2 Min Speech- Futurist Scenario: Teachers' Lounge

Technology & growing my PLN

I have definitely learned that Google is an all powerful platform!  Prior to this course, I did not know what Google+, iGoogle, Google Chrome, etc was let alone what they could do for me as an educational leader.  I was aware of Google Docs and Google Scholar, but there is so much more to be tapped into!  I am now also somewhat familiar with Diigo, Blogging (look, I even have my own blog!), and Tweeting.  I have to admit that I am not a Twitter addict by any means (I do share info but am getting used to doing it more frequently), but I do really enjoy using Tweet Deck- I enjoying seeing what others are sharing and being able to simply click on the link if the topic sparks an interest.  Tweet Deck is so cool! 

I firmly believe in the integration of technology into lessons, curriculum, and the classroom, but a PLN is somewhat different.  However, I can see how using a PLN could make classroom teachers more “plugged-in” and effective in using classroom technology.  Moreover, as an administrator it helps me to keep up with the latest information and ideas on situations commonly found in schools like my own.

Next steps for me are to continue to practice using the web based technologies available and to continue to become more proficient in their capabilities.  I hope to become more adept at the sharing of information while simultaneously learning to cull more information from the wide variety of sources.  I am also experimenting in seeing how the technology can assist me with my dissertation, such as cataloguing and summarizing references. 

Clearly, I am no longer the proverbial digital immigrant!  I Tweet, Blog, use numerous web based tools, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc…  I have acquired a basic level of knowledge, and will continue to expand my technological horizons!

Lessons Learned from my Cultural Autobiography

Life Lessons

            The interviews required as a precursor to writing this cultural autobiography were conducted with co-workers and colleagues.  I really did not feel they revealed anything dramatically new for me, but the interview process clearly caused me to reflect on my previous relationships and various stages of life.  This was stirring; it was both pleasant and not so pleasant at times.  Interestingly, as I wrote this, I found myself reflecting far more than writing.  As I thought about what people had said of their own experiences, I found myself remembering times and interactions from my own past.  

            Here are a few of my take aways:

1.     Professional and personal relationships throughout my life have been the impetus for personal growth.

2.    Professional and personal relationships throughout my life have served to inform me of the cultural awareness of myself and others.

3.    I have learned to value the diversity of others and strive to use that diversity as a strength to assist in moving my school forward in accomplishing goals.

4.    Anyone can overcome cultural deficiencies and prejudice.

5.    I can be a powerful force in striving to facilitate social justice and equity and have a positive impact in my place of employment. 

6.    Doing what is right is not always the easiest option…  I strive to make doing the right things easy and the wrong things difficult. 

7.    I hope to be the impetus for positive change and understanding in others.    

Futurist Scenario (Teachers' Lounge) Continued...

1.  SWOT
 There are many strengths and weaknesses to encouraging teachers to visit the teachers’ lounge.

Strengths:  -A place for positive interactions  -A place where ideas are shared   -A place where teachers talk about how to help students  -A place for positive social interaction and stress relief

Weaknesses:  - A place for negative interactions  - A place where positive ideas are shot down   -A place where teachers  speak negatively about students, their families, the community, and the administration  -A place to become a hotbed where stereotypical “rabble rousers” sow their oats

Opportunity:   -Teachers could use each other as resources and tap into each others’ expertise.  – Peer driven and peer led professional development   -Teachers on the faculty of WMS know the students at WMS better than anyone else   -Schools need  to use their best resources - the teachers - by providing techniques that will best help the students they serve.

Threats:  There will always be "rabble rousers".  We must be cognizant of the opportunities for positivity and capitalize on each teacher’s strengths…  This will allow for peer driven and peer led opportunities to share the expertise already present on campus. 

2.  Options:
The teacher's lounge has the potential to be a positive place for all - a place where sharing and communication really happens.  Currently, it is a space devoid of activity with the exception of copy making. 

The teacher's lounge should be a place where teachers gather before school, during prep periods, lunch time, etc. to encourage collaboration and positive discussions about instruction.

3.  Monitor Trends/Radar:
Trends and radar will rest in the opportunity to be a "fly on the wall" in the teachers’ lounge.  I think it is most important to monitor what is currently happening, monitor how change starts to occur and to build upon the successes.  I would love suggestions as to how to make this a great opportunity for all teachers (new and seasoned).  In addition, how do I best incorporate classified employees into the mix- the teachers’ lounge is traditionally a certificated area. 

Panel @ SDCOE: San Ysidro Broadband & Casa Familiar Digital Connectors Program

Tonight’s presentation at SDCOE about Casa Familiar and Cisco IT Essentials was informative.  Many of the inequities described by the panel members coincide with the realities faced by my students as well: budget cuts, limited access, cash flow shortage to pay for internet services and computers…  The digital divide is alive and well for my students.  Even the public library has limited access! 

However, programs such as Casa Familiar and the Cisco IT Essentials program provide "technology and education enhancement for very low-income youth and families in San Ysidro".   Programs like these help to level the playing field for all students regarding technology.  Another huge take away for me this evening was the Computers 2 SD Kids program which offers refurbished computers to families for approximately $40-60.  In many cases, these “refurbished” computers are state of the art!  Affordable, modern computers definitely level the playing field for impoverished students and families. 

Schools are educating 21st century students, and teachers yearn to have students surf the web for research, blog, and post assignments.   Accordingly, school districts must find methods to provide internet access to students and their families.  The best example tonight was seeing the mother of 4 on the panel become completely animated when she told us her story about learning to use technology.  She can now communicate in real time with relatives, apply for jobs, etc.  Clearly, she feels empowered! 

Casa Familiar and Cisco IT Essentials are two examples of excellent ideas and programs that can help narrow the digital gap…  Hopefully our cities will take on this problem as well and go the route of “Smart Cities” such as Riverside. 

Futuristic Project: The Teacher's Lounge

The teacher's lounge can be the most toxic place on campus!  My futurist plan is to create a place where teacher's gather to talk about student work, share teaching ideas, and support one another.  Here are my ideas/notes on how to implement this practice:

1. If you were to implement this practice, strategy, idea today, what specialized skills, resources, and dispositions would you need to obtain for yourself, your colleagues and staff?

Have a group meeting to discuss norms.  This would need to be approached from a positive point of view.  Create committees: decorating (i.e., colored paper, posters, pictures), norm/rules, make it a collaboration area with teacher library.  In the room would be computers, round tables to invite conversation, textbooks. 

2. What skills will your colleagues and those you supervise need in order to be successful in this scenario? Of those skills, which ones are currently being supported through resources such as professional development in your setting? Which ones are missing or minimal? What is currently being supported in your setting that would likely be obsolete in 2020?

  

Teachers need to and should have positive conversations about students.  Teachers would need updated data on students to share with other teachers.  Collaboration could be between subject matter teachers, vertical grades, and teachers who share the same students.

3. In what ways are we unprepared, lacking in resources and staffing, or to what degree are our strategies and underlying values unable to respond effectively to the conditions this scenario represents?

Is the current environment:  toxic or healthy (articles by Anthony Muhammad)?  Create a "positive talk zone". 

4. What could we be doing now to leverage this trend to our advantage?

Model with people we currently work with.  Initiate positive talk conversations with colleagues and students. Let others begin to see and experience the benefits of the "new and improved" teacher's lounge. 

5. What would need to happen internally and in the external environment for preparing yourself and those you lead to navigate in this strategic vision? What changes should your organization begin to make? What should it start doing? What should it stop doing? 

Get team leaders on board.  Buy a can of paint (in a mood enhancing) shade.  Feng Shui the room.  Create inviting areas.  Create a school/teacher blog to highlight good outcomes shared information, teacher-presented Prezis.  Create a chart of data analysis results for the walls showing current AYP standings and what the goal is for the year.  Have a theme for the year (i.e: student ownership) and a place for teachers/admin to post results.  Have a parking lot board.  Have a conversation board.  

***This Blog is the result of a wonderful collaboration with my classmate and colleague Cheree.***

Thoughts from the Project Tomorrow website

Are you interested in preparing your students to be the innovators, leaders, and engaged citizens of tomorrow?  Then take a look at the resources available to you on the Project Tomorrow website!  :-)  

Help educators nation wide learn where our students are and where they want to be with technology:

Students, Educators & Parents Speak Up!

Open October 10th – December 23rd, 2011

Join the conversation about the use of technology for learning through Speak Up, a National Research Project.  The online survey is open to students, educators and parents; it’s quick and easy to get involved. 

 Sign up today to take the survey: http://www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2011/

The data available in the reports will really open your eyes to what our students know and desire to know about employing technological tools in their learning.

Who Doesn't Love a Family Science Night?
Science is important because it excites and engages students in learning, and an effective Family Science Night would create an environment where families can learn the value of hands-on, inquiry based science and how science integrates the teaching of science processes, content, reading, math and critical thinking skills. 
Engage families in science.
Inspire exploration and learning. 
Connect with classroom instruction.
Encourage positive attitudes about science.
This is an easy way for you to connect to the community and get the parents of your students involved!   

Look at this website and and tap into the resources available: you can use them today!

http://www.tomorrow.org/search/search.html 

Understanding the Theory of Disruption

Here is my understanding of Christensen's Theory of Disruption:  Christensen and his colleagues have claimed that stable businesses are aware of technological innovations, but their business plans and schemas do not facilitate the pursuit of technological innovations or ideas as they emerge.   Why not?  Newer technologies and innovations cost money, and this lowers profit margin.  Innovations are often not profitable in the beginning stages and their development and phases of implementation can take vital resources away from current projects that are making money in real time.  In other words, the current production or services being provided would have to be detracted from, and this generates a fear that the competition would use this degradation to grab a larger portion of the market share.  Therefore, Christensen states that the “value networks” of a business place little to no value on the disruptive innovations.  However, start-up companies possess different “value networks,” and seek to replace existing “value networks.”  New products and services replace the “old.”   This causes existing businesses to panic and attempt to keep up in order to not fade into bankruptcy. 

I have seen an example of this in schools over the past 10 years.  When I began teaching everyone was dependent on the overhead projector.  We had notes on transparencies that went onto the overhead projector.  Over time PowerPoint emerged, then the projectors connected to PCs came along, and now we have PCs connected to Smart Boards as well as projectors.  The ability to link from PowerPoint notes to the internet as well as have an interactive Smart Board which can be engaged by students.  This process of disruption took time and was met by resistance.  However, this disruption has led to progress and an easing in the access to multimedia use within the classroom.