Coaching with the Edtech Oracle: Playful Tools That Transform Technology Integration Conversations

Outline

Welcome & Overview: Introduce the playful coaching concept and invite participation
Live Demonstration: Model a coaching conversation using vision cards and Digital Diviner, showing how playful tools lower anxiety and open dialogue
Hands-On Experience: Visitor tries the tools through role-play, practicing question stems and collaborative conversation techniques
Resource Walkthrough: Explore conversation templates and navigate support website with curated professional learning pathways
Contextualization: Discuss adapting approach for visitor's specific coaching scenario
Small Group Interactions (as visitors gather): Brief overview presentations highlighting key concepts and demonstrating tools with multiple participants simultaneously
Engagement Strategy: Carnival aesthetic creates approachable atmosphere; hands-on prop manipulation ensures active participation; immediate access to templates and website enables quick implementation

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:
Facilitate low-stakes coaching conversations that help teachers articulate technology integration goals

Use playful tools as relationship-building strategies that create collaborative rather than evaluative coaching interactions

Apply sample conversation templates to guide teachers from vision to actionable next steps

Connect teacher-identified goals to curated professional learning resources through the support website

Adapt the carnival booth approach for various coaching contexts (formal sessions, informal conversations, professional learning events)

Supporting research

Cranston, J. (2011). Relational trust: The glue that binds a professional learning community. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 57(1), 59-72.

Tschannen-Moran, B., & Tschannen-Moran, M. (2010). Evocative coaching: Transforming schools one conversation at a time. Jossey-Bass.

Dunne, K., & Villani, S. (2007). Mentoring new teachers through collaborative coaching: Linking teacher and student learning. WestEd.

Lipton, L., & Wellman, B. (2018). Learning-focused supervision: Developing professional expertise in standards-driven systems. MiraVia.

Ertmer, P. A. (1999). Addressing first- and second-order barriers to change: Strategies for technology integration. Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(4), 47-61.

Hall, G. E., & Hord, S. M. (2020). Implementing Change: Patterns, Principles, and Potholes (5th ed.). Pearson.

Costa, A. L., & Garmston, R. J. (2002). Cognitive Coaching: A Foundation for Renaissance Schools (2nd ed.). Christopher-Gordon Publishers.

Aguilar, E. (2013). The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation. Jossey-Bass.