Tech Buddies is a peer support program designed to help teachers develop their skills in instructional technology.  It is based upon the belief that teachers benefit from long-term support from peers who have experienced success integrating technology into their own classroom instruction. 

Who Should Participate?

It is critical that those involved in a peer support program have comfortable working relationships with one another.  As a result, Tech Buddies participants are recruited as partners, consisting of at least one teacher who desires to develop technology skills and another who offers to share technological expertise.  The mentor need not be an authority on classroom technology.  Instead, mentors need to have a good understanding of basic computer skills, and have experimented (hopefully successfully!) with one or more areas of technology in the classroom.

What support and incentives are offered?

The district’s Technology Committee, Staff Development Coordinator and Assistive Technologist will act as facilitators for each team; meeting with participants to develop objectives/goals, and will maintain regular contact to provide technical & curricular support.  For their time and commitment, in-service credit will be offered to members of a "buddy" partnership who fulfill requirements.  Tech Buddies offers a meaningful APR goal opportunity.  Additionally, each pair/group will be provided a pool of funds for resources helpful in achieving identified goals.  (This amount is projected to be approximately $200 per group.)  Examples of potential purchases include: software (e.g. CD-ROM resources, Web site development application), hardware (e.g. “flash drives”, computer memory), and specialized training opportunities (e.g. course or conference fee).

What are the participant responsibilities?

Participants will be expected to maintain a dynamic and productive partnership through regular contact, planning, and skill implementation.  Additionally, they are required to maintain a program log, and to complete a brief questionnaire at the end of their experience to share achieved objectives, lessons/activities designed & implemented, and any suggestions for future program improvement.  Samples of activities and products developed during the program will also be requested.

Registering for Tech Buddies:

If you are interested in participating, you need to “connect” with at least one other educator with whom you would feel comfortable working.  As a pair/group, you will complete a “Tech Buddies Form”. It should be submitted to John Capano by Friday, November 18th.  The Technology Committee will review and approve proposals.