ISLLC Standards

How much do we lose when we try to memorize every word of something important? I started out trying to learn every single word of the ISLLC Standards, and I found myself frustrated because it seemed almost impossible. As I spent more time looking at the standards, I noticed that there are a few key words at the heart of each one. Instead of focusing my attention and efforts on trying to remember every single word, I am now beginning to understand the meaning of each standard by embracing these few words and phrases. The importance of the ISLLC Standards requires us to do our best not to spit them out verbatim, but to know what they mean and be able to incorporate them in creating a successful and excellent school.

So Much To Learn

There was a time, not too very long ago, that I thought I knew a lot about computers, the Internet, and technology. I knew how to navigate the Internet, could handle most of the well-know Mircrosoft applications, and do a few little fancy tricks on the computer. How wrong I was! If I have learned anything during this class it is this: I have to make a commitment to keep learning and practicing with all types of technologies if I am going to do the best job I can as an educational leader. If there is something out there that will help me better perform my duties then I want to understand its capabilities and put it to use. If I let these opportunities slip by then I will be letting the faculty and the school down. And that, is something I promise to avoid.

Surveys

Let me begin with a probability: All of us, at one time or another, have had to fill out a survey. Most of the time, these are anonymous and should elicit the truth from those lucky enough to be completing it. However, on that rare and awe-inspiring occasion, you will have that brave soul who wants you to sign the survey. I can't help but ask this question, because I am guilty, and I would dare say that a few of you are, too: How many times have you filled out a survey that required your name and lied like a dirty rug?
Seriously, I believe the survey can be a useful tool in receiving feedback on a number of issues or gauging the overall feeling of your faculty. But, you have to decide if you want the truth or not. Don't ask someone to anonymously tell you what they think if you don't have thick skin. If surveys are going to serve their purpose, those completing them must know there will be no possibility of retribution. Also, never do surveys just to do them, rather make sure they are meaningful with relevant and important questions.

Technology

Get ready for this! As a precaution, you may even want to take a seat. I'm pretty sure that I'm coming to the conclusion that technology is not a bad word, not even a bad thing. During my class, I have seen and used many new technologies that, on most occasions, I had never heard of. Mail merge documents and podcasts are just a couple of examples. I have already applied the use of a Wiki page to a real-life situation. I have to say, I'm excited about how certain responsibilities and duties can be made much easier by simply applying the use of just one tool. It is true that I have only dipped one toe in to test these unknown waters, but I am ready to dive in and frolic in the waves of this new world. Come in and join me, the water is perfect.

WIKI

"Wiki-Wiki-Wiki!" "Fast-Fast-Fast!" "What I Know Is!" Whatever you want to call it or whatever moniker we give it, one thing is definitely sure - "Wiki" is one of the most useful bits of technology available to teachers and administrators. I had, of course, heard of Wiki before, and, like most of you, it was only through the Wikipedia website. What I have recently learned has again revealed my permanent place in the untechnologically advanced section of the room. Basically, Wiki allows for the creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages. What this means is fairly simple - we can create a Web page, which can be accessed by interested parties; the information can be edited to serve any purpose; and links can be added to other web pages.
Imagine, if you will, trying to organize a project through Email. Every Email would need to be read, responded to, and then your response forwarded to all those involved. The more people involved in your project, the more taxing and annoying this process would be. With Wiki you could simply set up a web page with the necessary information. Others would then be able to edit that information in whatever way needed and save it. At which time, it would be readily available to the other members of your group for reading and editing. I don't know, but this just seems a lot easier.
I don't know what all Wiki could be used for in a school, but I have managed to think of a few applications: 1) Student and/or teacher collaboration on a group project; 2) Department supply lists for the upcoming year; 3) Ideas for possible topics needing to be covered at faculty meetings; and 4) Managing repairs needed in rooms by category (paint, technology, floor tiles, etc.).
I know I am going to try and find several uses for this helpful technology. "Make way for Wiki!"

Handheld Mania

Do the terms handheld, PDA, and Blackberry mean anything to you? I know we have all heard of these things, even if we have never personally used one. You know those kids who can eat supper and text about 70 words a minute, all without looking directly at their phones? What about the people who appear to be talking to themselves until you see the bluetooth device jutting from their ear? This may soon be your principal. The handheld market has brought about many possibilities to the principal as the school leader and manager. For example, crisis management can be made easier through the storing of student information and emergency contact information. The key to success for principals, regardless of the role they are playing, is in information accessibility. And now, forgive me for being somewhat cliche, it is quite literally at our fingertips. With just the push of a button or, better yet, a key, the principal can retrieve most of what is needed. In the future, please do not be alarmed if you see your friendly neighborhood administrator checking his PDA, texting away on one cell phone, and apparently talking to himself with some strange growth hanging out of his ear.

Technology Requirements for Teachers

Okay, let's hear some enthusiasm for this one: How many teachers want to do more work for the same pay? I know, I know, the last thing any educator wants is to have to do more work for the same astronomical salary. Seriously though, have you ever felt technologically inept or lost? I have, and I'm not afraid to admit it. When I finally got my classroom projector at the beginning of last year, it took me two hours of painstaking experimentation just to realize that I didn't have all of the necessary cords. Needless to say, I felt the weight of that old friend of teachers from years past - the dunce cap! At that moment, and many others since, I have wondered just how much more I could be missing with my lack of technological savvy. I'm not talking about expert level or anything even close. It would just be nice to walk around in a room with some lights on rather than stumble around in the dark. I'm like you, I don't do cartwheels and back flips at the thought of more work, but more than that, I consider myself a realist. Times are changing, possibilities are popping up all over the place, and I want to be a part of it. I believe it is time to increase the technology requirements of teachers. I would be perfectly okay, and I hope many of my fellow educators share the same feeling, with spending a few more hours a year finding out what is out there and how I can use it to improve the learning experience of my students.