Instructional Technology
• Masters to Bachelors of Science (particularly in more than one science field)
• At least 5-10 years teaching experience
• Currently work with Current and Relevant Technology techniques

Other Relevant Information:
This job requires you to be a "people-person." It will entail day to day activities with multiple people and require patience when assisting others. This job will also require constant education to stay current on all technology techniques which may require traveling to conferences to stay up to date. It also will required a great deal of time to research ways to close the gaps caused by digital divide throughout the district.


Because of my Instructional Technology Program, I now know there is much more to technology than just  computers and internet. It also interconnects so many different strategies and learning theories to meet each student's individual needs. As an ideal job description, this needs to incorporate all these new strategies as well!