Friday, December 1, 2017

Ed Tech Digest Online Periodical Review

EDTECH DIGEST looks and feels like a much bigger magazine.  Features include Video, Links, Interviews, and Cool Tools!  This is a great resource for every educator.  A recent article that caught my eye was "For Long Term Success, EdTech Need To Be Part Of A School's DNA" by Matt Harris, Ed.D.  The premise of the article states "For a school to have a truly sustainable and impactful edtech program it almost needs to be invisible."  It is a "Must Read" for every educator



The change to a 1:1 environment in the classroom is happening now whether you realize it or not.  All stakeholders in the educational process need to read this article, and come to grips with this fundamental change in the approach to technology now.  We should be educating our children to work in school the same way they will be required to work in future careers, or higher education.  It is imperative that we understand how technology should look in our schools, even as that technology is changing and evolving quicker than it can be implemented fully.





This is an approach that I have tried implement at every step of my career in education.  Every position I have held has brought with it the added expectation that I was the shaman of the school when it came to technology.  From setting up new systems, to coordinating budgets for technology purchases, to implementing new curriculum and applications (both on the fly, and pre-planned).  It seemed that at some point, technology was the supplemental afterthought of curriculum & instruction, rather than a tool used to guide the decision making process. 



While most technology advances, especially in under-served schools and districts, can be cost-prohibitive, there is always a way to make sure it is available.  One needs only to take the time to turn over the rocks of society, and find the gems of financing and supply that are there.



I believe the future of educational technology in schools deals more with providing the infrastructure to support networks, rather than providing the devices themselves.  Schools should focus on standardizing a model suitable for student growth from 6th to 12 grade, and require families to invest in the equipment.  This would eliminate the need for the district to continue to provide gear, and focus on the classroom level integration necessary to drive curriculum.  Families should be providing their own devices, based on a set of locally approved standards, just like they would buy practice equipment for sports, or music and art instruments and supplies.  A safety net, supported by local and national industry, government, non-profits, and charitable organizations could aid families without the means to provide these devices as well.  Devices could be insured (at a reasonably small rate) against theft or damage to make sure that equipment would last throughout the educational lifespan.



Once specified and supplied, students would be free to participate in every class according to the technology pedagogy and curriculum outlined.  21st-century learning and flipped classrooms would become the norm.  Teachers would no longer need to worry about laptop carts, equipment sign-outs, and other inconvenient and menial tasks, and be able to spend more time developing and implementing digital project-based-learning in every class.
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Integrity (13 Characteristics)

13 Characteristics of People Who Have Integrity

1. They Value Other People's Time: They value their own time so they also value the time of other people. They know you have plenty of other places you need to be and won’t hold you up. If you spend time with them, it is likely they will thank you for that as well.

2. They Give Credit Where It Is Due: They do not take credit for things they did not do. They will always credit those who deserve it. If you help this person with a project he or she will likely mention your name so you can take credit for your work.

3. They Are Authentic: They are their truest forms. You won’t catch them in a lie or being fake.

4. They Are Always Honest: They are honest people that feel no need to lie as it is important for them to get to where they need to get in life honestly.

5. They Never Take Advantage Of Others: They are not the kind of people who will take advantage of someone else. They love to build people up and help them get where they need to be. Taking too much from someone else will never be an issue with someone who has a lot of integrity.

6. The Do Not Argue Over Disagreements: They will talk through things in a civil manner or not talk at all. You cannot and will not force this person into arguing over something completely ridiculous. I find this to be a very respectable trait.

7. They Give Most People The Benefit Of The Doubt: They try to see the good in everyone. I think this is because they feel like maybe there are more people in this world that also have integrity. That being said, if you take advantage of them too much they will get rid of you.

8. They Know When Something Is Bothering Someone: They have a great intuition that lets them know when something is going on. If someone is down in the dumps they will notice. Chances are they will actually do what they can to cheer you up.

9. They Believe In Others: They accept your word as truth until it is dis-proven. That being said, they do not take lying well. And once you lie to them, it is unlikely that they will ever take your word again.

10. They Apologize First: If they have done something wrong they will come to you and apologize. This is just how they are. They own up to their mistake and try to make things right.

11. They Are Humble: They do not quite know their own worth. While they are very important and do so much good they don’t quite see it. You should remind them of it.

12. They Do Good When They Can: They are always helping other people. They love to know that they have improved someone’s life. It gives their lives meaning.

13. They Are Always Kind To Those Who Need It: Giving kindness can go a long way. When someone looks like they need a little pick me up these people deliver. They can brighten up almost anyone’s day.

If you are someone who has true integrity, thank you for being who you are and thank you for all that you do. You really do actually make a difference in society, please keep up the good work. If you feel no one else is proud of you, know that I am.

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