{"data":{"ID":694,"Class":"Conversation","Created":1478232056,"CreatorID":4735,"RevisionID":null,"Status":"Accepted","Title":"SPOC Squad","Handle":"spoc_squad","ShortDescription":"A major obstacle that prevents the integration of new technologies in schools is managing the tech infrastructure.  There are frequent opportunities for off-site professional development. The onsite support is where many schools get stuck. SPOC Squads are taking a new approach to PD in NYC Public Schools.  Join them to discuss how.","Description":"Overview\r\nThe NYC DOE Division of Instructional and Information Technology  (DIIT) has created cohorts of Technology Single Points of Contact (Tech SPOCs) to collaborate on projects that improve technology use in schools. The program consists of a roving team, SPOC Squads, that meet on location at participants\u2019 schools to engage in real time problem solving.  Sessions address the needs of the respective schools of participating SPOCS.  \r\n\r\n\r\nIdentifying the Need\r\n\r\nWhile most educators work in teams by grade or subject area, the more than 1000 Tech SPOCs in NYC Schools do not often have that opportunity. Like librarians, or parent coordinators, they are often one-of-a-kind in their respective schools. As a result, collaboration with others in the field is essential. SPOCs may be able to attend a workshop or training throughout the year but  it is not enough for many SPOCS. The SPOC Squad program addresses this issue by building a community of practice for NYC Schools tech educators. The program addresses common needs such as establishing a tech squad, removing obsolete equipment, rolling out Google Classroom, developing an inventory process, and re-imaging devices.  It also results in the development of materials and documentation of practices to support other educators and schools throughout NYC.","Link":["https:\/\/docs.google.com\/presentation\/d\/1nnBvCwYlrYdC_i7PgbloFC8l4Ztk_BPRXKSKO1b6uC8\/edit"],"Audience":["All School Levels"],"Practice":"Several members of the SPOC Squad will attend and we will engage participants in the stuggles and successes they experience.  We have created user friendly support tools using video, gifs, and straightforward text.  If possible, we can demo how we create the user guides that we share with our community.","Presenter":["JoJo Farrell"],"PresenterAffiliation":["NYC Department of Education"],"PresenterEmail":["wfarrell@schools.nyc.gov"],"ScheduleSlotID":86,"ScheduleLocationID":4,"SubmitterID":4735,"AdditionalComments":"Here's my bio if useful.  Also, I work with Lisa Nielsen and Jason Levy, who have spoken very highly of this conference. JoJo Farrell has spent the last 8 years working as a New York City public school teacher.  He\u2019s currently the Deputy Director of Digital Engagement for the NYC DOE where he supports teachers using technology to increase student achievement and teacher effectiveness.  JoJo recently launched a new program, SPOC Squad.  SPOC Squads are cohort of SPOCs (Technology Single Points of Contact) who collaborate onsite at schools to solve a problem or accomplish a group task to be shared with the community of over 1,000 NYC SPOCS. He was awarded the 2015 Excellence in School Technology Award for his work managing a  student technology squad, converting his school to Google Apps for Education, and for his onsite professional development for his school in W. Harlem to a staff of 70 teachers. Before joining the NYC Teaching Fellows program in 2008, JoJo worked as a journalist and radio reporter in Oakland, Ca, as well as a program director for the human rights organization Global Exchange where he managed programs in California, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela.","LiveChannel":null,"Hashtag":null,"VokleID":null,"RecordingURL":null,"ConferenceID":6}}