Assignment # 4

Technology in itself is not an answer to quality schools. Technology collecting dust, being used solely as a word processor, or used incorrectly is not helping any of the students they are intended to reach. I see this problem in the adoptions of curriculums, new textbooks, and jumping on the newest and greatest idea. I am a firm believer in using technology in schools and giving students access to a variety of technologies to spark innovation, competence, and passion for learning. I also am a firm believer in adapting to changing times and exploring new social media outlets. I am NOT a believer in spending money to spend money for public perceptions and adding all ideas every two years because technology is outdated. A book, pencil, and calculators are all “out of date” technology that still are very valuable because educators can use them with confidence and without hesitation. This is where schools need to get to for their to be true learning with technology. What can we learn from others as we attempt 1-1 ratios? One of the best things I have seen in awhile is from the Patuz reading. “Fail” is used as an encouraging acronym- first attempt inciting learning (Pautz, Elemendorf, & Mullenax, 2015, p. 9). Giving teachers permission to explore and fail is giving them permission to innovate. When giving professionals the permission to fail, I believe we can create a culture of problem-solving. As a digital leader, I believe that leading by example will have a huge impact on teacher and student production. Giving them the tools, but then being a model of how to use them effectively will give a morale boost to the staff. This also falls under the servant leadership model that I follow. The needs for every school and staff will be different, so showing them that you are willing to invest in what “they need” to succeed, you are showing a belief in them as educators. This ties in with standard 1 because you are promoting a shared vision. Teachers are using the technology and you are helping them achieve the shared vision of the school. To implement a 1:1 ratio of technology is the first step and often the easiest. The hard part is implementing the technology into everyday life in the school and using it to create student achievement. Providing teachers with the resources and confidence to implement changes will have the largest impact on student learning.