Who are you going to call: ITs or ETs?

DoDEA schools and offices are supported by both Education Technologists and Information Technologists; often, these separate but overlapping roles can be confused. Since September 17 is IT Professional's Day, and September 23 is Education Technology Day, a little clarification seems timely. Although both roles work with technology and can assist with basic troubleshooting, the education technologist is a certified teacher who functions as an instructional coach to assist content-area teachers with utilizing technology in the classroom. Information technologists, on the other hand, are experts in computer systems, software, and hardware. IT staff keep technology running smoothly. As Crystal Gers, head of the Fort Liberty DoDEA IT department stated recently, "We (ITs) fix it; you (ETs) teach it."

At Fort Liberty, IT professionals are shared between facilities, while every school has an ET on staff. Education Technologists often wear many hats. This is the case at Albritton Middle School, where Dena Vassey serves as the ET, school news liaison, webmaster, robotics club coach and NJHS adviser. Ms. Vassey loves working with staff and students, and she enjoys her public relations role for the school. "I like writing and graphic design, so being the news liaison is a good fit for me. It also gives me a chance to make regular contact with our Bulldog families." Ms. Vassey is pleased to have Scott Bouley as the IT professional at Albritton this year. Mr. Bouley is a hard worker with a personal interest in robotics, which he is utilizing by volunteering with the Albritton Build-Dogs Robotics Team. "Mr. Bouley knows a lot more about programming and hardware than I do, and his insight has been wonderful for our team," said Ms. Vassey. "We are both excited for this robotics season!"

Although the ET and IT positions may be solitary within the school system, collaborative efforts and group trainings add a feeling of camaraderie. For example, Ms. Vassey recently participated in two days of ET training at the Fort Liberty Community Superintendent's Office. ETs from Fort Liberty met together to complete professional development that included online components with ETs from across DoDEA Americas. On September 19, Albritton was pleased to be visited by Dr. Jennifer Fritschi, ET Instructional Systems Specialist at DoDEA Headquarters and Mr. Matthew Tomala, ET Instructional Systems Specialist at Fort Liberty. Dr. Fritschi spent three days visiting schools at Fort Liberty. She was able to meet with the Mid-Atlantic District Superintendent Ryan Smith, school-level ETs, administrators, other staff, and students as she got a taste of the way technology is being used to improve educational opportunities for DoDEA students. At the end of Dr. Fritschi's visit, ET and IT professionals came together for a meal of fellowship and communion. Similarly, on September 24, Albritton was visited by Mr. Bobby Robertson, Chief Global Customer Support for the IT Department. Mr. Robertson holds "Walk the Line" meetings with staff involved with facilities and technology at each school, such as the principal, administrative officer, supply support, and the ET. "I look forward to it," Ms. Vassey said, explaining that the biannual meeting provides an overview of upcoming technology initiatives from headquarters as well as an opportunity to share thoughts about technology use and IT support at the school level. "We are able to have an actual conversation about how things are going, and at Albritton, they are going very well." 

In the end, while it is important that DoDEA staff understand IT provides technical support and ETs provide instructional support, at Fort Liberty, the two tech teams work together so well that their joint philosophy is: "Ask any one of us, and we'll get you the help you need."