Technology's Role in School

In my view, technology levies the same importance in education as it does elsewhere.  Quite simply, technology is the medium through which so much of our business flows.  No aspect of our profession has been left untouched by technology.  Specifically, technology must make work more meaningful and efficient.  Schools must embrace technology using achievable technology plans.  Clearly, replacing and maintaining hardware will be a major challenge going forward.  Schools must see technology not only as a long-term part of their future infrastructure, but as part of curriculum as well.

Classroom opportunities abound for incorporating technology into instruction.  Technology can be used for remediation.  I have used Fast Math and other programs for this purpose.  In a project-based setting, technology must be the platform for individual and group student work.  Google Education Applications offer provide useful resources applicable to most situations.  These applications allow authentic student collaboration by digitally sharing documents and presentations.  Peer editing, surveys, and other work can be done in real time.  Google Applications, which come at no cost to districts, allow teachers to explore a new level of creativity in their lesson planning.  The use of technology is emphasized within the Common Core as well. 

Teachers must use technology for both formative and summative assessment.  I advocate programs such as Discovery Education and Mastery Connect for collecting and tracking student achievement data as it relates to Common Core standards.  Teachers should use these programs to assess their teaching.  Technology quickens the process of assessment and allows teachers to frequently check in on student progress.  Lesson planning will adjust more quickly to student need.  I would help teachers use technology to avoid long gaps of time between assessments.  In the end, technology can ease the process teachers go through to guide all students toward demonstrating proficiency across the Common Core standards.

Lastly, school administrators must use technology the same way a teacher would except on a building-wide scale.  Discovery Education and Mastery Connect offer data collection and tracking across all students.  The goal would be to identify instructional gaps.  Additionally, programs such as Fast Math and Scholastic Reading Inventory offer school reports.  Sites like ReadWorks.org are wonderful for incorporating more informational text into instruction.  Administrators should possess an extensive background in implementing technology throughout their practice and would seek to help others do so as well.

What Can I Do To Be A Visionary Leader?

As a professional educator, I might be able to consider my practice as three separate domains.  Obviously, teachers must teach.  We also lead each other, and for many of us, we prepare to lead a school.  My actions reflect a commitment to each of these roles.

As a teacher, I know any progress will flow through my relationships with my students.  It is this personal connection that compels children to act in a meaningful way on their own behalf.  I might possess all the curriculum understanding there is, but it will mean little with a relational avenue to deliver.  Furthermore, teachers should create ways to make students accountable for their own learning.  We must empower students to see themselves as capable learners.  Students who see themselves as capable have a growth mindset they will carry far from my classroom.  This mindset is more valuable than any factual knowledge I may have conveyed.

I see my profession as an opportunity to influence colleagues as well.  Collectively, teachers can be more influential and effective than in isolation.  Yet, to this day and even in this era, teaching remains a solitary endeavor.  Teacher leaders open dialogue with colleagues, share resources, look for ways to collaboratively solve problems, and take the lead during new initiatives in schools.

I view school administration as very much an extension of teaching.  Skilled administrators know a trusting relationship with staff is the most effective way to implement change.  School administrators are in the service of staff the same way staff is in the service of students.  School administrators create a cooperative environment the same way a helpful teacher leader can.  School administrators are knowledgeable about education, and know how to react and cause others to react to reliable data.  As a teacher, my practice is a microcosm of the bigger arena that is administration.

TLA TAL - Getting Started

As I enter the Teacher As Learner class this summer, I have no preconceived notions about what to expect. I try to view opportunities like this with an open mind.  I know educators must remain lifelong learners to stay effective.  As such, I try to remain current using opportunities like this class.  I look forward to whatever comes across my desk this summer.  I always attempt to incorporate new ideas into my instruction.  Hopefully this class will provide another dose of perspective and another tool in the toolbox to be utilized next school year.