1st Annual Technology Institute

For my first post of this new weblog, I'd like to begin with a topic I feel was influential to our staff and myself. On 7/16 and 7/17, our staff at KW were involved with their 1st Annual Technology Institute. For them, the Institute created an opportunity to improve their skills in a wanton area. For me, I enjoyed the opportunity to prepare something that put me in a teaching mode.

To me, this is the purpose of technology in education--to utilize those resources that are reaffirming to the teacher and supportive for the learning of the student.

The video I've posted is titled, "Did You Know 2.0". It was the product of Karl Fisch, Colorado, and Scott McLeod, Minnesota. It has amazing traction in nearly any setting. It highlights the immensity of change we are experiencing in schools, and as a society.

It was amazing to witness the engagement our staff had in this summer workshop, simply titled the First Annual KW Technology Institute. It was different from the frenetic workshops we put together during the school year. Everyone was more relaxed and open to listen to new ideas. They weren't thinking of all the deadlines they would have to meet, even by the end of the day.

Given that we had over 60% of our district staff for this workshop was a testament to getting there. As we evaluate the effectiveness of our Institute, I'm hoping we can continue this momentum through the second day of technology and the two days of curriculum training. Teachers will need significant training throughout the summer months simply to avoid technological obsolescence.

Last year, I was consistently reminded of how little time our teachers have to be the great teachers society expects. We have to be masters at psychology, assessment, brain biology, interpersonal communication, technology, planning, public speaking, etc. However, we have little available time outside of the school calendar to get this done. The energy at today's workshop reinforces the idea that professionalism in schools is only a month away--20 extra, thoughtful days to ensure that our staff members re-load for the immense challenge of keeping up with the breakneck pace of a society of exponential growth and innovation.