Having served as a media specialist for the last eight years for Henry County Public Schools, I quickly learned that each school district has its own limitations in integrating technology. I also came to the conclusion that I have learned as much as I can from my district’s professional development. If I want to grow and prepare myself for a technology leadership position, it is time to shift from being a facilitator to an innovator in my industry.
The first course I took in my program was Visual and Media Literacy for Teaching and Learning, and it was challenging and insightful. I never looked at the design of an image as having significance in how audiences receive information. I took photos outside, I developed images with Artificial Intelligence, and learned about key design elements. Initially, I signed up for the certificate-only route, but I knew there was so much more to learn beyond the certificate. After completing my first semester, I shifted to the specialist program. Instantly, I could recognize many of the strategies and principles I was learning being applied to my work in the media center. I was understanding the value of images and words in the classroom, the importance of needs assessments, and the influence Artificial Intelligence was having on education.
More than anything, I saw the specialist route as a way for me to develop my leadership skills to support my interest in technology innovation with companies and school districts. I now approach supporting teachers from a coaching perspective. I never saw IT Specialists as coaches because of the tasks they handle in the district. My studies at West Georgia have truly shown me how technology is always changing and the importance of staying ahead of trends. You have to engage in conversations with other specialists and develop your skills outside of the classroom in order to truly make an impact on the industry.