Standard I: Technology Operations and Concepts

Standard I for Technology Facilitators/Technology Leaders of the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) establishes the framework for the eight standards that guide technology facilitators and leaders. The Standards design is as follows: defining the standard, establishing performance standards, specifying a greater level of detail through performance indicators, and providing examples via performance tasks.

In addition to establishing the framework for subsequent standards, Standard I skills and concepts are generalizable across multiple hardware and software platforms. Standard I sets the tone for the position by guiding the Technology Facilitator/Technology Leader (TF/TL) with skills and a level of understanding to be a problem-solver. While the TF/TL may or may not have direct knowledge of technology to solve a problem, one can assist in finding appropriate solutions based on general knowledge of the technology genre.

The primary objective of Standard I is to provide the TF/TL with two commitments: to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of technology and to embed technology skills in the context of curriculum. The TF/TL doesn't just go through a workshop to become "qualified" to be a TF/TL. Through an ongoing commitment to professional development and research and a commitment to addressing curricular needs through the use of technology, the TF/TL accepts a position of being a member of the learning team rather than the sole role of information disseminator.

Standard I also addresses some of the basic distinctions between the role of Technology Facilitator and Technology Leader. The roles are similar and can be viewed as a continuum of knowledge depth and constituents served. The Technology Facilitator typically handles the day to day activities of schools, works with teachers closely in the classroom, and often deals with hardware on site. The Technology Leader assumes a broader role, is expected to have a greater depth of knowledge on the use of technology in teaching and learning, and works at the district level in setting policies and goals.

Within the realm of personal practice, I view Standard I as the willingness to accept the challenges of being a Technology Facilitator. Having the desire to integrate technology into curriculum and sharing that desire with teachers through the use of mentoring, sharing, modeling, and partnerships sets one apart from other teachers. While all the answers may not be apparent, the willingness to problem-solve at the local level and the presentation of the over-arching question, "how can we use technology to support learner's understandings of the concepts we teach?". Even if one is reluctant to step up and assume the role of Technology Facilitator, once that question emerges, there's no turning back.

Williamson, J, & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.