Digging into the Research

I will be conducting my research on the potential of effective technology coaching and how this model will impact student learning in an effort to answer this question:

How will implementing a coaching model for campus technology integrationists impact K-5 lesson design?

Though the question involves a district-wide inititiative, I feel confident I can address this given my access to all campuses in my district. In addition to other sources, anecdotal surveys, and observational data, I will be using the following articles:

Exploring Coaching for Powerful Technology Use in Education

This paper gives an explicit definition to what coaching actually is and how that can be applied to the world of tehcnhology. There is evidence to prove this is an effective model along with frameworks for design and implementation. This will be valuable in understanding previous success and using that to my advantage when speaking with current administration in our district.

Characteristics of Effective Tech Coaching in Schools

Relying largely on anecdotal surveys, this report points out the idea that technology needs to be weilded properly and without a coach, it can become a cumbersome tool. The study notes more frequent use of technology and huge growth in selection of tools as well as improving teaching approaches. It goes on to identify the characteristics an instructional tech coach must have in order to be consiered effective.

How Coaches Help Teachers Get The Most from EdTech

This articale calls to attention the wasted money and resources on technology without proper support. The support doesn't have to jump right into the technology help, but rather building trust. Many failures of this model happen due to a lack of stucture or clear expectations for the role. This is detrimental to a tech coach because if admin, teachers, and even the coach themselves are unclear of what they need to accomplish, they can be seen as unsuccessful, and ultimately expendable. This will help guide clear definition of the role I would like to see in our district.

The 6 Fundamentals of Technology Coaching

This article highlights the importance of supporting teachers as new technology and devices are launched. That being said, the need for a specialized role has arised. There is an outline for potential coaches to follow in order to be successful in the role. At its core, lies the presence of the coach in planning and lesson design. Without the opportunity for collaboration, the model will fall flat.

Making Technology Work

This article focuses on the work one coach did with a specific campus, Hampton High School. The coach was greeted with resistant teachers that needed to see action to generate buy in. The coach worked with the teacher to develop key coaching questions to be asked during planning sessions and implement a "Before, During, After" caoching cycle. Ultimately, the work done by the instructional tech coach led to "meaningful instruction and deeply engaged students."

References

Ehsanipour, T., & Zaccarelli, F. G. (2017, July). Exploring Coaching for Powerful Technology Use in Education. Digital Promise. https://digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dynamic-Learning-Project-Paper-Final.pdf.

Herold, B. (2020, November 18). Characteristics of Effective Tech Coaching in Schools Explored in New Report. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/characteristics-of-effective-tech-coaching-in-schools-explored-in-new-report/2018/08.

Jackson, N. M. (2020, January 31). How Coaches Help Teachers Get The Most from EdTech. District Administration. https://districtadministration.com/technology-coach-resources-bolster-instructional-coaching-model/.

Matthew X. Joseph Matthew Joseph. (2021, May 10). The 6 Fundamentals of Technology Coaching. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2018/06/6-fundamentals-technology-coaching.

Person. (2015, June 23). Making Technology Work. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/practice/instructional-coaching-driving-meaningful-tech-integration.