Techno Guru Pig

  s. Hog (known to her colleagues as Techno Pig) once lived a stressful life at Solid Brick Academy.  This school had the latest and greatest in technology resources.  Money was no object when it came to the technology budget!  Problem was, the school thought there was no need for technological professional development because they had.... Techno Pig!

s. Hog spent her days answering questions and fielding complaints about all things to do with technology (and many things that didn't).

    “The computers are slow and I need fast service for my Math class,” said one teacher.

    “We don’t have effective programs to meet Science objectives,” said another.

    The final straw came when her principal exclaimed, “The coffee perk is broken Techno Pig!”

s. Hog realized that she had been stressing herself out by trying to be the best Techno Pig in the world!!  Whenever anyone had a problem even remotely related to technology, they would leave it for Techno Pig to handle.  At first, Ms. Hog enjoyed solving everyone’s problems.  The staff was happy that they didn’t have to worry about technology, in fact they would sometimes ask Ms. Hog to help during a lesson in the computer lab, dodge out for a quick visit to the washroom and return with enough time to dismiss their class!  Ms. Hog knew something had to change.

r. Wolfe’s arrival was a blessing for Ms. Hog.  She had heard he was a demanding man who was difficult to work with.  When he entered her computer lab, Ms. Hog began demanding things of her own. 

    “Mr. Wolfe,” she began.  “The teachers at Solid Brick Academy don’t have the skills necessary to implement the technology objectives you have provided.  I cannot be expected to help our students meet their technology needs by myself!!  I need help.”

ith “gentle” persuasion, Mr. Wolfe began assisting Ms. Hog by creating seminars and workshops to help the staff face their technology fears.  Ms. Hog, not a naturally aggressive person, realized that sometimes a little force is necessary!

he sessions targeted each “sub-group” at the school.  The primary teachers said they were interested in skills to assist time management and in-servicing on the latest programs to improve student literacy.  Math teachers were interested in using technology from an analytic point of view while Social Studies teachers wanted to utilize computers from a world perspective.  It was difficult, but all teachers became more comfortable using technology with their subject area while noting that many computer skills cross various sub-groups.

echno Pig’s life is a lot easier now at Solid Brick Academy.  When problems arise, she shows the staff how to handle the problem themselves instead of being “Super Techno Pig”.  Ms. Hog can now admit when she’s in over her head, which is still a lot of the time, and her days are smoother.  Glitches occur but between the staff, administration, Mr. Wolfe and Ms. Hog, things workout just fine!