I guess this is my wish list blog. I have been working in my district for 8 years teaching middle school art. I have a long term love affair with technology dating back to my BFA in Industrial Design from Rochester Institute of Technology (1992). We worked on old Apples to create logos and packaging design for the products we created. I am now versed on both sides of the Mac/PC aisle. It really seems like a none issue at this point considering where the markets shares now lie!
Back to business. What do I wish for?
Vision!
I am hoping that our new leadership is one who sees far (actually nearer please) into the future. This future is one where technology integration is the norm, not the exception. A future where students learn ALL subjects through the use of technology. Teachers send emails to students (yes, even in middle school) with comments, links to homework, wikis, and moodles. All teachers have a Smartboard (or future equivalent) and teach with direct access to the internet. Live searches, streaming video, and WEB 2.0 are the norm. Students post, edit, and create on the internet.
Support!
A leader leads by example. They have a vision, and are willing to back it up. They provide support to and allow teacher to be creative in all schools. They create statements that push the use of technology as the most effective learning tool in the schools arsenal.
Persuasion!
This leader takes the school board, admin, teachers, community, and students on a carnival ride. This ride shows them that the future is now and that in order to educate our students to their potential, we need to use technology. The students know the potential of smart phones, iPods, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, and blogger. Why would we want to be behind the students? We need to be ahead of them, forming the practices of learning through technology. They sway the public that we are the norm of modern education and need to keep ahead of the students. Because, as everyone knows, if we don't teach them, someone else will.
Confirmation!
This leader gives valuable and timely feedback. They form there opinions online with blogs and chats. They get back to you via webcams and email. They stay ahead of the pack. They form policy and allow feedback from administration, teachers, students, parents, and the community. They stand for what they believe and support those who do the same.
Thank
"Because, as everyone knows, if we don't teach them, someone else will." I love this quote! So very true. That is why we should be working feverishly to make sure it is us, the teachers, from the very small age of first grade, talking about digital citizenship and what it means being safe on the internet. Also showing them and telling them what a digital footprint is. I love your wish list and I could not agree with you more. Amen! Do you think it would be something feasible for you within the district where you work to begin some type of proposal for more technology or maybe just for your own classroom? Possibly some type of grant? It is a start! :)
ReplyDelete