A specialist in Educational Technology is the person to help instruct teachers on the pedagogical benefits of using technology in the classroom. This includes using researched based teaching strategies along with Web 2.0 tools to bring about affective change in curriculum or school policies. At a time when there is so much focus on technology, it is extremely important to understand the benefits to the students using it. The market is flooded with tools and software and sales people pushing them on school districts. This makes it vital to understand the efficacy of these products. Even though I have a lot more to learn, research has helped me to look at material in a more discriminating way and look for the end results not just the claims.
This is one of the roles of a technology coach, to help teachers find the benefits of the tools and not just use them for novelty’s sake. Also, to help teachers create lessons that are; meaningful and authentic for students. If I could tell myself anything I would do as Leah suggested and find and read two articles a week, good advice.