The discussion regarding the endorsements has been varied and lively, but
I'd like to explain a little bit about the intent of the endorsements with
the hope of clarifying the discussion and getting comments that lead to a
better situation for all of us.  I hope my comments aren't viewed as
"defensive", because that certainly isn't my intent in writing.

The purpose of the draft endorsements, back when the VITA-Learn Board
proposed them (Feb, 2001)and now, is to establish standards for people whose
reponsibilities involve the "educational" aspects of educational technology,
and NOT the technical support aspects. An educational aspect, for example,
would be leadership in the integration of technology into high-quality,
standards-based curriculum, instruction, assessment, and administration.

One question the VITA-Learn Board asked was: "Should there be standards for
people who have the responsibility of overseeing/coordinating the
appropriate integration of educational technology in schools and districts?"
They felt the answer was "Yes", as have the assortment of educational
technology practitioners who subsequently developed these drafts.

This is not a simple question because:
1. Districts define the breadth of responsibilities differently. In one
district the person who performs the above functions might ALSO have
technical responsibilities while in another the person doesn't. The trend in
Vermont over the past couple of years has been to separate those
responsibilities.
2. Titles (and responsibilities) vary from district to district. There are
positions in Vermont schools/districts called Coordinator, Director,
Integration Specialist, Technology Teacher, Technician, Technical
Specialist, Technology Aide, etc.
3. In some cases, these folks also work directly with students, while in
other cases, they don't.

A second question might be: "If those who fill the highest level of
oversight/system-level coordination in the integration of technology should
have educational expertise, how can that be assured?" I think THIS is the
area where we've had most of the discussion on this list. Are there (should
there be) multiple ways for a person to achieve this expertise?

Knowing that the endorsements are still in DRAFT form, the upcoming public
sessions 1/14 (So. Burl), 1/16 (Springfield), and 1/22 (ILN) will allow you
to comment on these and any other aspects of the draft endorsements.

Your comments may also be e-mailed to [log in to unmask]


Bill Romond

Educational Technology Coordinator
Vermont Department of Education
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2501
(802) 828-0064 (V)
(802) 828-3140 (F)
http://www.state.vt.us/educ
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