Side By Side With Teachers: Finding Tech That Truly Fits.

Outline

This poster session will include content about how we engaged teachers with instructional technology integration. The content will be presented via poster presentation; showcasing real life examples and outcomes. Each audience member will receive a QR code that brings them to the list of activities and ideas we presented. The poster presentations can vary based on engagement and depth; however, 5-30 minutes is a fair time frame. The process will be peer to peer interactions where we can gauge what their needs are and how we can help them better integrate technology into their teachers’ classrooms.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to identify the importance of effective communication between instructional technology staff and classroom teachers. Participants will be able to develop a routine communication strategy that addresses specific instructional technology needs within their district or school. Then, participants can create support materials such as a QR code to a how-to video, tech tip cards, newsletter, etc. that are tailored to meet the needs of the teaching staff. Participants will be given ideas on how to implement relationship-building practices, such as short in-person visits, to increase teacher engagement with support staff.

Supporting research

1)
What Is It? This article highlights how authentic coaching—through modeling lessons and giving teachers hands-on practice—directly supports technology integration.
For Example: I mirrored this by offering small, non-threatening entry points, like co-teaching short activities, before teachers trusted me to model full lessons.
Citation: Liao, Y. C. (2021). Coaching to support teacher technology integration in authentic settings. Teaching and Teacher Education, 104, 103368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103368

2.
What Is It?Lewis shows that teachers’ perceptions of coaching efficacy are directly tied to their willingness to adopt new technologies.
For Example: I saw this firsthand when teachers, after a few positive experiences, began inviting me back into their classrooms for deeper integration.
Citation: Lewis, K. D. (2024). Exploring the role of instructional coaching in technology use. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 14(1), 1–15. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1472024.pdf

3.
What Is It: This study explains the challenges instructional coaches face and emphasizes the importance of empowerment and relationship-building.
For Example: I related to this when I took small creative steps, like the Appy Hour Communication Cocktail, that laid the groundwork for formal coaching opportunities.
Citation: Caneva, C., Monnie, E., Pulfrey, C., El-Hamamsy, L., Avry, S., & Delher Zufferey, J. (2023). Technology integration needs empowered instructional coaches. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 12(2), 194–210. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-04-2022-0035

4
What Is It: This practical resource outlines strategies like co-planning, demonstration, and reflection.
For Example: I leaned on these exact methods, especially modeling in real classrooms, to show teachers how tech could align with their goals while keeping the process low-stakes.
Citation: Edutopia. (2020, September 14). Technology coaching techniques for working with teachers. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/technology-coaching-techniques-working-teachers