Most Popular Teacher Status

How do you handle being the technology guru, whom everyone goes to with issues, if that is not your primary job? I feel for the passionate techies who are constantly being asked to "help" and wondered if anyone had any suggestions on how to handle being the most popular teacher.

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Submitted by MimioProfessor Mimio Staff Mimio Site Manager Mimio Certified Trainer on Jun. 3, 2009

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Tech guru

Being a technology director I hear your words well and also see it in action in the schools I serve. We have appoitned technology trainers perschool and they often become very popular with the novice to beginner technology types. My adivse oto yu si createa fodler they can access taht ahs all the tips and tricks for various programs with in it so you can refer them to that when they have questiosn you ahve already answered

  • Posted:
    Oct. 29, 2010
wwitkowsky
Posted by
wwitkowsky
0
(0 ratings)
Downloads: 21

New Technology, Old Teachers

Our school has just purchased the Mimios. I am currently in the Master's class so that I can teach and support the teachers to learn to use and incorporate this great technology into their lessons. This endeavor will be met with some resistance by accomplished teachers who do not see the need to change, or by the teachers who want their hand held the until they master their skills. I like the ideas of monthly meetings and the donation of 'snacks'. I will keep these in mind.

  • Posted:
    Oct. 28, 2010
CMischel
Posted by
Carla Mischel
3.5
(2 ratings)
Downloads: 130

The accomplished teacher will

The accomplished teacher will like it for its time efficency. Let them first use it as a projector to help take lunch and attendance and then open it more to them for lessons and you will see the wall of stubborness slowly break down.

  • Posted:
    Oct. 29, 2010
wwitkowsky
Posted by
wwitkowsky
0
(0 ratings)
Downloads: 21

POPULAR PERSON- the one with the Advanced Technical skills

I just realized I'm guilty of being one of those people that is very "needy" when it comes to technology.
I've figured out 4 different people that are a lot more skilled than me, and I rotate through them so I 'm not taking up planning time from the same person. It's also nice to bring them a muffin and hot chocolate now and then. Even volunteer to check papers on your planning time to reciprocate now and then.

  • Posted:
    May. 24, 2010
hoffmm2
Posted by
Lynn Hoffman
2.5
(2 ratings)
Downloads: 60

Mimio Master

Ever since I fell in love with the Mimio and began taking classes, my staff has asked me for help when they get stuck. At first, I spent a ton of time just trying to figure out what was wrong with the devices which led to new wiring. It took a lot of time, but I gladly took on the role. In fact, my principal has me slotted for a little workshop Monday after school. I am still working on the Master's class, but I know that I am further a long than my staff. I just want them to get on board. Some of our mimios are sitting there not being used. We will see how it goes.

  • Posted:
    Apr. 18, 2010
amiddle
Posted by
Amanda
2.85
(7 ratings)
Downloads: 268

I had this problem for years.

I had this problem for years. The school did not have a tech person, so everyone came to me. I enjoyed it when it was about teaching, but it became more and more about supporting the equipment. I finally went to the administrator and talked to her about the problem. He saw the need for a tech person, and included it into the school budget. It has made my life easier.
Peace

  • Posted:
    Mar. 28, 2010
Kevel
Posted by
Kevel
3.75
(4 ratings)
Downloads: 35

techi

I love using technology and I love helping people. I often have people come in my room (I teach 4th grade) and tell me they will do my lesson for me if I will go help someone with a computer problem. It doesn't happen enough to interrupt learning and a lot of times I learn things as I try to fix what they have problems with. I also know how frustrating it is to not be able to do a lesson because of technical difficulty. I also like to brain storm lessons with technology, but a lot of the teachers are not ready to add one more thing to their plate, which is completely understandable.

  • Posted:
    Feb. 23, 2010
tamif
Posted by
tamif
0
(0 ratings)
Downloads: 39

Techie

In our building I am the a TRT (Technical Resource Teacher). I teach all day in a self contained classroom and manage 4 labs. I see my role is helping staff to develop the skills to incorporate technology in their classroom. That is why I am involved in a thing called Peer Coaching. I offer classes to staff after school on anything they want that is regarding technology. It ranges from problem solving to learning how to use a computer. I also work with staff to help problem solve issues with their computers, printers, and network. I help manage the network at our school by making sure our data closets are up to date and make ports hot for teachers. I also provide what I call "cheat sheets" to staff on how to use certain programs. I post all of my stuff on my website for staff to download. I try to train staff on how to problem solve first before they call me. So when I get the call I know they probably have more serious issues. Also as a TRT I am responsible to make sure teachers have current workstations and that their equipment is working. (ie doc cam and projector)

The biggest key in being successful is to have a good working relationship with staff. Also to earn the trust of the staff. If you have the trust of the staff then they will be more willing to try new things. Such as trying to figure out the problem before they call you. I guess as a popular teacher I try to fit in the background and try not to get too big of a head.

Here is my website:
http://share2.esd105.wednet.edu/efranz/

  • Posted:
    Feb. 18, 2010
efranz
Posted by
Eric Franz
1.25
(4 ratings)
Downloads: 102

Tech Bytes

We have after school sessions we call Tech Bytes. Our corporation has a full time "teacher trainer" who finds out who wants to know what & sets up mini sessions for those topics. (& the teachers who teach the mini sessions get paid)

  • Posted:
    Jan. 14, 2010
vweinstein
Posted by
vweinstein
4.4
(9 ratings)
Downloads: 75

Techno Geek

Since starting at my new school a few years ago, it has been difficult to hide the fact that I am not technologically challenged. First the students found out and came to me for help with all their projects, then the teachers started coming for help with their lessons integration and other technology related questions. I started teasing that I should charge a fee (a candy bar, or soda) for all the extra techno stuff I do outside my regular teaching position, next thing I knew I have enough chocolate and Pepsi to satisfy any sudden cravings. I thoroughly enjoy helping my colleagues and students to put technology to the best use possible!

  • Posted:
    Jan. 8, 2010
dbrandi168
Posted by
D. Brandimarte
0
(0 ratings)
Downloads: 51

Hello Everyone, For the past

Hello Everyone,

For the past several years I have been my building's (and district's) tech guru even though I am a Social Studies teacher. I try to help as many people as I can. I feel that as a teacher who uses ducational technology in my classroom on a daily basis, it is important to share those strategies with others. Many teachers want to utilize technology, they are just not sure how to get started.

Obviously it is difficult to help everyone with all of my other school obligations. That is why when someone asks me for help, I try to schedule a time during a free period tp meet with my coworkers in order to help them. That prevents the "hallway attack" when another teacher drags you into their room to fix their computer. I have even offered mimi-clinics for several teachers wanting to find out about the same technologies such a mimio or websites.

Finally, if all else fails, find a good hiding spot :-)

  • Posted:
    Nov. 12, 2009
Paul Gigliotti
Posted by
Paul Gigliotti
4.35
(67 ratings)
Downloads: 1113

have your department chair

have your department chair people be the mimio guru. When they have their monthly departmental meeetings, allow time in the agenda to go over mimio tips/issues/tricks

  • Posted:
    Nov. 6, 2009
mvitale
Posted by
Mitch Vitale
0.05
(1 rating)
Downloads: 21

I am often approached to do

I am often approached to do tech support at my school so I did this at the last teacher inservice we had. It is almost impossible to help people during the school day, so you pretty much have to set time aside at meetings. Additionally, your administration might be able to set you up with a sub. for some period of time to allow you to help.

  • Posted:
    Feb. 13, 2010
barronju
Posted by
Justin Barron
4.2
(5 ratings)
Downloads: 28

I agree with Tricia's

I agree with Tricia's comment. We have a school Blackbord site that I help manage and I would create short training videos using mimio recording software and moviemaker and post them on blackboard to demonstrate how to load files, create discussions, etc. Similar to a podcast just a different delivery. Quick little training bits via this manner, email, or a flyer would fit the bill. The issue is that we are still dealing with some that just learned how to turn the power on. :) Patience has to be practiced. I get the same ones coming back time and time again for help which I'm glad to offer. A lot has to do with confidence and them not wanting to mess things up. Gotta jump in and make those mistakes to learn.

  • Posted:
    Jun. 23, 2009
Travis Rink
Posted by
Travis Rink
4.3
(248 ratings)
Downloads: 520

Most Popular Teacher Status

I think doing weekly technology tip podcasts, this can be done using mimio software, would benefit teachers who are not so "techie." These could be uploaded to a school wiki, website, or district discussion board.

Tricia Fontenot

  • Posted:
    Jun. 23, 2009
tof96861
Posted by
Tricia Fontenot
4.6
(37 ratings)
Downloads: 855

Maybe give a staff

Maybe give a staff development and help boost ability levels so teachers become more dependent on themselves.

  • Posted:
    Jun. 23, 2009
rodonnell
Posted by
Robert O'Donnell
0
(0 ratings)
Downloads: 240

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