The Keever County technology team holds a meeting.  Kelly, Pat, Kim (an Instructional Technologist responsible for the high school) and John (an Instructional Technologist responsible for two elementary schools in the district) meet in Kelly’s office to discuss the Technology Showcase to be held at Poplar Hill School in a couple of weeks.

As told by Kelly Tanner.

“Good morning everyone, where is Pat?  Has anyone seen or heard from Pat this morning?   We have a lot to talk about and it is essential that Pat be in attendance.”

Both Kim and John shook their heads. 

“I talked with Pat yesterday,” Kim offered, “and I know that she is planning to attend the meeting.”

Pat entered the room hurriedly.  “Sorry I am late,” she said.  “Just as I was walking out the door this morning, the telephone rang.  The Instructional Technologist from Burke County was calling to inquire about the technology that we would have available for their use during the showcase.”

I made a note to check on Burke.  “Did you get everything worked out?” I asked.

“I hope so,” she replied.  “There does appear to be some compatibility issues, but I am sure we can get it worked out prior to the showcase.   Have you already started the meeting?  Have I missed anything?”

“No we were just getting started,” I answered.  “The reason that I asked you all to meet with me today is to discuss the upcoming showcase and the publicity we are receiving as a result of it.”

Pat seemed disturbed.  “Publicity?” she asked.  “I hope it has been positive publicity.  We have worked very hard to keep things moving smoothly.”

“No, no, everything is fine Pat,” I assured her.  I seem to be doing a lot of assuring Pat these days.  No matter.  After the TSY there’ll be some changes around here.  “Don’t worry,” I continued.  “You have done an exceptional job with this project.  We are receiving a lot of positive publicity surrounding the showcase and our Mentoring Project. Other districts, our state office, as well as the press all seem to be very interested in our project and how well we are using technology in the schools.”

Pat exhaled.  “That is a relief,” she returned.  “I will be glad when this showcase is over, so that we can get back to our normal routine, whatever that is.”

We all shared a laugh.

“I certainly can understand that,” I said, trying to refocus the meeting.  “You have worked very hard on the Mentoring Project as well as preparing for the showcase.  We have received a tremendous amount of attention from other districts as well as the State Department of Instruction.  State school board chair, Dr. Johnson, is very enthusiastic about our use of technology and the attention our district has received as a result of it.  In an interview with the press regarding the upcoming TSY Showcase, Dr. Johnson, told the press how successful the project had been so far and the benefits that the students had received were beyond measure.”

Everyone smiled.  It was nice to be recognized, but there is always a catch.  I continued:

“She even went so far as to say that she fully expected 30% of our teachers to be involved in the Keever County Virtual Mentoring project by next year.”

I paused to let the last sentence sink in.  The room fell silent for a moment as the group processed what I said. 

“What? -- 30% of the teachers in the entire school district?” gasped Pat.  “She obviously doesn’t understand how difficult this mentoring project has been to get started.  We had two of the best teachers in the district working with us and it was still difficult.  Getting community partners for that many people will be a logistical nightmare – keeping them will be even more difficult.  Not to mention the horrors of coordinating community college students and other professionals to work with the students.”

Pat was getting worked up.  John patted her on the forearm to calm her down. 

John spoke up, “Surely that doesn’t include the teachers in my elementary schools.  I could probably count on one hand the teachers in the two schools who use technology in their classroom on a regular basis.  I am sure Dr. Johnson was talking about 30% of the middle and high school teachers.”

Kim laughed.  “No, she couldn’t be talking about 30% of the high school teachers either.  The only teachers in my high school that use technology consistently are the computer lab instructors.  We only have 1 lab available for other teachers to sign out and the lab is empty over half the time.  There is no way that I could convince the teachers in my school to take on another project, especially a “technology project”.”

Pat was silent.  I couldn’t tell whether she was fuming or contemplating. 

“Our teachers have been very interested in the Virtual Mentoring Project and some of them have discussed the project with Ruth and Chris,” she began.  “But still….I am not sure that we could get 30% of the teachers at my school involved much less the entire district.”

I expected these reactions.  I knew I had to keep them focused on the task at-hand, or risk a revolt.  I sat up straight and cleared my throat.  “You are the Instructional Technologists for Keever County,” I said.  “A big part of your job is to integrate technology in your schools.”

That didn’t help. 

John answered: “I understand that is a big part of our job, but we can only integrate technology if the teachers are willing to try it.  I have a lot of resistance to using technology in my schools.  They tell me that they just don’t have time to try anything else.”

Kim nodded in agreement.  “It is the same in my school,” she added.  “My high school teachers tell me they all have EOCs to prepare for and they have difficulty covering the material they need to cover as it is.  I have tried to show them some Internet sites that would be of great value to them as well as some software programs that are available to help their students prepare for the EOCs.  They, too, are resistant to using technology.  The response I normally receive is ‘My scores are fine, why do I want to change now?’  I don’t know how I could convince them that this project would benefit their students.”

“You mean their test scores,” Pat offered.

Kim stared at Pat.  I doubt she appreciated being corrected like that.  I certainly can relate.  Fighting my inclination to let Kim have at Pat, I jumped in.

“I understand that there will be some difficulties,” I began.  “I know you have teachers who will be resistant.  Dr. Johnson has already committed to the press that 30% of our teachers will be involved with Virtual Mentoring within 6 months.  It is our job to make sure that happens.   It must happen however, on a limited budget.  We have just completed the new computer lab at the high school and funding is tight.  We are going to have to accomplish this with the least expense possible.”

“What about teacher workshops and equipment purchases that would be necessary to accomplish this goal?” asked Pat.

Pat is always looking for ways to get new stuff.  Not this time.

“All of the schools have a computer lab available to them to use if they would like,” I answered.  “The teachers can sign the lab out as often as they need to.  The three of you can work together to determine the best, most cost effective way to train the teachers who will be involved in this project.  Remember Dr. Johnson is counting on us to make this a success.  Let me know when you come up with a plan.”

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