As future principals, what do you take away from these "generational differences" readings?
Connect your response to NETS A Standard 5
After reading the articles regarding generational differences, I think that the main takeaway is the notion that there is a gap between people as it relates to technology. I do believe that this gap tends to follow a trend of age, which is truly a result of exposure. However, I feel that age is not the only factor and making statements that attempt to show that age is the only factor is simply naive.
Unfortunately, this technological gap has has little influence on education today. We educate in ways that fit the way the teacher learns as opposed to educating in ways that fit the way our students learn. The medium of paper and pencil is almost solely used, by the majority of our students, in school. The students that we serve today learn differently than the students that our educational system was built to serve. Our education system has failed to evolve to truly match the needs of our ever evolving students.
I believe that it is important as educators to both recognize these differences and work to close the gap through differentiated instructional strategies and professional development. Now, I do not mean just add technology for the sake of adding technology, but rather adding technology to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement. Best practices are still best practices, however embracing technology can only enhance these practices. I hope, as a principal, that our staff and building can be a place where technology is supported- from the novice who is simply trying to add some tech for the first time to our tech savvy teachers trying to be innovative.
As I think about the NETS A Standard 5, the part that sticks out to me is the idea that we are "ensuring equitable access" to technology and other digital tools to "meet the needs of all learners". Coming from a background where I see the great inequity in education, I believe that the available technology has the possibility that it will widen the achievement gap if not dispersed with some lens of equity. We have a responsibility as leaders to ensure that we do not let the "rich get richer" in education. We need to rather push for the "improvement of all".
I also believe that it is important for us to teach students the appropriate and safe uses of technology. Education today rarely addresses with students the dangers of social media and I believe we have a responsibility to educate them about these dangers and ways they can protect themselves.
I appreciate all of your thoughts Chris. The equity point raises some questions for me in relation to the tech savvy teachers versus ones just trying to add some tech. For example, if 2 teachers are teaching the same writing lesson, but one uses technology and the other uses paper and pencil, and by default the teacher with the technology completes the lessons faster is this considered inequity? If so, how would you approach this hypothetical scenario and if not, why not. I had this situation happen to me this year and would love some perspective. I can't wait to read your response and share my experience as a PLC team member.
ReplyDeleteRyan, I think you bring up a very valid challenge as it relates to equity and the role technology can play in that. I am not sure that I believe that one teacher completing an assignment via paper/pencil and one teacher using technology is truly inequity, as I believe that the learning can be just as deep and meaningful in both experiences. However, moving forward I would work to get the teacher who did not use technology to collaborate with the other teacher with the goal being that all students have access to that same technology over the course of the year. If students never had access throughout the year, to me that would be where the true inequity lies. What did your building do with this situation?
DeleteHey Chris, great work! I particularly appreciated your thought on educating in ways that fit the way the teacher learns. I think this is a continuing issue that we will have to work with as principals. It will be interesting to see what strategies we come up with to solve this in our buildings.
ReplyDeleteChris, I agree that adding "technology for the sake of adding technology, but rather adding technology to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement." It reminds me of the quote from the first day of school; "Technology is a tool, not a solution". As principals, we will be tempted by the latest and greatest technology that promises instant results. Our task as instructional leaders is to model and engage staff with as you said, best practices. Great ideas Chris!
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