So true that we seem to be the last to change especially when it comes to technology. I wonder if we’ll end up making it at all… or if something better will come along and schools will fail…

@Karen,

You have so clearly described what we are all struggling through. I can definitely appreciate the blind leading the blind situation… I do think the connections we are making online can make a difference. It’s heartening to hear that you are an administrator – your school is very lucky!

I have just recently found your website, have been enjoying it and learning a great deal from it. I am currently an Assistant Principal and a former Technology Coach in my district. So many of the issues of which you speak in posts like the one on moving teachers to the 21st century are the same issue I was dealing with as a Tech Coach 8 years ago and still deal with as an assistant principal today.

I feel compelled to comment on this post because it hits home for me. We are all faced with the same issues; yet despite the similarities of situations, educators and administrators so often work in isolation. And, it isn’t just when it comes to the integration of technology! It happens with lesson ideas and plans amongst team members in our building! It is baffling, yet I can remember times when I was reluctant to share with my fellow teachers. I think so much of it comes from insecurities we have – a desire to be unique and innovative – to be recognized by peers, administrators, student and parents. Heck, in our distirct of 2200 teachers, two Teachers of the Year are still selected – like you can select only two out of 2200 who are head and shoulders above the rest. Let’s not digress to a conversation about that.

When it comes to the integration of technology, I have found it is really difficult for leadership – both at the district level and at the school level – to even know where to lead stakeholders. Our distict has insisted that teachers have a technology integration goal on their appraisal, but the majority of administrators don’t know what an appropriate integration project looks like. So, it becomes the blind leading the blind. They don’t know what they don’t know. (Our district fudning is so tight that we no longer had technology coaches. Our educational technology department for the district (40 campuses) consists of two people. So, it is very difficult for our campus leadership to begin to know where to steer the ship and define the course.

However, I have recently found the wealth of information in this community and have become recommitted to doing what I can to move my campus forward! Thanks!

Karen

PS. We are not an international school, but I would love for us to be part of this global community!

A great read..you summed up my thoughts on the issue. I think the whole idea of integrating technology is such a change in mind-shift that it hasn’t caught up with the rest of the world of education. Schools continue doing what they are doing because it’s what worked in the past. The problem is the technology tools have changed dramatically from the single user idea to the social networking framework. Education seems to always be the last field to catch up with the digital world, ironically. Hopefully, we’ll get there together!

Thanks! I totally agree that reflection needs to be “institutionalized” too. It’s because we haven’t taken enough time to reflect that we have ended up with such strong ties to the “computer class” model. We’re likely to fall into the same trap if we don’t go back and analyze how things are going periodically. And it’s definitely the easiest thing to drop when things get busy. Any ideas about how to institutionalize it?

Brenda,

So glad I could help!

Nancy,

I love the idea of having a discussion with a “dialog leader”! I totally agree that hearing everyones concerns and issues is a key part of moving forward. If people don’t feel that they’re part of a decision they just end up resenting it in the end.

I really do think it’s true that technology isn’t about skills or age or experience, it’s about a mindset to be willing and open-minded.

Gareth,

Exciting! I’m so glad this is useful for you. Lucky you to be in the Caymans!

Paul,

You really are in a tough position. I wonder if part of the issue is a cultural one. Perhaps they are not really willing to take this kind of critique or strong advice from a foreigner. I know we dealt with those kinds of issues in my last school with our Chinese-Malaysian owner, and our all foreign leadership team.

Either way, I think the key is to prove to the decision makers how 21st century literacy is critical to learning. If the school wants to promote learning, they need to accept and adapt to the changing type of learning happening in the 21st century. Maybe start with what you already know they value and show how technology fits….

Rob,

You make a really good point about the need for decision makers to be living these experiences, instead of just hearing about them. I just wonder how to do that when there are so many other things that leadership teams need to deal with. Everyone is vying for their attention and everyone insists that their agenda is critical to the success of the school. How do we move to the front of the line?

Jamie,

Ooo I’m so jealous that you got to go to Mumbai! I’d love to hear what your admin has to say about this post too….

David,

Thanks for all that feedback. You raise lots of good points. My favorite: “Shifting cannot be set aside as an after school meeting activity.”

Beth,

I hear you. We, in international schools, are so lucky not to have to deal with NCLB and all of the legal and political barriers that put the brakes on progressive change. I’m sorry to hear about your tough situation… Maybe a move abroad is the answer?

Vinnie, Charlie, Vance,

Thanks! Glad it’s helpful!

Cliff,

It is strange… We are all talking about the same things, why isn’t that reflected in our standardizing/certifying bodies? Change takes too long at the institutional level, I guess.

Thanks for kick-starting the conversation, again!

It has taken me several reads to get through your wonderful post. It is consistent with the thoughts and ideas that we have begun to put together for our own planning purposes. Thank you for reflecting and sharing.