Technology Integration Interview with Mr. Glen Brown Marilyn Baker & Rebecca Brewster Technology Integration Interview with Mr. Glen Brown Marilyn Baker & Rebecca Brewster Diffusions of Innovations Diffusions of Innovations Dr. Huett Dr. Huett

Glen Brown Assistant Principal La Fayette High School Glen Brown Assistant Principal La Fayette High School

Q. What is your definition of technological literacy? A. Being able to function appropriately and effectively utilizing a myriad of technological resources.

Q. How is technology affecting the learning process? A. As this new generation of students has grown up with technology at every turn, they expect to be dazzled with up-to-date information and methods.

Q. When you hear the phrase “technology integration”, what does that mean to you? A. Using technology as the vehicle of curriculum.

Q. How should technology be used in education? A. However possible. From LCD tv announcements, to podcasts, to multimedia presentation (first by teachers, then by students), to on- line components to classroom instruction, to text message contacts with parents...an expanding infrastructure already exists and must be tapped by educators.

Q. How do you identify the “key players” in the technology integration process and get them “on board” to accomplish these goals? A. The key players are the instructors and students. The goal is to have them buy into more significant gains in student performance when curriculum is coupled with technology. To maximize benefits and resources, you begin the integration process with a few highly- motivated and able-bodied instructors. As the reverberations of their impact is felt throughout the institution, more and more key players will see the fruits of success and buy in will be automatic.

Q. What principles should guide your approach for integrating technology into instruction? A. The size of the impact potential and continuous usage by a variety of key players. Get it in the hands of those who will use it, then let them redeliver to their peers as interest increases.

Q. When can you expect technology to be effective? A. Anytime it is used with your key players.

Q. What are some obstacles you have encountered when trying to integrate technology? A. Money. Money. Money. Never force it on faculty. Allow everyone some exposure to it, then focus on those that want to use it and let them generate excitement starting with their circles.

Q. Do you have a technology success story? A. Yes. The acquisition, training, and utilization of SMART Boards and eLearning (via Moodle). We had nothing. We got a lot. We trained those who got it. We rolled it out and ran with it.

Q. What makes the differences between successful technology integration and a failed attempt? A. Success is getting it and using it continuously. Failure is not getting it or, worse, getting it and not using it. Technology alone will not enhance student achievement. Technology acts as a catalyst in augmenting student interest, therefore increasing the benefits of student achievement when stacked with sound instructional practices.