MODEL THE WAY
My first action step plan is the "Set the Example." I plan to use my classroom and the experiences I am giving my students through using educational technology as an example for others to get excited about using it in their classrooms. Once my colleagues hear about what I am doing, they begin to ask questions. Questions lead to showing them what I'm doing. Showing them leads to them wanting to try it in their classroom.
I have already modeled the way through seeking out educational technology professional development and shared the list of upcoming opportunities with my principal, who in turn, sent it to the entire staff. Colleagues were asking questions about which sessions they should go to and what I thought was worthwhile. A nugget of knowledge can lead to a gold mine!
INSPIRE A VISION
An additional action step I will take is to "Enlist Others." I have colleagues who are very interested in learning more about educational technology but are very unsure about where to begin. By inviting them to come with me to training and workshops, I can get them onboard with me and excited about the limitless possibilities for technology use in their classroom.
CHALLENGE THE PROCESS
I do not believe anyone can be a leader in educational technology without being willing to "Experiment and Take Risks." With the unlimited amount of resources in this field, experimentation is what leads to great discoveries of the best programs, apps, or websites to use in education. I am constantly on the internet searching for new resources for my classroom. When I find something I like, I try it with my students. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it's a disaster, but being willing to try new things is the only was to get further in using technology in the classroom.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Technology Leadership and Vision
My site has been through two changes of administration in two years. The most recent change is happening currently. So, setting a vision for using technology for learning has not been a topic of discussion as of yet. When technology is a subject of discussion at a staff meeting, we mostly discuss devices and the number that we have or would like to have. Our site has a plan for technology purchasing which is a start. Without the devices, we can't launch the learning. Scott McLeod said in his article, The Challenges of Digital Leadership, "Whether formal or informal, the focus of technology-related professional learning should be on student learning, not on the tools or devices." I believe we will get to that point soon.
When thinking about the "technology leaders" at my school, I could say I am the technology leader. Then, I thought about when I see technology being used at my site. I see our principal use Google Slides at every staff meeting. During PLCs, teachers access shared documents to complete on Google Drive which means they are using Google Docs. Daily, students access various websites and G Suite apps throughout some classrooms. On Friday, videos are played in the cafeteria during lunches. Also, every teacher uses a document camera all day long. In my classroom, I am able to use computers two days a week as that is when I have access to 35 Chromebooks. Some teachers have a cart all to themselves because we have three teachers and two carts per grade level (third - sixth). Kindergarten through second grades access Chrome Boxes in the computer lab.
Teachers are encouraged to seek out professional development in technology. However, those are often on their own time. When I attend one of those, I usually can't wait to implement it in my classroom right away. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same mindset. I have attended training with others, and the response is often, "I don't know when I'll ever have time for that." Eric Sheninger states on pg. 45 of his book Digital Leadership, "Technology is here to stay, although there is never a shortage of naysayers who question its value. Its value rests in whether leaders decide to use it effectively to positively impact the lives of our students, achieve learning goals, communicate with stakeholders, share best practices, and connect like never before".
I try to spread my excitement about what I am having my students learn and do with tech and have come to the realization that I need to be the spark to ignite the fire of using technology for student learning at our school site. Everyone needs to get on board of the need for students to use technology for their learning not just to play a game or take an Accelerated Reader quiz. "Schools need to change in the face of this challenge if they are to create the next generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, and engineers who work in a technology-rich and technology-driven world" (Sheninger, pg. 32).
When thinking about the "technology leaders" at my school, I could say I am the technology leader. Then, I thought about when I see technology being used at my site. I see our principal use Google Slides at every staff meeting. During PLCs, teachers access shared documents to complete on Google Drive which means they are using Google Docs. Daily, students access various websites and G Suite apps throughout some classrooms. On Friday, videos are played in the cafeteria during lunches. Also, every teacher uses a document camera all day long. In my classroom, I am able to use computers two days a week as that is when I have access to 35 Chromebooks. Some teachers have a cart all to themselves because we have three teachers and two carts per grade level (third - sixth). Kindergarten through second grades access Chrome Boxes in the computer lab.
Teachers are encouraged to seek out professional development in technology. However, those are often on their own time. When I attend one of those, I usually can't wait to implement it in my classroom right away. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same mindset. I have attended training with others, and the response is often, "I don't know when I'll ever have time for that." Eric Sheninger states on pg. 45 of his book Digital Leadership, "Technology is here to stay, although there is never a shortage of naysayers who question its value. Its value rests in whether leaders decide to use it effectively to positively impact the lives of our students, achieve learning goals, communicate with stakeholders, share best practices, and connect like never before".
I try to spread my excitement about what I am having my students learn and do with tech and have come to the realization that I need to be the spark to ignite the fire of using technology for student learning at our school site. Everyone needs to get on board of the need for students to use technology for their learning not just to play a game or take an Accelerated Reader quiz. "Schools need to change in the face of this challenge if they are to create the next generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, and engineers who work in a technology-rich and technology-driven world" (Sheninger, pg. 32).
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Leadership
What makes a great leader?
A leader is not made because someone assumes the title of "Leader." Leaders are made through their character and ethic. A leader is someone who will convey clearly to their followers a clear goal and available ways to meet the target. A leader walks side by side with their colleagues as a guide to empower and inspire. Leaders share of vision and lead change together with their followers - side by side. A leader will never lead their followers to do something that they would not want to do themselves. In the 21st Century, a leader has to not be afraid to try new things even if they fail. When something does fail a real leader gets up and moves on without feeling defeated. The greatest thing a leader can do is to reach the heart of their followers by giving a simple word of commendation, thanks, gratitude, or a simple word that conveys a job well done. Leaders give credit where credit is due.
A leader is not made because someone assumes the title of "Leader." Leaders are made through their character and ethic. A leader is someone who will convey clearly to their followers a clear goal and available ways to meet the target. A leader walks side by side with their colleagues as a guide to empower and inspire. Leaders share of vision and lead change together with their followers - side by side. A leader will never lead their followers to do something that they would not want to do themselves. In the 21st Century, a leader has to not be afraid to try new things even if they fail. When something does fail a real leader gets up and moves on without feeling defeated. The greatest thing a leader can do is to reach the heart of their followers by giving a simple word of commendation, thanks, gratitude, or a simple word that conveys a job well done. Leaders give credit where credit is due.
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