Thursday, July 14, 2011
Fish Finder
"So basically you are just trolling for teachers" Said @Willrich45 to me at the #techitu conference this week. "That should be the name of your blog." I have been wrestling with this statement in my mind and keep coming to the same place. Am I doing a disservice to teachers if I try to introduce ideas and thoughts that I, myself, don't truly understand. Should I wait until I figure it out before I share it? What is the purpose of the conference of collaboration and the whole idea of professional learning networks? What makes the web communication different? Why do we need to think differently and teach differently? And by the way, what is a "blog"?
Last year was my first year as a middle school principal. I wanted to change the culture and climate and believed that what I was doing was best for kids. If I wait and try to perfect my thinking about learning networks, web 2.0 tools, and what the future will look like for kids BEFORE I share it; I will be presenting a fantastic PowerPoint slideshow on an LCD projector at my retirement dinner in the year 2030 (if I can find any an LCD projector or a computer that uses PowerPoint). I have been hesitant to start blogging and unsure if anyone would read or care what I thought, if people would care too much and I would get into trouble, or why would I even want to, I am not "good" at writing and what would I get out of it?
I have introduced technology into every meeting and professional development activity. I share new ideas, articles, and tweets that I receive from my network. I readily admit that I am not the authority in any of this. I continually preach to my teachers that it is OK if you are not the expert. Pose the question and allow the kids to figure out the best way to answer and allow them to teach you. Take chances, "We learn with and through others" (a sign posted in my office and now in my teachers meeting room) put your ideas out there and have someone help you with them. Help others with their ideas. Be an active participant in each other learning. Be a producer and not just a consumer of information. When you get tired of talking to the same teacher next store, the same building principal, or the same students in your class, start a BLOG. I did it today and would welcome any feedback to make it and me better.
As far as "trolling for teachers", I am going to expand that idea. I will continue to introduce, model and share ideas to see if I can "hook" any of my teachers. Since I am already "hooked" I am planning on trolling for followers, blog subscribers and people out there who like what I have to say, challenge me, and make me a better person, leader and teacher.
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I applaud your efforts to get your staff to think about their own learning and to share. When we think about all those folks who are taking grad courses and reading articles and following tweets, etc - and then NOT sharing them with their peers, it saddens me. Such a waste. So, I think what you're trying to do is outstanding!
ReplyDeleteVery nice post Joe! I appreciate your honesty in your post, as I can truly relate to the initial feelings with beginning a blog. It has been a pleasure working with you, and you are truly making great efforts in your school! I look forward to learning more with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a leader for admin. I decided to blog with students to serve as a role model for teachers and students. The principal book talk blog has been created and will go into action in the fall.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteWell done from a fellow classmate. You express much of what I am feeling at this time. As administrators we need to model for our teachers and the students. A good blog.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic that you've begun blogging to share your thoughts with us. Looking forward to learning from you!
Trolling for your teachers... I think this is a positive first step. You're helping them develop awareness of the innovations that are possible. It sounds like you're modeling the use of technology as often as you can. Continue on this path. What will evolve is that you will empower teachers to locate resources themselves and share among peers! Find those early adopters and provide them with additional time, resources, etc. to explore the tools, apply for use in their classrooms, and then share their experiences with the rest of the faculty.
Enjoyed your first post! :)
@Lyn Hilt
ReplyDeleteLyn,
Again thanks for the help. It is great to see the teachers sharing new learning and being excited about it. I look forward to trying new ways to support those early adopters without isolating them from the other staff.
@George Andrews (gandrews@yorkcatholic.org)
ReplyDeleteGeorge,
It was great to meet face to face but I will enjoy continuing to follow your progress on the web. I am interested to hear about your implementation especially with the teachers that attended the #techitu event.
@amjohnston
ReplyDeleteAnn,
I am sure that I will be bugging you for tips and tricks throughout the year. Enjoying the course and the way you present it. You are helping me feel connected.
@Jim Gates
ReplyDeleteJim,
Thanks for being the "First Follower", a YouTube clip I shared with my teachers. When trying to start a movement you need a first follower. If not, you are just a "lone nut".