Leadership and New Tools
"Leaders have to understand that things are changing, how that change is happening, and what is likely to be the result."
~Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools by G. Solomon and L. Schrum (2007)
"While much time is spent in dealing with administrative issues, a principal or district administrator is more than ever an educational leader with responsibilities for guiding classroom activities and focusing thoughtful attention on the intellectual growth of students and teachers" (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). Many people take for granted the role that the administrator plays in the in the technology future of the school. He/She must be aware of the changing needs of America's youth and have a plan to ensure that adequate education is taking place at their school. The school administrator and district leaders MUST be aware of the changing dynamics of our students."Their students are part of a digital generation with new expectations and approaches to learning" (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). These are not the same student they (administrator and school leaders) were preparing to teach when they were studying for their undergraduate degrees. "They (students) are self-interested and self-directed; they network with peers and expect to be engaged, even entertained" (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). This changes the entire focus of the class from lecture driven and teacher directed to technology based and teacher facilitated.
Leading in the 21st Century
"In order for schools to prepare students for the future, leaders must help teachers make the transition to using new technologies and new methods."
~Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools by G. Solomon and L. Schrum (2007)
Now, more than ever, is the time to go against the old mindset of "Do as I say, Not as I do." It is time for our administrators and school leaders to take a proactive approach in our technology driven classrooms. "District and school administrators need new skills, the same ones that business leaders must have today, the personal and analytical skills required to be true leaders" (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). It is time for our administrators to assist our teachers with reaching our digital learners to ensure that the teachers have the support, physically and emotionally, to sustain the changing times. Professional development and technology tool exposure should not end after the faculty meeting or training session is over; it must be ongoing to provide teachers with the reassurance that they need to continue progressing in the classroom.
Using New Tools
The book, Web 2.0, New Tools, New Schools, introduces its readers to various tools that could benefit any educator (See blog post for Chapter 2). One tool that is very versatile regardless the profession setting is the use of blogs. Many people use blogs daily (i.e. Facebook) but do not put a name to the action they are doing. (If you are reading this right now... you are reading a blog!) Blogs bring collaboration to life when use in our schools. Of course we can depend on listservs and emails to get our message out their to those in our "network" but blogs are interactive and current. They allow immediate feedback and public support that you cannot get from a district wide memo. In order for all of our teachers to buy into this new technology, our technology leaders need to introduce the topic with a blog which would allow the "newbie's" real experience while in a safe environment to make mistakes. "School leaders can encourage teachers to use blogs, but the request is more accepted if the leaders themselves use the tool" (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). The possibilities for blogs in our schools and classrooms is endless.... It's just time to take the step to start using these new tools!
National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Teachers
All classroom teachers should be prepared to meet the following standards and performance indicators.
1. Technology Operations and Concepts
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concept. Teachers:
2. demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
5. Productivity and Professional Practice
Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice. Teachers:
4. Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
Citations
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0, new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: Intl Society for Technology in educ.
