20 for 2020

 

As of tomorrow, there will be 20 days left in 2020. So despite this year being downright ridiculous in a lot of ways, I wanted to spend at least a few minutes each day to reflect. 

I'll be posting my thoughts on Twitter because I think the 280 character limit will serve me well. Plus, as always, I'm excited to see what the Twitter Hive Mind has to say. I really wanted to hashtag this, but all the versions of 20 for 2020 aren't where I'd to hitch my wagon. So no special tags or chains, just some thoughts I want to share.

I'll compile the 20 posts here in the new year for those of you that aren't on Twitter. 

Happy holidays folx. 

Responding to Digital Promise and the Value of Edtech Coaches

"With experience in helping teachers and students use technology in teaching and learning, as well as an understanding of the district’s goals, edtech coaches are uniquely positioned to support districts in successfully implementing at-home learning." March 31, 2020 | By Mahsa Bakhshaei via Digital Promise

Last year many districts made the difficult decision to send district educational technology teachers on special assignment back to the classroom due to declining funding. I personally know many passionate educators that found a second calling teaching and collaborating with their peers, that were devastated when they lost their position. Many of them are back in the classroom this year and while teaching their own classes are volunteering their time to aid their districts during this unprecedented time.

With the advent of distance/remote learning, it is becoming apparent how vital positions like edtech coaches are. When we return to school sites, districts may have more devices than ever before. District dollars will have been spent on technology, and districts have potentially gone one to one overnight. I hope that districts are able to find a way to fund educational technology coaches again because despite the hardship we are undergoing innovation is happening. Teachers that are empowered to be educational technology coaches for their peers can help us learn from this time and help propel us and our students into the future.

I encourage you to read this short piece from Digital Promise to learn even more reasons why edtech coaches are valuable to students, teachers, schools, and districts.