Fueling Innovation

Technology in the classroom has the capability of transforming the learning process, but much of what happens in classrooms is just substitution.  Replacing a pencil and paper with a word processor, using online forms and surveys for taking quizzes, turning in homework sheets on Google Drive etc.  Real Transformation and Innovation relies on educators creating new ways to distribute knowledge and perform assessments.

How do technology leaders inspire their colleagues to step out of their comfort zone and innovate - - issue mandates on classroom technology use?  Many schools try to transform their classrooms by putting technology into the classroom and demanding teachers use it.  Teachers are forced to use it or lose their jobs, but "compliance does not foster innovation." Innovator's Mindset

Passion fosters innovation.  Passionate educators who believe in the future step out of their comfort zone and re-imagine their lessons.  They overcome their fears and they find the time to learn, and their students are better educated as a result of their dedication and passion.

"Anyone in any job or position-students, teachers, and administrators-can be a learner and a leader.  But to develop these traits in our people, we must empower them; we must inspire innovation, rather than demand compliance." Innovator's Mindset

School leaders need to provide their teachers with "Innovation Time".  Time to stretch their pedagogy and collaborate with colleagues in their building and around the globe.  Schools might look to Google and refine their 20% time policy.  Google’s 20% time is a program that allows employees to spend about eight hours a week to work on new projects that could benefit the company. Teachers need time away from the day to day responsibilities of lesson plans, classroom management, and grading to redesign, refine, and refuel.  Many say that that is what summer break is for, but teachers feel that summer is their time.

"As leaders, if we ask teachers to use their own time to do anything, what we are really telling them is: it's not important."
Innovator's Mindset 

School leaders must find time for their teachers to ignite their passions; fueling innovation and inspiring the future.

#IMMOOC

New Year - New Technology

The turning of the calendar year brings new opportunities and new technologies.  New technologies are introduced at a rapid pace and keeping up with them can seem to be a daunting task.  As educator's we are bombarded with new apps and trends on a daily basis. With all the other important items on our "to do list" where does exploration and innovation for expanding our pedagogies fit in the daily schedule?  Does it have priority or is it an after thought?

The fast pace changes in the workforce should be a wake up call for education.  We must begin to prepare our students for the jobs in their futures and not our pasts.  This recent article highlights the changes and challenges that our children will face in the near future.

A warning from Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Stephen Hawking

How are we preparing them for the work of the future?  What skills will be required?  What skills will be automated?  Educators of today must re-skill and refine in order to be relevant in the future.