Week 1, part 3

After reviewing all of the components of the Long Range Plan, I better realize the necessity of leadership in seeing all parts of the plan implemented. I definitely am aware of the need for change because of our societal changes. We are in the information age in a global community. Technology is in all aspects of our lives, known and unknown. I believe that it is our duty as educators to be involved in this change as we are producing our leaders of tomorrow. Educators are doing a disservice to our students if we are not modeling, using, or expecting technology in our classrooms. The students of today have positive feelings about technology and see it as fun and necessary. The teachers should respond to that excitement and engage the learners in their curriculum and instruction which will help increase student ownership of learning. Many teachers do not have the confidence to give up the techniques they know in order to try something that is new to them. As a leader in education, I must recognize that fear and provide time and resources to allow teachers to try something new. I can support professional development and then establish expectations for usage of that learning. I can model technology usage and showcase the possibilities. One of the most important things I learned in reading the Long Range Plan is the development of the technology committee on campus. I believe that is an excellent place to focus development. I also think I can build community awareness by incorporating technology into our afterschool programs and inviting parents to participate.
I am aware of a variety of technology tools on our campus, but I need to have a better understanding of who is using what and give opportunities for teachers to share how they are using that in their classroom. One part of the plan shows results from a NetDay Speak Up survey that reveals teachers want to know more about how to integrate technology into core instruction. I believe that will be a focus for me and our technology committee.