Creating a positive Tech Environment.

If you are reading this without watching the video, please watch first. (I promise you will love it)

It’s a great skit from SNL back in 1999 where Jimmy Fallon plays a know-it-all tech guy (Nick Burns) working with other employees who are in need of his assistance.

The thing I like best about the video is that we ALL know a tech guy like Nick Burns. In fact, I know that I, shamefully, have acted like this at times.

Needless to say, as funny as this video was back in 1999, I bet we can all pick out 1–2 people that act like this on a daily basis. The issue in the education world, is that we need to be careful because one bad experience can really turn off a teacher from ever seeking help, or trying something new ever again. I see my job as a Technology Facilitator (Glorified name for tech coach) is not to “fix” technology problems, but rather to ENCOURAGE and INSIRE the staff to try new things and not be afraid to fail.

Although my role as Technology Facilitator is new this year is new, I think that I have gained an understanding of what a positive tech environment should look like.

1. Don’t Be Pushy

Have the understanding that not everyone get SUPER EXCITED for the “technology wave” that has hit our schools in the past few years. Some will take longer than others to even think about using a technological device in their classroom; however don’t push or force teachers to do it. Let them get to that place on their own.

2. Massage the Ego

When teachers are reluctant to try some of the “new stuff” out there, I believe it is due to fear. First of all, these teachers have spent years becoming experts in their classrooms, and now, with a new device, they are afraid of losing the credibility that they have built over the years. Remind them that they will ALWAYS be the content experts. This really won’t change WHAT they teach, but rather will change HOW they teach.

3. Meet them where they are

Remember that no one is impressed by your ability to know “big words.” Don’t feel like every conversation needs to be a 10 minute dissertation on servers and coding when the person may have come because they can’t get into their email. Now….don’t speak down to them, but just meet them where they are.

4. Don’t forget what it is like to be a teacher.

Although life in the tech world can get hectic, I will forever say there is no stress like being a full-time teacher. It is like having 5 deadlines a day where you have 40–50 minutes to present the material to a group a people who may or may not care what you have to say; yet still you will ultimately be judged on their successes and failures. Sometimes people just want it to work.

5. Never give “No” for an answer.

OK…if someone comes and asks you to hack the school server and bring down Skynet, then your answer can be “No.”

However, in most cases, if I do not have an immediate answer, I tend to answer with, “I am not sure, but let’s find a way and figure this out together” and continue to positively reinforce exploring ways to improve the classroom.