Getting Up To Speed

How many times have we uttered that statement?  Getting up to speed means that you are well-informed about something or that you are moving, operating, or functioning at the expected rate or level.  Gosh! That is a hard goal for me!

I didn't get my usual start this morning.  I was later getting into bed last night and later getting out of bed this morning. That meant I was later being ready to work and later getting down to work and later getting work done and worked later to get things done. Not good.

So, now I'm asking myself if I'm needing the routine of work and interaction with co-workers or if I just had an off day.  Was it because it was rainy after several days of beautiful weather? Was it because it was cooler and I'd grown accustomed to the warm weather? Was it because I'd had some time off and getting back into the routine was not as simple?  Was it just A Monday, Tuesday, Friday?  What day is this exactly?

Why didn't I look at that notification and see that I was supposed to join a Zoom session at ten o'clock this morning?  Then, I wouldn't be scrambling to get all those questions that came in over the weekend answered so I could give the Zoom session my undivided attention.  How did I not know that I was supposed to facilitate the Zoom session at noon?  Why did I agree to participate in a summer PD planning session at one when I was hosting the noon session?  Why did I schedule two more one-to-one conferences after that?

At this point, I think I'd better hit the accelerator or I'm never going to get up to speed!

Times

As a team, instructional technology coaches in my district have been responsible for teaching, training, and supporting teachers as they learn, grow, and improve their skills at integrating technology into their classroom. We were tasked to help them understand that technology is simply another tool in their toolbox to support good teaching and learning.

We were taught to offer a high quality product that is a model of the ideal for teaching and learning.  Every I should be dotted and every T should be crossed with precision and as near to perfection as we could get. Most of us have worked hard to set the bar high and uphold those expected standards.

We felt as if we were shouting from the mountain-tops at times and it was simply echoing back at us.  Why? Because the very next classroom that we would walk into to offer support would still be needing so much support, so much teaching, so much training. 

Our job is one where there is never a dull moment.  Tools we use are always evolving, changing, and moving forward.  Keeping up with the newest technology is a daunting task that keeps us scrambling and running at full speed. 

Just when we think we have made a little headway and most everybody has been informed, somebody or some tool comes along to present a new challenge.  Those we have worked with closely have grown and are leading the way for others and reaching out a supporting hand to lift their colleagues up along the way.  Those who chose not to work closely with us continued forward but might not be at the cutting edge.

Then, school was closed and students were told to stay at home.  Teachers were told to provide online learning resources and opportunities for students to continue learning.  All of a sudden, integrating technology and using technology as a tool for instruction is a Big Deal. 

Those who worked closely with us hardly had a bobble.  Those who had not - bobbled a bit.  I have felt like I was shouting from the mountain-tops and there is no echo this week.  There is no echo because there are so many out there who are absorbing bits and pieces.  I'm not shouting anything new.  I just have a new audience who is really listening this time.  Not just allowing me to share information, ideas, and tips this time.  Really wanting to know the information, to apply the ideas, and to use the tips to make things go better.

Times.  They are a changing!