What is an ITRT

What is an ITRT?

"Instructional technology resource teachers (ITRTs) provide on-site and on- demand assistance for fellow teachers to create different forms of learning and. teaching with the help of technologies. They seek to improve student learning by showing teachers the thoughtful applications and best practices of these new tools. "

What are the responsibilities of an ITRT?

•Working collaboratively with individual or groups of teachers to integrate technology into instruction 

• Assisting with curriculum and content development

• Disseminating information regarding technology resources, emerging technologies, best practices using technology, and professional development opportunities 

• Facilitating or conducting technology-related professional development for school staff

• Assessing levels of teacher and student technology use and skills 

•Working with appropriate division or school-based curriculum and technology staff to help school staff in integrating technology into the curriculum 

• Modeling effective instructional strategies using technology 

• Serving as a member of the school technology committee 

• Supporting implantation of the division and state technology plan 

• Researching use of newer technologies in instruction 

• Using data to design technology-based instructional strategies 

• Recommending hardware, software, and related resources

• Identifying trends in software, curriculum, teaching strategies, and other educational areas 

• Creating learning resources for teachers, staff and students 

• Serving as a strong advocate for technology integration 

• Participating in software selection and use

Is an ITRT a classroom teacher?

The ITRT is specified as a teacher, and therefore must be a licensed teacher. The position is full-time equivalent. Instructional technology resource teachers are available throughout the school day for planning and implementation of integration activities. This avoids the challenge of finding time to provide support while meeting teaching obligations. Instructional technology resource teachers are intended to serve as resources to classroom teachers, but are not intended to serve as classroom teachers. Their primary purpose is to train teachers to use technology in an effective manner. In this role they are also agents of change and actively engaged in curriculum development and lesson planning. They use their credibility as a classroom teacher and their knowledge of teaching strategies to help design lessons and plan projects with the teachers. It is not the responsibility of the instructional technology resource teacher to evaluate a teacher’s performance. The ITRT does, however, work with the teacher to assess the effectiveness of a technology-based lesson.

How are ITRTs different from computer technicians?