Available [uh-vey-luh-buh l] adjective
1. suitable or ready for use; of use or service; at hand:
2. readily obtainable; accessible:
3.having sufficient power or efficacy; valid.
available. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved August 30, 2016 from Dictionary.com websitehttp://www.dictionary.com/browse/available
One thing I try to be is available. Being a Tech Integration Coach means you are pulled in a million directions every day. Arranging, organizing, prioritizing, and being able to become available whenever necessary are important skills. Whether it is the Superintendent calling or a student needing help on a project, a custodian who has forgotten how to access information on compliance or a technology veteran suddenly coming up empty for a new idea to try, I try to make myself available not only to help, but sometimes just to listen when people have to complain about technology, or anything else they need to vent about. I consider myself pretty trustworthy and I don’t share everything I learn in the times I spend with people. But it is those in-between times, when I am available to help, even if it isn’t about Tech Integration, are what make me (at least in my estimation) successful at my job. I have built up a bank of trust and a comfort level between me and the rest of the district at large… from student to Superintendent. So, if I am truly worthy of trust in things that matter to whomever I am listening to and talking with, maybe they will believe what I’m “selling” {tech integration, of course} is worth “buying.” If I am able to convince teachers that the tech isn’t frightening and do a little extra hand holding by making myself available when they are available or working with a class and might need a little extra help, they will be so much more calm and happy. If I am able to be of service to other teachers, staff, students, parents and anyone in the surrounding community that availability translates to good will. Good will often translates to camaraderie, good feelings, positive PR, passed budgets, and other advantageous things for my school district. All because I made myself available to someone else!
1. suitable or ready for use; of use or service; at hand:
2. readily obtainable; accessible:
3.having sufficient power or efficacy; valid.
available. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved August 30, 2016 from Dictionary.com websitehttp://www.dictionary.com/browse/available
One thing I try to be is available. Being a Tech Integration Coach means you are pulled in a million directions every day. Arranging, organizing, prioritizing, and being able to become available whenever necessary are important skills. Whether it is the Superintendent calling or a student needing help on a project, a custodian who has forgotten how to access information on compliance or a technology veteran suddenly coming up empty for a new idea to try, I try to make myself available not only to help, but sometimes just to listen when people have to complain about technology, or anything else they need to vent about. I consider myself pretty trustworthy and I don’t share everything I learn in the times I spend with people. But it is those in-between times, when I am available to help, even if it isn’t about Tech Integration, are what make me (at least in my estimation) successful at my job. I have built up a bank of trust and a comfort level between me and the rest of the district at large… from student to Superintendent. So, if I am truly worthy of trust in things that matter to whomever I am listening to and talking with, maybe they will believe what I’m “selling” {tech integration, of course} is worth “buying.” If I am able to convince teachers that the tech isn’t frightening and do a little extra hand holding by making myself available when they are available or working with a class and might need a little extra help, they will be so much more calm and happy. If I am able to be of service to other teachers, staff, students, parents and anyone in the surrounding community that availability translates to good will. Good will often translates to camaraderie, good feelings, positive PR, passed budgets, and other advantageous things for my school district. All because I made myself available to someone else!