I am on Deck and Up for the Challenge!

“If you build it, he will come…” As a baseball fan, one of my favorite movies is Field of Dreams, and this recognizably favorite line of mine seems appropriate as I reflect on the work I have accomplished during this course.  It seems that, at this point, my next step is to lead by example.  The readings I have completed as well as the projects I have created provide the necessary platform for me as I continue my graduate work and my work as an elementary teacher.      

That said, I could not help but think of the connections I have been able to make particularly in relation to my doctoral work.  With the bulk of my research focusing on teacher leadership, specifically the professional learning community (PLC), at this point the technology piece seems glaringly imperative to its success.  One of the things I have learned is that there is more to technology integration that being able to use the equipment.  This is where the concept of the PLC comes into play.

Although sometimes led by a facilitator of sorts, the professional learning community can provide an equal playing field for its members.  The PLC provides an environment for teachers to take charge of their professional development and to try things they may not have done on their own.  When trust between members is built, the PLC provides a safe place for teachers to basically…hit or miss.  The only way to strike out is to give up…something that members who work collegially will never allow. 

In essence, talking about a new website, figuring how to integrate a new tech program, learning how to use a new piece of technological equipment, or using available technology to enhance instruction and increase student achievement should not be done in isolation.  However, a PLC will not instantly appear out of left field.  So, it will be up to me to lead by example…we may not hit one out of the park right off the bat, but whoever said putting technology and teamwork in the same line-up would be easy?

  

Shortening A Laundry List

So, it’s that laundry list of excuses that can get in the way of effectively integrating technology into the classroom. 

Here are just a few:

·      the Internet is always down

·      the students know more about technology than the teachers

·      teachers need more professional development

·      “it’s just for show anyway”

·      there is just not enough time in the day to incorporate technology

·      so many websites are blocked by the district

·      there is not enough money in the budget

·      etc.

I think there are times when educators shy away from using technology due to lack of confidence many times caused by a lack of professional knowledge.  Similar to the saying, “If you think you can’t, you’re right!”…teachers may feel inadequate when it comes to taking those tried, true, and tested ideas, throwing them out the window and coming up with ideas for integrating technology.  Although not explicitly stated by colleagues, it has been my experience that a few of the excuses mentioned above do not describe the whole picture or bring to light a heavily weighted underlying issue  that many educators challenge.  There is continuous questioning of whether technology can increase student learning.  The bigger question to ask is…how can technology increase achievement?   

What I believe needs to be considered are the effective practices of master teachers who taught successfully for years before the onslaught of educational technology.  Sometimes there is no grey area; there is the teacher who uses technology, and the one who doesn’t.  More often than not this can translate to the younger teacher who may be considered a digital native and the veteran teacher who is the digital immigrant.  Does it really need to be so black and white? 

What about teachers collaborating to enhance and increase student achievement via their own expertise?  For example, collaboration between the teacher who can successfully get her students to use an author’s tool such as dialogue during writing instruction and the teacher who is adept with digital storytelling will enhance each other’s instructional strategies and ultimately increase student achievement.  A win-win situation all around! 

So, it seems as though that laundry list can be shortened by the use of professional learning communities.  Teachers coming together to solve problems of practice will start a new ERA while WISKing a new TIDE of collaboration…let us ALL begin!  Get “DOWNy” with it!