Explore realistic applications of technology in teaching, learning, and leadership while focusing on ways to connect, communicate, collaborate, and create. Learn to support the integration of technology throughout the curriculum, motivate teachers, and bring back the joy to learning.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and fun of technology. However as a school administrator, it's essential to step back and consider practical and realistic applications that make sense for teaching, learning, and leadership. This is particularly true for the current generation of online tools known as Web 2.0.
Example. Technology provides access to opportunities. Explore the Korean War example. Students can use timely resources, use tools for creating and sharing, and produce authentic products.
Technology is more than computers. Use a wide range of technologies including ebook readers, digital cameras, whiteboards, and audio devices to actively involve young people in learning through activities such as Lego Robotics.
Example. An elementary class read the award-winning graphic story by Geoffrey Hayes called The Big No-No, then used the online Cartoon Maker to write their own story. Using the graphic story provided a new format for reading, while the cartoon making tool providing scaffolding for a story writing assignment. Technology made writing easy and enjoyable.
Let's explore four areas where technology can have a positive impact on education. These tools and resources allow you to connect, communicate, collaborate, and create.
Explore ways that technology can be used to make professional, teacher, and student connections; share announcements, documents, calendars; as well as, brainstorm, organize, and share ideas.
Explore. Go to School Administration Wallwisher page. Read the title and topic. Add a posting. Notice that you can add a YouTube video or a link to an image file if you wish.
Model. Think about ways you could use technology with your educators. Explore the Share a Professional Resource as an example.
Think about other technologies that can be used to connect people for the purpose of sharing, brainstorming, or organizing ideas. Also, look for quality educator websites and blogs to use as models for your own work.
Integrate. Tools like Wallwisher can be used for student sharing. Try it with a couple teachers and spread the word.
The ability to communicate with others is one of the primary benefits of technology use. Use social networking tools to design virtual spaces for blogging, information sharing, and discussions.
Explore. Go to Technology and School Administration Ning. Comment on a blog post or participate in a discussion. Use this environment to explore the possibilities.
Model. Think about other technologies that can be used for communication and interaction. Try one.
Integrate. Go to Civil Rights Ning for an example of how young people play roles related to the Civil Rights movement. Show teachers an example and discuss ways that students can use tools such as Ning for class discussions and projects.
Go paperless! One of the most important features of 21st century technology is the ability to easily collaborate online. Team building, peer editing, grant writing, and the synergy that comes from people working together are all examples of the power of collaboration.
Explore. Use an online word processor for collaboration. Let's write about a day in the life of today's digital child. Go to the Digital Child Titanpad. Add additional entries. Change some formatting. Let's use Bubbl to brainstorm ways that school administrators can promote digital citizenship, 21st century learning, and engaged learning.
Model. Explore the wide range of tools that can be used for online collaboration. Select tools for particular needs.
Integrate. Work with a teacher to build collaborative tools into classroom activities. Focus on the role of collaboration and why team building, peer editing, and synergy are important. For instance, use MyWebspiration. Explore the Civil War Project as an example.
From audio and video recording to the production of comics, technology tools provide adults and young people a wide variety of tools for creating and sharing products.
Explore. Explore the animations at GoAnimate. Use Wordle to review some of your favorite ideas related to technology in learning.
Model. Explore tools for research, production, and sharing.
Integrate. Explore public service announcements from the Ad Council. Use technology tools to create and edit your own audio and video productions.
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Key 1: Rediscover the Classics
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Key 2: Share Useful Resources
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Key 3: Create a Supportive Atmosphere
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Key 4: Nurture Technology-Saavy Teachers.
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Key 5: Encourage Technology that Supports Instruction
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Key 6: Connect Technology to School Initiatives
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Key 7: Explore Innovative Applications of Technology Tools
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Key 8: Create Fabrics, not Quilts
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Key 9: Create Synergy with Multiple Resources and Tools
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Key 10: Focus on Digital Citizenship
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Key 11: Build School-to-Home Connections
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Key 12: Stress Interdisciplinary, Project-based Approaches
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Each child is unique.
Each teacher is unique.
Each grade level is unqiue.
Each content area is unique.
Celebrate differences and learn from each other!
Not sure where to get started? Get to know the Google tools. Then, learn more about learning tools, learning spaces, and learners:
Learn more about the national plan and technology standards:
For many more ideas, go to my website at eduscapes.com