Technology Help and Coaching

by Colleen Worrell, Secondary Technology Integration Coordinator

After a half-hour coaching session on how to use and organize Google Drive, a student remarked, “Thanks so much, Ms. Worrell. I would have never been able to do this on my own.” Hannah’s words gave me pause. Today’s high school students have more access to technology than any other previous generation. As research and experience has made clear, however, access doesn’t necessarily mean that students have the skills or confidence to use technology effectively, efficiently, and safely. While terms like the “Net Generation,” "Generation S(creen)," and “Digital Natives” abound, today’s students do not have, as one media studies instructor at University of Virginia has remarked, “some special path to the witchcraft of ‘digital awareness.’” Indeed, most teachers at HHS would likely agree with Kansas State University professor Michael Wesch’s observation that many students have only a superficial familiarity with the digital tools that can help them succeed in school and beyond (“The Net Generation Unplugged,” The Economist, March 4, 2010).

Helping Hannah learn Google Drive was, in part, about technology. But just as importantly, our session addressed broader skills including how to get and stay organized, ways to communicate effectively with and get help from teachers, and strategies for collaborating with peers. After she left, I was inspired to write this post to remind students and their families of the many ways they can access tech help and coaching at HHS:

• Classroom Teachers: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers for help on assignments or processes that require student use of technology. Teachers should not be expected to have all the answers; however, for anything beyond their expertise, they will always be able to connect students with someone who can help.
• HS Tech Center: Our technicians in the HS Technology Center go above and beyond the call of duty, helping students with everything from finding lost papers on frozen laptops to uploading gigantic video files to Moodle and coaching students how to use shortcut keys on their laptops. Students who need help can stop by the Tech Center (2nd floor, HHS), which is open on school days from 7am-3pm. They can also submit a ticket to the Technology Help Desk.
• Freshman Technology Seminar: All 9th graders have one term of Freshman Tech. We use the 6 short sessions that make up the seminar to build students’ expertise in Google tools, Moodle, file storage & management, and video creation. However, this course also serves as a forum for coaching students on learning in a 1-1 environment. My advice to 9th graders is to use this time wisely: ask questions, share ideas, and develop new skills. Moreover, I encourage students to seek out help from their Freshman Tech teacher, even after they have finished course. These teachers have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that they are happy to share with students.
• Technology Integration Coordinator: My primary role in the school is to support teachers and students. I am happy to meet with students to do one-on-one technology coaching. Students can stop by my office (located on the 1st floor by the cafeteria) or they can make an appointment to meet by sending me an email (cworrell@hopkinton.k12.ma.us) or calling my extension (508-497-9820 x1520). Parents are also invited to contact me if there are questions or issues they would like to discuss.

Like my meeting with Hannah, the goals of the 1-1 program extend beyond helping students master technology. By offering multiple avenues of support, the program aims to create confident, self-directed students who enjoy learning.