A Technology Coordinator is like being:

- a processor chip, because you don't have any intelligence of your own; you're always busy accomplishing externally-provided instructions.

- a router, because you channell all incoming requests and questions directed to persons who can address them.

- a zip drive, because you get loads of information.

- a zip disk, because information constantly comes in and out.

- an external hard drive, because you are mobile, provide resources and quick fixes.

- a PC card, because you have to process a lot of information, fit into unsual locations, make connections with different attitudes, abilities, and equipment, and keep up to date technologically.

- a remote control, because sometimes no one can find you when they need you.

Technology Coordinators' Commandments:

- Thou shall not rely on eRate.

- Thou shall document thy network for their successors, but store school password algorithms in school office safe.

- Thou shall know when to say NO, and say it.

- Thou shall require teachers to attend lab sessions with their students.

- Thou shall organize parent volunteers to help troubleshoot and do installations.

- Thou shall encourage staff development by providing incentives such as professional growth hours, hardware, software, etc.

- Thou shall network.

- Thou shall not inadvertently promote technology illiteracy among staff by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.

- Thou shall not jealously guard resources in a way that discourages others from using them.

- Thou shall not believe any time frame commitment made by the eRate people.

- Thou shall not under budget or try to pay pennies to hire a skillful staff.

- Thou shall not saddle teachers with obsolete equipment and high expectations.

- Thou shall cultivate an attitude of generosity.

- Thou shall constantly seek resources.

- Thou shall be a leader and role model by giving training, learning, doing your own Web-based learning projects, spending time with teachers, parents, and students as they work on computers and the Web, etc.

- Thou shall be a futurist, trying to predict the value and effects of emerging technologies.