I am currently working with a small group of teachers on a technology grant. A team of 4 freshmen teachers will be integrating technology into their instruction using a TPACK model. Roughly, it is combining technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge to deliver instruction. To say the least, the timing is awful. The year is ending and that means graduation, prom, master schedule, teacher check out, etc. To add to this, our principal is moving to another district and I have been named the principal for next year.
I must say that the requirements for receiving the $$$$ holds me accountable to know what is going on. I am taking a course, attending meetings, and having dialogue with teachers not only in my school, but schools across the state. We are sharing ideas and learning from one another. The situation, even with the poor timing, is becoming a nice burden to have at 10:00pm. I can log on and share my ideas before I go to bed. No more racing mind, because I have a forum to release the mind. Nice, I know!
I say all of that to say this: Technology is a must in the classroom. It is time for us to quit being the gatekeeper and to allow the students to take over as the facilitators. They know what to do, we just need to guide their energies and demand that they reflect on their learning. Get out on the front lines and then move out of their way. This is hard to do. I recently said that telling teachers to get rid of their chalkboards, is like asking all dogs to quit chewing bones. Absurd, right? No, the only absurd thing would be to make technology optional for teachers to use.
