Technology Integration Specialist
Tech Integration Specialist, Tech Coach, 21st Century Learning Specialist, etc. The list of titles go on and on, but a rose by any other name... The question I frequently am asked is, "what does a tech integration specialist do?" So, I've pulled together some resources from various sources to try and answer that question.
Why be a technology integration specialist?
I am passionate about technology and I am passionate about education.
I think it is important to meet our students where they are. Students aren't going home and doodling in their notebooks. They're grabbing their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In my nine years of education, no other tool has had the ability engage students the way utilizing technology has. If we can harness their enthusiasm for learning through these platforms, we can make great strides towards improving learning outcomes for our students.
I think it is important to meet our students where they are. Students aren't going home and doodling in their notebooks. They're grabbing their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In my nine years of education, no other tool has had the ability engage students the way utilizing technology has. If we can harness their enthusiasm for learning through these platforms, we can make great strides towards improving learning outcomes for our students.
What does a Technology Integration Specialist do?

- Co-Planning - creating lessons with the teacher that will be used in future class sessions.
- Co-teaching - working side-by-side with the teacher to instruct students in the class.
- Modeling Lessons - actually teaching a lesson/content to students (different from teaching how to use technology).
- Observing classes - watching the use of technology during class sessions without engaging with the students or the teacher in the class.
- Professional Development - whole-staff instruction on new tools.
- Digital Citizenship - model and promote digital citizenship
- Resource Preparation - any activity where the technology coach is planning, gathering resources for their teachers or completing administrative work for classroom activity.
- Tech Literacy - teaching "How" to use equipment, software, etc.
- Tech Support/Troubleshooting - fixing equipment that is not working properly, installing software or updates, etc.
- Technology Administration - Often times they will be in charge of the administration of various tools, such as Google Apps for Education or a Learning Management System (Schoology, Edmodo, etc.)
References
Montgomery, L. (2014, February). Instructional Technology Coaches Wanted. Presented at the Illinois Computing Educators Conference, St. Charles, IL.
What qualities does a great technology integration specialist possess?

- Understands that learning comes first, not the tools - Technology for technology's sake is dangerous. We should be selecting the tool that is best for the desired learning outcome, even if that's an "old fashioned" tool.
- Experience in the classroom - an effective technology integration specialist should know what it's like to plan for and teach a class. Understanding pedagogy and planning makes them a vital asset to teachers and administrators alike. They bridge the gap between Information Technology and classroom teachers.
- Good Listener - The job of a technology coach is to listen to the classroom teacher to determine the desired learning outcomes, and to then make recommendations based on those desired outcomes. Really, this position is all about building relationships and gaining the trust of your teachers.
- Easily adaptable - Technology is always changing and we must be ready and willing to keep up. Early adopters of new tech are a great fit because they are ahead of the curve and can act as a great resource to other teachers.
- Connected - Our fellow educators are our best resource! Staying connected through PLNs and via social media is a great way to learn about new tech and useful ways to integrate them into our classrooms.
- Helpful and patient - Just as with our students, adults have differing levels of background knowledge and comfort when it comes to technology. We must recognize this and be willing to scaffold our lessons to meet teachers where they are at.
- Positive and Supportive - As with any learners, it is important that we celebrate the effort, achievements and the mistakes of our teachers are they learn and grow.
References
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology | TeachBytes. (2012, November 5). Retrieved from http://teachbytes.com/2012/11/05/7-habits-of-highly-effective-teachers-who-use-technology/
Advice to New Technology Coaches | Edutopia. (2013, August 28). Retrieved February 17, 2014, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/advice-to-new-technology-coaches-mary-beth-hertz
Montgomery, L. (2014, February). Instructional Technology Coaches Wanted. Presented at the Illinois Computing Educators Conference, St. Charles, IL.