Lifelong Learner Supporting Learning

A letter of intent from an instructional technologist

Technology is the textbook of tomorrow. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, learning has been forever changed. Teachers are teaching digital natives who are immersed in technology all throughout their day-to-day lives. In order to speak to students using their language, it is important that all teachers possess skills that inhibit digital literacy and citizenship. As an instructional technologist, I look forward to supporting your teachers and offering ways they can best enhance learning within the four walls of their classroom. As a fellow educator myself, I understand the pressures and demands that are put on teachers to boost engagement and increase rigor, and I would be honored to walk alongside your staff as we learn about all the ways technology can aid in strengthening the classroom practices they are already using. I have a passion for creating engaging lessons that put the students at the center of learning and use the teacher as a facilitator and supporter. I would use this same concept with your staff as I teach them how to embrace all technology has to offer. Your teachers would become the center of learning as I walk alongside them as a facilitator, patron, and cheerleader.

While I consider myself above proficient at many skills, I am an expert learner. Technology is not something that can be learned just once. It is an ever evolving technique that requires lifelong attention and development. I am committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends that best support classroom practices.

Microsoft Office

Many of the components of Microsoft Office are most likely familiar to your teachers. I am committed to showing them how to use these tools in ways they never thought of before. There are so many variations in which these tools can be used for both instructional planning and learning that foster 21st century learning skills. I would like to show them how to increase the utilization of this arsenal of tools that they most likely already use regularly and are familiar with.

Google

Google offers many tools that support learning in a multitude of ways. This free tool can help create ease in planning and assigning projects, as well as provide a means for students to demonstrate learning by creating digital products. I would be thrilled to walk your teachers through the many different ways they can add Google to their toolbelt and impact student achievement.

Graphic Design

I enjoy designing digital products that are appealing and grab the attention of an audience. I have used many different programs including Microsoft Powerpoint, Canva, and Adobe. I believe this skill helps to create engaging material that can be used to attract attention from students and instantly increase engagement.

Website Creation

A teacher’s webpage can oftentimes become the first impression they leave on the families of their students. I am proficient in designing and creating webpages that are appealing, informative, and resourceful. This is often a task that daunts teachers and gets put on the backburner, so I would love the opportunity to aid in making this task more purposeful.

Continued Learning

While I am proficient in many skills, I am committed to lifelong learning and continuing to further my knowledge of best practices when it comes to technology. I want to be aware of the most affordable, sustainable, and purposeful tools that can best aid teachers and support student learning. A few of the areas I am further investigating and developing are:

• Designing courses through an Learning Management System (LMS)

• Podcasting

• Coding

I appreciate your time and I look forward to collaborating with your staff soon. I am honored to walk alongside you all as we work to improve learning through the use of technology and create better opportunities for your students to succeed and achieve all they desire.