The Birds have Left the Nest

 Can you believe our week of Digital Leadership is over? The days flew by and I wish we had more time to let Dr.Malone fill our brains! 

As I was procrastinating tonight's homework, I went out on our back deck to take a peak and check on our little birdies who have been nested in our hanging baskets for the last month or so.  I carefully got out my step stool, quietly peaked over the edge without disturbing the basket, and much to my surprise the birdies had left the nest. I even had my husband come out to take a look, just to make sure I wasn't missing something. I was sad to see them go, but I guess like most everything in life, there comes a time when we must all go out on our own and venture the world. 

Just as the baby birds left the nest, we must do so as well. No longer can we wait in the comfort of our nest for our Daddy Bird to feed us all we need, now its time for us to find it ourselves. We've learned enough to help us fly, but now what we will do to maintain flight? 

In the year to come, I plan to commit to continuing my blog and creating a classroom blog as well. I have wanted to have a classroom blog for several years now, but never felt confident enough to do it...well now I do! Plus, I know I can always call on my fellow birdies to help me along the way. Another commitment I intend to make, as long as my principal agrees, is doing some sort of "tech-study" or open lab time with fellow colleagues to learn more about how we can use iPads and Interactive White Boards in the classroom. 

I'm a little nervous to leave the nest... but can't wait to discover what's out there in the land of technology! 

 

After reading our articles tonight and doing my own research on technology in the classroom in our EdPsy505 class, it is clear that there is PLENTY of room for research in this area. So many ask, will the investment be worth it in the long run? Will these devices directly relate with student achievement and higher test scores? The best answer any of us can give right now is, we really don't know. There has not been enough research and time must pass in order to see the true results. 

I believe we're looking at these devices from the wrong prospective. It's not that the 1:1 devices will be the "silver bullet" to high student achievement and meeting AYP, because there is no such thing. The devices are a tool we can use to support our students learning. I really enjoyed November's term#1toWorld, because honestly that's what these devices have to offer for our students. They now have access to information from all around the world. I would have died to "hangout" with one of my favorite author's as a child.

If we plan to implement 1:1 and BYOD then we must learn from the failure of others. Much too often teachers are given the devices and the directive to, "Go get em'!!". Well, sorry, this won't work for most and the devices will end up being a handy device to check emails and play Candy Crush. In order to see successes we must provide high quality professional development for our teachers. In my opinion, the PD needs to be specifically centered towards how students can use the devices. 

I've learned so much in this one week course so far, I can't imagine the possibilities that a teacher could gain from on-going, high quality PD. I've really been thinking about how I can take what I have learned back to my own building. I briefly mentioned to @GEMalone about doing a "tech study", kind of how we've ran book studies at my school in the past. I think it would be a great opportunity for me to spend some more time with the resources, as well as for teachers in my building to learn new resources and how we can use this investment for what they were originally intended to do...help students!

**SlideShare on how you could possibly share-out resources with staff!

To continue with the same fashion of last night's post, as well as a little inspiration from my friend Thomas, I'll begin with a quote: 

"The more things change, the more they stay the same" - Alphonse Karr 

 While reading tonight's article, "The Brand Called You", I kept thinking, "What should my brand be? Should it be just one word, a phrase, a catchy saying? I DON'T KNOW!" It is really difficult for me to "brand" myself professionally as a leader, because when I think about myself and my strengths I can't delineate between who I am at home, with friends and family, and who I am at work. I feel like who I am, is who I am, no matter how my environment changes the core of who I am always stands strong. 

Although I am having a hard time pinpointing a specific brand, I feel as though I am already creating it. My actions, both in face-to-face reality and the digital world we live in, mold the brand I will create. When looking at Sheninger's book, and specifically the Brand-ed Pillars of Action, I can relate to what it means to "see yourself as a product". Every interaction we have leaves an impression on someone, so how do I want to be remembered? Well...

I want to be a person that is remembered as someone who truly and honestly cares about others, supports and stands up for others, will be there to listen when you're in need, is able to look on the bright side and always have a positive attitude, and most importantly someone who people want to surround themselves with because when we're together, we're happy! 

In order to do this and be an effective leader, I must be transparent, keep an open line of communication, make connections, and be willing to give before I get. 

Just remember, it's not the hand we're dealt... it's what we do with it that really makes the difference. 

**Not sure if I really completed the assignment for tonight, but all in all it was some good soul searching. :)


 

Girl's Weekend in Hood River, OR

My best friend is getting married in two weeks! I've known her for 25 years(and I'm only 29) so that's a long time! :) We've changed a lot... where we live, who we've dated, where we've gone to school, what we believe in, who we trust, but through it all we're still the best of friends. With a relationship built on love, trust of one another, and communication we can withstand anything.

"Change is the Only Constant in Life"

- Heraclitus

I've heard this quote by Heraclitus(I had to google the quote to see who it was) many times throughout my life. Change is all around us in our personal lives, work environment, our community and the great big world we live in. Sometimes change is easy... and sometimes we just down right want to give up and deny it. What is it that makes change easier or the transition not so bad? Thinking about my own personal experience, I can say that when change was easier it was because I felt trusted and supported through the process. I knew if I struggled or had questions, that there would always be someone there to catch me if I fall. I wasn't embarrassed of the possibility of failure, because I knew that they would get be right back on that horse.

Trust and support relate directly to Fullan's #1 Change Secret: Love Your Employees. I constantly  feel like my conversations and 'ah ha' moments always come back to relationships and the trust, support and communication I have with others. The relationships we form with others become the foundation on which we can build and succeed.

When taking steps to improve my digital leadership I believe it is crucial that we consider not only "Loving our Employees", but all of Fullan's Six Secrets of Change. We have to trust and support one another, allow for purposeful peer interaction, lean on one another, immerse ourselves in professional development, be transparent and willing to share, and always be open to new ideas. 

As a digital leader is it crucial that we inspire others by our actions of engagement and efforts to create a "Digital-Age Learning Culture". As administrators we must promote professional practice that directly corresponds with student learning, and we must always be looking for new ways to improve. All of this must happen while modeling and .facilitating a "Digital Citizenship" where we show an understanding of social, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities to an evolving digital culture (ISTE, 2009). 

Long story short, our world will forever be in a state of change, but if we support one another, are passionate about what we believe in, and engage as a life-long learner... well, change might not be so bad. 

As a future principal, what do I take away from these "generational differences" readings?

Embrace the world of technology we live in!

After reading all three articles it was evident to me that we cannot make any assumptions about individuals based on their generation, whether they be "digital natives" or "digital immigrants". There are too many variances amongst generations. Another take-away was that there is not enough differentiated research showing that educators need to change their practice for today's learners.

Although we cannot make these assumptions or say that we must change our practice for our students, I personally believe that we should embrace this world of opportunity and technological resources. We have the opportunity to do things we could have only dreamed of 30 years ago... so take advantage of it!