It has been a violent adjustment. This is how I am describing my first few weeks as a technology integration specialist. I may be a little dramatic by using the word violent. (Someone used violent this way and I like it! It's fitting.) However, the classroom has been my safe haven for the last eight years. As crazy as it may sound to some, I am comfortable when I have 23 seven years old, without a clue in the world, staring at me. I love the beginning of the year when everything and everyone is fresh and new. I love when a classroom community has been built and we run like a well-oiled machine. I love when I can pass "my kids" off to the next grade and feel proud of all that we have accomplished. Why would I want to give that up? How in the world did I become a technology integration specialist (I prefer coach)?
Let me start by saying that I love technology. It is a seamless part of my life. I wake up to the beep of my first alarm on my iPhone and put my feet on the floor when my second alarm sounds on my iPad. Motivation comes from a podcast that plays in the background while I brush my teeth. I walk out of the door while I am double checking that I am wearing my Fitbit. I unlock the door to my car with its remote and I'm on my way. As I power up my Mac (my job and I love Apple products) , I take a few sips of coffee and think about how I couldn't possibly live without technology. Of course I know I can, but it sure does make my life a lot easier and fun. My love of technology made it natural for me to integrate technology into my classroom. It also made me jump at the chance to coach other teachers as they worked hard to do the same. So here I am. My first year as a technology coach and boy has it shifted me out of my comfort zone.
Erika