5 Things I learned from EdCampDenver

EdCampDenver - PD

5 Things I learned from EdCampDenver 

Today I attended the EdCampDenver session at KCAA.  The level of enthusiasm reminded me of why I entered the teaching profession.  For some crazy reason, people are under the impression that principals are supposed to know everything when they enter a classroom, school, or district meeting.  It is the typical old-school mentality, and we need to start looking at it entirely differently.  For example, when I hear about the successes of Google, I don’t automatically think of the CEO, I think about the culture they have created in their organization.  

In the EdCamp Google Plus Session facilitated by +Ben Wilkoff, I heard from some very talented individuals that love what they do, but some expressed frustration because they could not move as quickly with technology as they wanted to  because the roadblocks we cause at district and school levels. As everyone shared what they needed from their schools, I reflected on the supports I need to continue to provide for my teachers so they don’t feel the same frustrations. Principals, educational leaders, teacher leaders, parents, policy makers, and district decision makers need to get out and be part of the change that is happening around them opposed to be the change they are trying to create.  

The reason I say this is because I was humbled by my lack of knowledge of all of the technology that continues to roll out on a minute-by-minute basis.  If we are going to be a part of making these necessary changes we should do the following:  

Develop structures - As we begin the process of blending technology into the fabric of our instruction, we need to set up a simple structure for teachers to easily implement in the classroom.  Today I was educating myself on Google Plus.  As I was listening, I heard a few educators state there are too many choices of programs to use.  My take-away is to set up a simple structure and model for my teachers.  I plan on looking into sending out my weekly bulletin on Google Plus.  Before I overwhelm my staff, I know I need to set up a structure, create a community, and keep it simple.  Maybe I will do a video communicator!  What do you think, +Ben Wilkoff? 

Differentiate the PD  - We always talk about differentiated PD, but we do a horrible job modeling this for our teachers.  Collaborative tools through the Google Docs help but we could use Google Plus.  I am not an expert, but I plan on experimenting with Google Plus for my PD.  I will send out a topic, provide multiple resources, create groups or just get out of the way and tell them to go research the subject and make sure it meets specific criteria.  If we want to differentiate our PD, we need to focus on the goals and not just the activities.  Isn’t this what we tell our teachers?  YES! :)

Model the use of technology - We might be experts in instruction and analyzing data, but we can’t expect to keep up with the technology. Many of my teachers have surpassed my knowledge level in the use of technology.  It surprises me that I don’t see more principals at the technology meetings.  As principals, we need to make ourselves vulnerable in our learning and model what we expect our teachers to do for the kids.  In the EdCamp Session - Google Scripts, facilitated by +Nate Ubowski, I learned about Doctopus Scripts.  Now instead of sending an email, I can send a document and ask them to complete it.  I also learned about Goobric.  Guess what I am going to do?  Send them a document and then give them immediate feedback from the rubric.  Do you think I might get some teachers to check out the two Apps?  Lastly, if you don’t have the expertise, then just move out of the way, provide the supports, and of course, ask the right questions.  
  
Allow teacher to take risks - In both EdCamp Sessions, I attended I heard several individuals say they are 50/50 on the use of technology in the building.  This is frightening, because I definitely want my own kids and students to be in the 50% that are using the technology.  Last year, as we were creating our blended learning plan, I was referencing the graph below to the teachers.  I kept reassuring them that it does not matter where you are, but that we ALL are on board in using the technology in our building.  This became the point where the changes started to happen.  

Support your teachers -  As principals, we are closer to the front lines and have a pulse of what is going on in the classrooms.  This goes back to the graph that we need to start from where they are at and move forward.  Let’s not wait for colleges to send us teachers already trained in technology.  Let’s provide the supports for our teachers to utilize the technology effectively.  As one teacher at EdCampDenver stated, “The demands are high and if you don't adapt to technology, you cannot do your job."  We need to use technology to help do our job.”  I couldn’t agree more so let’s make it happen.