Often we focus on what it is that students can bring to learning, but we shouldn’t forget the leaders in our schools and their responsibility in helping change the teaching culture to remain strong and resilient in the face of technology and 21st century participative environments. Each step on that journey is different for each teacher and each school. What is important to me is that there IS a journey, and that the champions of innovation and change are at last acknowledged for their passion rather than than being dismissed as geeky. Good teaching these days HAS to be about good use of technology in seamless ways.
We use technology to think and learn. We don’t use technology because it’s a cool tech tool, and because our syllabus says we need a certain percentage of technology in the curriculum.
We have moved on from teaching teachers how to use technology to nurturing teachers how to think with and because of technology. When technology is finally recognized as the foundation for learning our job as technology educators will be done.
My conversations with staff at Tara Anglican School were about that, and the presentation provided an overview, and was designed to kick off the workshop discussions about new learning needs. The supporting material used in the workshops provided them with the chance to explore in grade and faculty groups, and enjoy the process. As I said – change IS as good as a holiday!
By starting at the very beginning the presentation allowed all teachers to ‘buy into’ the conversation. But the champions were there, and later in the day at the roundup session were able to showcase their already rich understanding of flexibility in 1:1 learning environments. Those teachers are ready for everything that 1:1 learning will bring.
The 21st century beckons and thanks to the support of Principal Susan Middlebrook, Tara teachers are championed for being flexible and innovative – just as soon as they dare.
Related articles
- The Right Way to Use Technology in the Classroom (timesoftexas.com)
judyoconnell.com 
In the primary school technology gets the students talking as well as a good book might or an event or a funny experience. Once the talking starts and the listening begins the connections happen. I love the idea of students learning so much about the relevance of life beyond the classroom and a pre-planned programme. And I love the idea that they can leave, go home and continue to learn in a seamless day. It enhances learning rather than the idea of getting ready for life by achieving an education by the end of their schooling.
Thank you for a refreshing look at technology as power, not a hurdle. Recognition of the role of leader as a maker of magic is empowering and inspiring. Technology certainly is not a toy to be added into daily lessons for “wow factor”, it must be incorporated and used in a meaningful manner to truly enrich student experience and foster growth.