The document discusses the roles and perceptions of technology department staff, referred to as 'nerdlings.' It emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and proper protocols for tech support requests while addressing common misconceptions and expectations of educators regarding technology use. The author suggests strategies for improving interactions between educators and tech staff to enhance collaboration and efficiency.

1. The Care and Feeding
of Your Nerdling
Lisa Read
District Information Technology Coordinator

2. Definition
nerd•ling
/‘NErdliNG
noun
1. a specialist in educational technology devices,
support, repair or networking
2. a member of the technology department
synonyms: geek, geekette, propeller-beanie, idork

3. Stereotypes
ster·e·o·type
ˈsterēəˌtīp/
noun
1.a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea
of a particular type of person or thing.
"the stereotype of the computer technician as a nerd”
synonyms: standard/conventional image, received idea,
cliché, hackneyed idea, formula

5. Culture

6. Expectations
ample of how the tech department behaves differently than the cla

7. Systems
Theory

8. Communication
• Daily touch base
• Sign-out board
• Visioning/Planning meetings
• Roadshows

9. Fostering Teamwork

10. Fostering Individuality

13. All previous slides presented to this spot. Roughly 20 minutes.
Break into self-organized small groups, have a discussion around
the talking points on the hand-out. Based on my experience with
about 30 participants, conversation lasted easily 30 minutes.
Your mileage may vary.

14. What I overheard
• Don’t email my staff directly
• Please don’t try to fix it yourself
• Differentiate between a Tech request and an Ed-Tech request
• Problems: Bring us the new problem, not the on-going problems
• “What have you tried?”
• Expectations for educators to have a minimal proficiency
• Demo at staff meetings
• Give your techs a “script” for emails or phone calls
• “The Union doesn’t like it when…”