Doreen Barnes, Technology Integration Coordinator

Doreen Barnes is the technology integration coordinator for Forest Hills Public Schools. Her job is to help teachers and students weave technology into the classroom, rather than having technology as a separate tack-on to daily lessons. Her team works closely with teachers and students to ensure technology is embedded into the daily routine of the classroom experience. Learn more about Doreen’s approach to integrating technology in the classroom below.

What are some of the challenges you face in your current role?

One of the biggest challenges we face is the continuum of learning that individuals are on–students and staff members alike. Some people are really tech savvy, really want to integrate, really want to use the latest and greatest tools in their class. Others still think of technology as a separate activity. It's difficult to get everyone on that same page and willing to engage in a conversation around ‘Where should we be with technology?’ and ‘How do we get there?’

So many of our students have devices in their hands or pockets. How do we make sure they're doing what they need to? We need to understand that these are really powerful tools for learning. However, if you don't know how to use them properly, they become a distraction. We're not afraid to try new tools or devices in class. I think it's just as important to fail and learn from experimenting with different tools or devices in class as it is to have it be a success.

How do you go about getting teachers to use technology and getting them comfortable with it?

There isn't any one rubric to follow when you're trying to integrate technology or grow interest in a new tool. You have to meet the teacher or staff member right where they are and gradually talk through ways to integrate technology into their lesson plans. We bring these ideas forward with staff while also building their confidence.

From my end, it's much more about getting technology into the hands of the students to see how they'll interact with it. Students are often the best teachers. It’s amazing to see a first or second grader go online, type in what they’re looking for, find a video that another middle or high school student has posted, and learn from it.

Why are schools interested in putting technology in the hands of students?

So much information is being learned after school hours, and if we can harness that energy during the day, then we're combining what they're learning in class with what they might find on their own. When we show students how to use technology to learn and explore their world, we help them become better digital citizens and lifelong learners.

If you were to give one tip to educators on how to be successful with video, what would you tell them?

I would say start with a simple video where you're recording something out in the world; something you know really well with a connection to the classroom. Record a video about gardening or another hobby. Don't be afraid to show it in your classroom either. Start the video while you do attendance in the morning and see how your students react.

 

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