Contributors

Shannon Bogert
Shannon has worn many hats in her twenty-one years as an educator.  Though she now holds the position of secondary curriculum specialist, she has also been an English teacher, history teacher, media specialist, and reading coach.  In addition, she currently teaches an eLearning course entitled "Integrating Technology into Your Curriculum," and through this she has developed a knowledge of the many way to use technology to help teach course standards.

She tries to encourage teachers to use technology as any other teaching tool: identify the standard and then find the best tool to teach it.  Shannon hopes to see more paperless classrooms and technology used to enhance critical thinking and collaboration, and offers this advice for teachers who are just getting started with tech in their classrooms:  "Don't focus on the tool.  Focus on the standard.  Utilize technology that you are comfortable with, and don't be afraid to ask for help."

Tweet Shannon at @shannonbogert1 or connect with her on Facebook (Shannon Burkhalter Bogert).

Erik Hammonds
As a computer tech in the Tuscaloosa City Schools since 2006, Erik works to support teachers in their use of technology to meet students' needs.  Through his work and daily interactions with educators, he hopes to spread a greater understanding of what tech tools can do and to encourage teachers to be less fearful and to feel empowered with tech.

Erik's advice for tech users conveys a message you'll see again and again on this blog: "Don't be afraid.  Aside from throwing it on the ground, there's nothing you can do to a computer that we can't fix."

In his posts, Erik will share practical tips and strategies for keeping your tech running smoothly and for what to do when problems arise.  

Laren Hammonds
The 2013-2014 school year marks Laren's tenth as a teacher in the Tuscaloosa City Schools.  She worked for eight years as an English teacher at Paul W. Bryant High School before transitioning to Rock Quarry Middle School in 2012.  She served as the technology liaison for the University of Alabama's Longleaf Writing Project and completed a master's degree in instructional technology in December 2013.  Her research interests include games & learning, designing learning spaces, and tearing down curricular walls.

Laren's advice for tech newbies goes a little something like this: "Connect!  Build yourself a PLN, a posse, a running crew.  We have tools in our pockets right now that allow us to learn with and from other educators all over the world and to deepen relationships begun in our own backyards.  These connections make us stronger, they make us smarter, and they make us brave."

Read her blog, Game to Learn, or give her a shout on Twitter where she goes by @_clayr_.

Chris Jenks
Chris is coordinator of instructional technology for the Tuscaloosa City Schools.  Prior to serving the system in this capacity, he worked as a middle school social studies teacher, striving to make relevant, technology-empowered learning a priority in all of his classes.  Chris ultimately desires for students to gain opportunities impossible without the skills, strategies, and tools we make available to them.

Chris's advice for building tech skills: "Pick one concept on which you can focus, and learn to do it well.  Develop and revisit a philosophy of how you deliver and facilitate instruction.  Above all, remember the humans are important; the things are not."

Connect with Chris on Twitter (@chrisjenks), LinkedIn, and Google+.

Carrie Jones
Reading coach at University Place Elementary School
Profile coming soon!

Lisa Matherson
Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Studies at The University of Alabama
Profile coming soon!

Andrew Maxey 
Andrew is the principal of Rock Quarry Middle School and has been using technology as a learning tool since the his first year as a classroom teacher fifteen years ago.  An advocate for powerful and purposeful use of instructional technology, he hopes to continue sharing what he learns with colleagues, remove barriers to effective use of instructional technology, and build a culture of exemplary implementation at a school and system level.

Andrew offers this advice to teachers who are just beginning to integrate technology: "Don't be afraid.  Innovation (and indeed just learning) requires risk-taking.  Technology is not magic; it's a microphone.  It will amplify the excellent practices you are already using.  You owe it to your students to find the most powerful tool possible and learn to use it for their benefit."

He tweets as @ezigbo_ and also blogs at Nothing That Profound.

Melinda Sears
Formerly a French teacher splitting her time between Paul W. Bryant High School and Central High School, as well as a program assistant at the University of Alabama In-Service Center, Melinda currently works as the Title I Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Tuscaloosa City Schools.  She believes technology enhances student learning and that technology creates an environment to make real, relevant life applications.  Her goals include creating meaningful learning experiences for students and creating a community of collaboration among administrators, teachers, and students.

She suggests this for those interested in integrating technology: "Choose one tool, and run with it!  You may be overwhelmed at the beginning, but you must remember the learning objective. Focus on the learning, not on the technology."

Check out her website, stored resources, and Twitter feed (@theprofspage).  

Lavanda Wagenheim
Lavanda serves as the IB Coordinator for the Tuscaloosa Magnet Middle School.  Before taking on her current role, she worked as an English teacher in both middle school and high school settings in Tuscaloosa and Auburn and spent one year as an ARI Literacy Coach.  Though she considers herself an emerging technology user, she is not afraid of trying new technology tools for the purposes of research, presentation, engagement, and connection.  She seeks proficiency in aligning all of her online tools, resources, and social media (seamlessly!) in the near future.  She envisions her life as an educator becoming simpler as she merges all of her tasks and responsibilities into one, easy-to-navigate system.

Her advice for teachers who want to integrate tech? "Teachers need to attend the sessions offered by the district to try out new developments in technology.  They should also join the regular district tech chats to learn new things and become part of a supportive community.  It is so important to stay connected with other teachers in the district, to find out what works in their classrooms.  Do not be afraid to take some risks with tech tools - you and the students will make it work if you give them the chance.  They are hungry for the experiences that technology can provide for them!"

Chat tech and learning with Lavanda on Twitter, where her handle is @ELavanda.

John York
John is currently the acting computer technician supervisor for the Tuscaloosa City Schools.  In this position, and throughout his career as a computer tech, he has assisted teachers to better utilize the technology that they have in their classrooms, helping them find new technologies and software that will assist them in providing a better learning environment for students and providing training in using the technology that they already have.  He also evaluates technology and makes recommendations prior to system purchases and hopes to help implement more individualized instruction for students using technology.  John believes that technology should never replace a teacher but believes it can greatly enhance students' learning experiences by allowing them to advance and learn at their own pace.

He suggests that teachers new to technology integration might be surprised by what they can accomplish if they just give it a try: "Technology is just another tool in your arsenal.  Biggest thing - ask questions.  If you don't know how to do something, ask.  Many people will help you learn to use your technology.  If you don't want to as other people, Google can be your best source for tech help."

Connect with John on Twitter (@Wiz_58) or Facebook, where he's jyork76.


We will continue adding more writers who'd like to share their perspectives.  If you're interested in being a contributor, share your info with us here.