In a message dated 1/17/03 8:54:42 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< My feelings on this have not changed.  Split the tech role / MIS  role of

the job from the coordinators roles.  Make the Tech coord endorsement just

about Cur. / PD / Classroom leader / Teacher Leader and change the title to

Educational Technology Integration Coord. >>

Dennis,

That is where I will vehemently continue to disagree.  The Tech Coordinator
has to have the tech competencies as well as the education competencies.  You
cannot effectively coordinate what you don't understand and you cannot
technically support what you don't understand.  They absolutely need to be
together for the Tech Coordinator position.  It's differentiated from the
resource tech position by being an administrative, leadership role, and that
is why the title Tech Coordinator is appropriate; the job requires
coordination on several levels.  I do agree that there could be an MIS
position which has nothing to do with PD, curriculum, etc.  That kind of
position would not require certification and that is the one that should have
a different job title.

As I've said to you in the private exchange, Dennis, if you were in charge of
technology in a widget factory, you damn well better understand the process
of producing widgets.  I believe the same principle applies in schools: the
Tech Coordinator damn well better understand teaching and learning and how to
support it.

Even though I think a non-certified MIS position is viable, I also think it
would be a huge mistake for schools to have that position without also
attending to the curricular pieces. Otherwise, it is a disservice to local
taxpayers, who rightfully want their technology money being properly applied
and not simply being kept running.

Tommy Walz
Technology Coordinator
Barre Supervisory Union #61
Barre VT 05641
802-476-5011
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