I interviewed a Technology Coordinator that works in an overpopulated school in a rural school district in southern Georgia.

During the interview, I come to find that what I assumed about a site based Technology Coordinator. I figured that a district level coordinator had far more duties than that of a school wide (site based) coordinator. The words of wisdom I received during this interview is basically do all that you can in order to try and keep up with all the latest and greatest technology.

Interview with Technology Coordinator

1. What is the size and level of your organization?
I am the Technology Coordinator at an elementary school that has nearly 700 students ranging in age from 5 to 11 (Kindergarten to 5th grade)

2. How long have you been a technology coordinator?

I have been the Technology Coordinator here for 11 years.

3. What do you envision as your primary role in your position?

My primary role is to make sure all the computers in the computer lab are functioning to their maximum potential in order to facilitate the learning of each child that enters my doors.

4. Please list ALL of your duties as a technology coordinator.

Troubleshoot minor hardware and software issues throughout the entire school. Collaborate with all grade levels to incorporate grade level standards and the use of technology to master each standard. Ensure that the school-wide network is always up and running, Inventory old computer parts from dead computers in order to service currently working computers. Keeping up with the new tools in the technology world and teaching the students and teachers how to use them.

5. What sort of assistance do you receive in doing your job?

I have what my schools call a paraprofessional in order to help me with my duties throughout each day.

6. What are the parts of the job that you really enjoy?
I really enjoy teaching the students grade level standards by using technology. I also enjoy collaborating with grade level teachers.

7. What parts of the job would you rather have someone else do?
INVENTORY!

8. If you could restructure your position and responsibilities, how would you do it?
The only thing I would change would be the amount of time I have to spend every day keeping inventory of surplus materials.

9. What words of wisdom do you have for successfully Coordinating Technology in an Educational Setting?
Make sure that you keep up with the constant changing of technology; children and teachers always want something new to play with.

**Do you notice any significant differences?

I noticed a significant difference on the (equipment) portion of the map. I assumed there would be a significant difference in this area. The map I made previously in this class was based on a district Technology Coordinator, the interview I conducted was with a school wide Technology Coordinator; I assumed the district level coordinator has more duties and responsibilities.

**What were your surprises?

I was very surprised that the Technology Coordinator that I interviewed worked with grade level teachers to assist with instruction through technology. What did you learn from this exercise? I learned that no matter what you think you know about technology and how long you have been working with it, you are NEVER up to date or caught-up with it all!