Unit 1 - Technology Coordinator Challenges

How you could be a successful technology leader? What challenges might you come across in your position?

The book identifies strong interpersonal skills, problem solving ability, leadership and planning skills as key to the role. As I read some of my classmates responses I feel lucky to know the answer to this question to me personally. My job at the LIU is the director of our technology department. As I summed up in class, I really am a problem solver at the root of my job. The ability to solve problems, while considering the big picture is probably the most valuable asset I possess that carries me day to day.

Many of the other posts mentioned technical skill as a concern. To me this is my number one concern as well, and to compensate I rely on a small team of talented individuals to take care of the heavy lifting. I don't think that anyone person can expect to fill all of the districts technology needs effectively, regardless how small the district is. I think it is important to know what you can do, and focus on doing those things to the best of your ability. Being able to create relationships, and lead people in a unified direction, using a common language and vision really helps make the job easier in the long run. My goal has alway to be as responsive as possible to my stakeholders needs, and to always show progress on projects, no matter how small it appears. I work hard to build a core team of talent and make sure that we can work effectively. Every successful technology leader I have met has built a similar support structure, whether it uses technology staff, teacher tech assistants, technology coaches, or even students.

The prevalence of technology in every day life has led to many misconceptions on the parts of administrators, teachers, and the community. The reality of laws involving minor students, CIPA, FERPA, E-rate requirements, make this a treacherous place to be in charge of from time to time. Handling important data, records, images, and video are roles not to be taken lightly. The expectation is that computers should be fast, reliable, and work nearly 100% of the time. People expect new software, equipment, and the latest gadgets under the guise of productivity and enhancing the classroom environment. There is a fine balance between reality of budgets, long term planning, time to complete projects, priority of work, and what actually can be done.

With all that said, I wouldn't change what I do for anything, as it is rewarding, and every evolving. I try to live by a quote from Dirty Harry in Magnum Force -