This past weekend, myself and 11 other Eagle staff members attended the Google Summit for Education (hosted at Harrison High School). For nerds who love to learn about technology, it’s exactly how you’d like to spend 16 hours of your weekend. What excites me about conferences like this is that it demands that you step back and look at what you do, and more importantly, why you do it. If you are in the business of learning, how are you really training all human beings (students, teachers, staff, families, community, etc…) to learn? Staring that question in the face brought three main takeaways to mind.
- There are so many ways that technology makes learning more efficient. My goodness. If there was any argument to this that held any merit I’d be shocked. Nearly every hesitation I may have had toward the full integration of technology in education has been shattered by the simple act of asking tough questions to people who know what they’re talking about. I am more efficient, effective, and aware because I don’t discount technology as another thing I have to learn how to do, but I consider it a full partner in how I work. Which brings me to my next point…
- Technology for the sake of technology is a waste of time. Gimmick technology only serves to advance corporate interest at the expense of those who are genuinely looking for some sort of relevant learning tool. There are only so many “makers” that a cabinet can hold (quesadilla maker, sandwich maker, panini maker, and the list goes on…). If learning how to learn is the goal, administrators and teachers need to be very selective when it comes to choosing how to lead students in efficient use of technology. Technology should smooth the path to learning, not become its own market.
- The ECS staff is ready to take this on. We have a staff of leaders. My time with them this past weekend only confirmed what I have experienced this entire year. They are not content with just existing – they strive for better. These teachers are ready to learn and to lead, with every challenge that change will bring.
We are not just pleased to partner with each student, family and community member toward better – we’re genuinely excited about it. Thank you, sincerely, for joining us on the journey.
Always in Partnership,
Mike Allen
5th – 8th Grade Principal
*Image courtesy of http://momentsofclarityonthisjourney.blogspot.com/