Picciano said that the best teachers understand that their most important goals should include being an inspiration for children to learn, to dream, and to try to accomplish their goals (Picciano, 2011), and I agree with that. By planning for technology teachers can help their students to learn, to dream, and even set goals far beyond those of previous generations. He also stated that the purpose of his book is to show teachers and educators the benefits that there are in connecting teaching and learning with technology and help the whole community of schools to be better (Picciano, 2011).
In our society, technology is everywhere. A lot of communication between friends, families, and even businesses are being done through social media. Picciano hopes to help educators to sufficiently understand the technology that is out there and believe that by using computers in the classroom student learning can be advanced. Schools are and have always been behind in their knowledge and use of technology. But, the value of technology is being seen by most districts. However, a problem that school districts face today, and have faced in the past, is their financial means, or lack thereof. Still, some people have questioned if the cost of the use of technology in the classroom is worth it. In business, gains are clearly seen. Yet, in the classroom, those gains are not always so easily seen. I think, though, that the better that the educational institutions can help expose their students to the use of technology, the better prepared they will be when they graduate into a technology driven society. It is expensive for schoools/districts to fund technology, but advances are happening.
Picciano (2011), in chapter two (2) attempts to provide a framework for educational planning as it relates to technology, including how to plan, whom to involve, and (how) to keep up to date with technology. He explains that planning is different for everyone. He also explains that schools are social systems and that's where the teachers, students, and administrators can interact with each other. He also shares four (4) major elements of successful planning: Comprehensiveness, Collaboration, Commitment, and Continuity. When all four (4) elements are present, great things can happen! He shares the difference between administrative and instructional applications. They are different and used to meet different goals and objectives.
I like the modern leadership fable with Max Seeker (Hall, 2008). Max was on a difficult journey toward becoming an effective technology leader. Max is trying to figure out the answer to the question, "What does it take to be an effective leader?" In meeting with different professors, he doesn't think they have the answer he is looking for. But, in seeking he learns that everyone can learn something from others!
I am thankful to God for teaching me all that I have learned, and for all of the people who have "paid" a price in my education. So, I hope to continue passing on what I have learned to the next generation (2 Tim. 2:2).
Hall, D. (2008). The technology director's guide to leadership.
Washington D.C.: ISTE.
Picciano, A.G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for
technology. 5th ed. New York, N.Y.: Pearson.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of classrooms where students are encouraged to use the technology they already have? I've been reading one education blog that pushes the idea of teaching students to use the cell phones, laptops, and whatever else they already own instead of trying to shoehorn everyone into the same resources. Can you think of a viable way to take these first few chapters and incorporate something like that into an overall plan?
Joe Greene
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI think that, usually, the students who are fortunate enough to already have resources of technology are, perhaps, ahead of his/her peers in that class who do not have those resources. I don't think districts, teachers, or parents want to be responsible for providing the resources. But, if technology is going to be integrated into the classroom someone must. It does make sense, though, for districts/schools/classrooms that lack funding to make the most of their situation and allow the teacher to teach with what resources (s)he has. For instance, I have observed education overseas and sometimes all the teachers could to is teach with the books they had. Regarding technology in the classroom, I think it is best to expose the students to educational technology the best they can. If my classroom/school/district lacked the means to provide technology classes and resources, I would want to encourage, where possible, to allow my students to use their "technology devices" to help every student to be able to learn with these different devices.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that teachers need to be an inspiration to their students. Technology is everywhere in society. It is a very important tool for communication. It can brings families that live far apart closer together. Technology is very expensive to keep up with. School districts need to make sure this is added to their plan before they implement it.
Jordan,
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Technology is very expensive, but how much is too much? Can a district say, "We cannot invest in technology for our students?"