Interview with Justin Castile Henry County Schools Instructional Technology Specialist Anissa Andrews MEDT 8461 Diffusions of Innovations

Justin Castile Justin Castile began his teaching career in 2000 as a special education teacher for Floyd County Schools. In 2008, he relocated to Henry County as the Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) at Luella Middle School. This year, Henry County Schools centralized the Learning and Technology department. In the past, each middle and high school had a full-time ITS on staff, and two elementary schools shared a part-time ITS. These technology specialists were responsible for all technology related professional learning, instruction support, and technical support. Now, Justin is one only of four Instructional Technology Specialists employed by Henry County Schools. He is responsible for delivering professional learning and training on a variety of instructional technology topics for thirteen schools. The county utilizes technicians shared between school clusters for all technical and application support.

Technological Literacy “Keeps you on your game.”  Defined as having one’s own personal learning network.  A technological literate individual is able to use technology to locate, evaluate, and use information related to his or her field.  As an Instructional Technology Specialist, he subscribes to numerous education and technology blogs through “google reader.” Following these blogs and websites, Justin stays at the forefront of his field.

“Ubiquitous access for everyone”  Full integration occurs when individuals are comfortable using technology, and incorporate it as an everyday part of life.  Students today are not “pencil experts,” and schools should foster the use of technology to enhance instruction and prepare students to compete in the global community. Technology Integration

Key Players in Technology Integration  All stakeholders  Students  Teachers  Parents  Administrators  Everyone who will have impact on student achievement should support the process.  This can be accomplished by demonstrating in the relevance of the specific project to the students’ lives and academic goals.  Professional learning and full training for students is necessary for new technology to be effectively implemented.

Guiding Principles for Technology Integration  Georgia Performance Standards  Increasing student achievement should be the primary goal.  Class Keys  Technology should assist in the assessment of student learning and data collection.  Resources should be:  Reliable  Safe  Worthy of the investment of time and money

Obstacles to Technology Integration Resources  Software requirements  Ban-width  Access  Funding Stakeholders  Reluctant attitude  Unwilling to change  Time for proper training

Technology Integration Success  Centralization of Learning and Technology Department  Improvement in the use of technology  More equity in technology throughout county  Higher number of schools being serviced through professional development opportunities  Knowledge Base  On-demand self-serve training using video based training  On-line troubleshooting via document based materials and support  Help desk

Successful Professional Learning  Teachers/administrators take anything away from training  Training is actually implemented and used to enhance learning  Learning is relevant

 Online Learning  GA Virtual Academy makes money for the state  1,000+ on waiting list  Home school component  Some districts are on a four day week  Short week blended with online learning  Henry County Board of Education  New Superintendant very technology minded  Follow HCBOE on Twitter and Facebook The Future of Instructional Technology

References Castile, J. (2011, January 20). Telephone interview.