The Role Of Media Specialists With Respect To Technology

Due to the absence of a Georgia Educator Certificate in instructional technology, and the lack of state-wide staffing guidelines or requirements for instructional technology specialists, there is a lack of consistency in the qualifications and staffing of P-12 instructional technology specialists in Georgia public schools. The result is a lack of standardized support for the integration of technology into teaching and learning. Conversely, the state of Georgia provides standardized support for school library media programs through the certification and staffing of media specialists in every public school. In the absence of consistently staffed, certified instructional technology specialists, media specialists may be playing an increasingly larger role in instructional technology support and focusing less on other vital library media roles and responsibilities. A deeper understanding of the role of media specialists with respect to instructional technology may provide insight into determining a need for instructional technology certification and support in Georgia public schools.

Autorentext

Dr. Warren Goetzel earned Ph.D. and Ed.S. degrees in Instructional Technology from Georgia State University. Dr. Goetzel also earned a M.L.M. degree in Library Media Technology and a M.Ed. degree in Science Education from Georgia State University. Dr. Goetzel received his B.S. degree in Ecology from Emory University.