EdTech Coaches Needed, or Not?

It's so challenging to change the mindsets of others, especially in the field of education. Trying to move teachers and educational leaders from the traditional teacher centered style of instruction to a more student-centered approach that integrates digital technology requires lots of patience and determination.

Part of their hesitance to adopting digital technology for instructional support, teachers lack the knowledge in connecting these tools to teaching and learning pedagogy and best practices. In current research on teachers' attitudes towards technology use and adoption, many educators have expressed that not only do they have the time needed to devote to learning a digital platform, they lack the skills in connecting these tools to the curriculum to enhance instructional activities. Schools today would benefit from having an instructional support specialist and coach to work alongside teachers and administrators in developing a technology integration plan, and provide professional development for effective technology integration that supports a more student-centered learning environment.

I have a few ideas on this topic, but would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts? Is there such a need for edtech support in our local schools? And if so, what type of support would need to be provided to enhance technology integration?

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