Summertime is normally a time for relaxation. Yet, for most Technology Directors, this our time to prepare for the upcoming school year. Now I know there are several employees, like administrators, Central Office personnel, and others, who can argue that they are just as busy. But, I would say refreshing devices, technology planning, scheduled meetings, and Erate paperwork can take up an entire summer. So we are excited at the beginning of the school year, if we don't get tons of calls of complaints and issues.One thing that I was able to do more of this summer, was read. Out of the many books I've read, one sticks out to me, and is the driving force for this school year. Now, I am not big on being a critic, or giving book reviews. That's not what this post is about. But, I do want to recognize the powerful reading of The Innovator's Mindset, by George Couros. One thing about being a Technology Director, you have to have some type of knowledge with Educational Technology. This can hurt some, because a lot of TDs have a technical background. I also have a background of technical skills, but was told that my "mindset" had to change. I had to understand how administrators and teachers view technology usage in the classroom.
That advice was given to me well over six years ago (thank you Dr. Chris Blair). Fast forward to today, my driving force as a Technology Director, is to make sure that I can not only manage the network and make sure all data is secure, but I also strive to work with administrators and teachers so they can understand how to truly integrate technology.
I have always preached to administrators and teachers that in order to really make change and great things to happen in a school, first and foremost, the culture and the mindset has to change. Most school systems miss this idea, by thinking that throwing technology in the schools, without proper training, will solve the problem of student achievement. It actually makes it worse. The mindset of your school system comes first. So what does this mean? Well, of course, I have my own theory behind this. But reading The Innovators Mindset has really open my mind to thinking differently as well. In fact, before reading further, I can't say if the idea came from Mr. Couros, or if it was a thought of my own. So, once again, I am going to thank Mr. Couros for writing this book, and apologize that I am not truly siting and reviewing his book.
After reading The Innovator's Mindset, two words stick out to me; empower and engage. Now being Technology Director, and slowly comprehending educational technology, I always encourage teachers to engage. "Engage your students, engage other teachers, engage the community", and the list goes on. But, I never thought about empower. As a matter of fact, I was in awe when I read that you "should empower your students first, then engage them" (yes, that is all George Couros). This one statement alone, has put me on a roller coaster ride for this school year and now I have a different tune for teachers and administrators. We have to empower students more in the classroom.
Now I don't feel that empowering students means giving them full control over your classroom. We all know how that will end up if you did. But we do have to change our "mindset" and understand that students do need some type of say in the classroom. I think that was the entire reason years ago, we began bringing mobile devices into the classroom. Was it not the wondering minds of the students, and the way they feel comfortable receiving information from technology, is the main reason we all went down this path? So now that we are here, let's make sense of it.
"Empowering students means giving the kids the knowledge and skills to pursue their passions, interests, and future." Engaging students "means getting kids excited about content and curriculum". So I can see where the two have to work together. AND, how empower has to come first. Because we can engage our students all day, but ask yourself at the end of your lesson, are they pursuing your passion, or theirs?
So, the mindset that I encourage our school district to begin changing (it's not going to happen overnight) is to find ways to empower our students. Let's take some of the control off, let's migrate from a teacher-centered classroom to a flexible seating, student-centered one. Give students privilege to have ownership in the class at times, meaning they can lead the discussion. Give student choices, but real choices that will still meet your standards. Continue to reach out to other teachers who are doing great things and collaborate with them (tell them Mr. Anderson sent you).
Closing, because I am not a teacher, I always ask, what are you doing currently that you feel is empowering and engaging your students? What are you planning on doing if you feel you aren't empowering and engaging? Are you willing to help other educators who need guidance?
