Monday rocked my world a little with an announcement that I had made a list in the EdTech K-12 Magazine (@EdTech_K12) for the top 30 IT influencers to follow in 2023. I recognized several names in the list along with another Georgia school librarian, Martha Bongirono (GLMA #schoollibrarians rock!). Several of those listed work for or with companies that are constantly creating new technology for schools. Some are authors or administrators at the highest level in their district. They explore new technology, and how it fits in the schools, and share it widely.

Then there’s me.

I am not supported by an edtech company or lead a school district. I do, however, work with students, teachers, school librarians, public and academic librarians, and others to share tidbits of information about technology. I look at tiny, everyday things like how to fill out a help desk ticket and why you will not get an instantaneous response back. I teach how to use your email correctly (please do not use “Reply All”). I follow the ISTE playground model and provide a device and software or hardware for my teachers to try out every week without having to create an account somewhere. I provide a weekly newsletter with one technology tip in the hopes of engaging with teachers.

How much influence do I have? In my school, I am the go-to person. I am available to help students and teachers when they get stuck with technology. Too often, though, my students need help with “simple” things like sharing a Google doc correctly or doing basic internet searches. When I can, I teach classes how to use Boolean logic in searches – both in databases and general internet searches. I teach how to recognize fake images online and how to use the “Birds Aren’t Real” model to recognize manipulation, find the humor, and engage in student advocacy.

In June 2023, I attended the American Library Association’s conference and presented three times. (Note: I enjoy presenting! A lot. No one pays for me to attend conferences so I always want to get a discount by being a presenter. I tossed in three abstracts in the hopes that one would be accepted. When all three were accepted, I accepted all three because I really enjoy presenting.) The titles I presented were:

• Birds Aren’t Real: How Students Can Work Against Misinformation
• Showing Off: End-of-Year Reporting
• Picture This! The Literacy of Digital Images

These are not random but things I have been working on or trying with faculty and students. It is important to show others what you are working on, experiencing, and questioning. As a school librarian, I am constantly trying to show my value to the school in ways that will impact and influence administrators. As a school technology instructor/repairer/coach, I need to do the same thing. Understanding how to engage with data to show your effectiveness is just as important as actually doing the job. If you go quietly about your job, no one will notice until you are gone and then it’s too late.

I have had a passion for working with fake news ever since I first heard the phrase “alternative facts.” I explore ways to bring students (and adults!) an understanding of the way words and images are combined to influence each of us. We cannot merely teach students that a certain source is reliable because even those “reliable” sources make choices on headlines, images, captions, etc. to create their preferred response.

This summer, I am using Dr. Penny Christensen’s blog challenge to organize the data I have gathered on artificial intelligence and its influence and use in education. As the latest, greatest thing booming across the world, I need to understand how to use these products and how to recognize them too.

Last, I want to remind everyone that we do not learn in a straight line. Learning takes detours, gets lost along the way, and does not always end up in the right place. I work hard to discover the best ways to share information. I have learned to repeat with adults, just like I do with students. It’s okay if you don’t get it the first time, or the second. But if you keep coming back, we can learn together.

Am I an IT influencer? I’m curious. I enjoy sharing. I rehash things and make changes when I realize it is not working or something changed it. I work on professional presentations. I work on displays to engage students who don’t want to listen to me in class [shocker!]. And, I work with others to bring out their presentation skills. If you made it this far in the blog post, it means you read and absorb what others are sharing too. I look forward to you sharing next. Become the next influencer. I’m happy to help if you reach out. We can grow together.

Blog: ticklingtech.com
Twitter: @Media_Barber
Bluesky: mediabarber
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