The Evolving Educational Landscape

"The world has changed, as have the learners that schools are responsible for educating. . . Students are engaged in their digital worlds, and they are learning without us." These words, written by Sheninger the author of this article really helped to illuminate my current quandary as a building leader.  The iGenerationers, the Millennials, the Generation Y's (or whichever name you choose to characterize the new digital student of today) are increasingly growing bored in our classrooms and want more out of their education.  

 I am grateful to have read this article!  The information gleaned from each page served as sort of a  "self initiated professional development" training.  The article defined key terms, described various electronic tools and mentioned some initial systemic changes that could easily be integrated into my current practice.  As I continued to read the article, I was shocked at the amount of mobile and technology devices that have entered into our world and how quickly schools must adapt or risk losing a generation of learners.  The staggering data is validation that we must all mount the technology wave and begin to ride the wide ocean of the internet.  In reading The Evolving Educational Landscape, I realize now, more than ever that school leaders must fully understand the type of learner they are educating and fast.  Schools can no longer use an Atari type approach to instruct an Xbox mind. 

Today's session has me reflecting on my technology skills and I feel similar to the illustrated picture.  The technology ocean is moving and the waves may just come crashing down on my head.  After hearing several of the presenters say, "If you as an administrator insist that your staff use these tools then you must first model!"  I wholeheartedly agree with their statements, but TIME IS A FACTOR.  I commented about the time factor to some of my colleagues that attended the session.  We all discussed the conundrum that currently presents as a very large obstacle in our professional (and to be honest personal)lives. . . yep TIME!  The question that still requires massive amounts of pondering on my end is. . . How can something that was created to reduce the amount of time it takes to do something require so much TIME to learn and implement?   

Reflection for EDAD 536 9/26 Class
Bill Gates once said, "Technology is just a tool.  In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important. Today's class has really helped to shed light on the area that I feel as an instructional leader is in need of of my full attention.  As I start to lead the charge of infusing technology into our building, I can't help but feel that I'm behind the eight ball by building and flying the plane at the time time. I agree that teachers are the most important factor in educating children, but technology is the future.   

Educational Article

After a hellish couple of minutes of trying to get back to my blog, I'm now able to comment about the conversations that took place with my partners.  The comment that resonated with me and sparked our conversation was" Young people need to learn from people, not technology."  This statement was . .... 

Video

I agree with the video and the comments made about the future of our schools as it relates to technology.  Technology IS critical to the advancement of our nation's economic future.  However, there must be a systematic approach to educating the teachers that will facilitate this new technology wave.  It's difficult to hear the video professionals provide the astonishing fact that education is ranked last in the world of technology because we are actively preparing tomorrow's workforce.   

"Education is ranked 55 among all of the other professions when it come to IT"