Learning Networks

My current role at work is as our District Technology Integration Specialist. This is my second year in this role and not only was it new to me last year, but it was also new to our district. In this role, I work with our staff to help them learn how to utilize technology in their classroom with their students in a way that the learning is the priority, not the technology. In addition to this role being new to our district last year, it was also the first year our district went 1:1 with Chromebooks K-12. This school year, they also asked me to become our District Testing Coordinator (DTC). My expanded role now includes all state assessments, ACT, TSI, and other assessments needed.

Due to the variety of areas that my job entails, I am part of a variety of learning networks. Here are a few.

• Texas Statewide Network of Assessment Professionals (TSNAP): I joined this network in August when I became our DTC at the suggestion of our regional testing staff. This network has been invaluable in assisting me with my DTC duties already this year.

• Digital Learning & Integration Network (DLIN): This network consists of other Technology Integration Specialists in Region 9 in Texas. We meet monthly for meetings covering various topics and we have a Google Group to reach out to when we have questions in our field.

• Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA): This network is a global organization that supports the use of technology in education. TCEA has a annual conference each year along with other smaller conferences throughout the year. There are a number of different communities to join as well as webinars and Lunch and Learn events throughout the year.

• Google Certified Trainer: This network allows me to be in touch with Google Certified Trainers around the world for collaboration and problem solving.

• Leslie Fisher Membership: This is one of the few memberships that I pay for that are offered by an individual. Leslie Fisher is also one of the few people that were never in education but seem to have a wonderful grasp on how to use technology in the classroom. She offers webinars and other resources for her members. She also has free information and webinars on her website to help educators.

I am always looking at new ways to assist my teachers with technology in their classrooms and the learning networks help tremendously. When I attended the TCEA conference earlier this year, I was amazed at how many of the presenters are so willing to help us and offer anything they have that can be beneficial. While the online networks are a great resource to have, especially since I live in a small rural town, it really comes to life when you are able to meet the people from these networks in person at conferences and other events.