I was talking to a group of teachers about using bootleg technology in their classrooms. As a group they were open to idea but there was one universal factor that was holding them back. They were waiting for the district to buy the equipment. The consensus opinion was, “I can’t wait to integrate all this new stuff, but if I’m going to use technology at work, the district needs to provide it.” As I told the group, I agree that it would be nice if the district gave them each an I-pad. But even if the district was willing, the most prudent thing they could do is say “No” and still buy their own. If you are asking why (like they were), you are obviously new to the blog, so I will give you the short version of a long answer. The power of bootleg technology is how portable it is, how powerful it is, and how it seamlessly integrates into all facets of your life. And there is the rub. On my I-phone and I-pad I have everything I am currently listening to and reading. I could also download everything I want to watch (I need to use my Netflix account or cancel it). Right now as I type this I am listening to an unedited version of a popular song (the singer seems to be somewhat angry and obviously desires some female companionship). I have a thriller that I am reading that includes murder, profanity, drug smuggling and again, the successful pursuit of female companionship by the protagonist. If I used my Netflix account, I know that some of the movies that I want to see are rated “R.” I take my I-pad and I-phone everywhere I go, but that is OK, because I own it. But let’s say I work for a school and the school owns my I-Pad. I know I would not download the movies, that’s an obvious no-brainer. But my music would end up on the device, and honestly I never know which version of the song I’m buying (radio or uncut) so that is always a gamble. I would have what I’m reading on the device and honestly I don’t know if and when the action in a work of fiction will become mature. Still you might think this isn’t a big deal because you aren’t going to let your students use your device. But it’s not the students I’m worried about. It’s the crazy parent, community member or colleague. Because when the school owns the device, everything on it is public information. So you are minding your own business, working hard, teaching kids and the local nut case wants to prove how lazy, immoral and wasteful educators are and makes a public information request of what content is loaded on the district I-pads that teachers use. This information will be used out of context, but it doesn’t matter. Now you have to prove you aren’t sexist and profane with questionable morals. Or you can simply own the tools that make you more productive. A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of January 15, 2012, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse. 1. Tom Bean Middle School named National School to Watch. World Class School – World Class Practice! 2. Great Definition of Critical Writing: A Planned Prompt That Focuses and Connects Thinking. 3. More education increases IQ scores. Yet people still think that how we teach doesn’t matter. 4. Unless you are better at scheduling emergencies than I am, the part-time nurse option seems like a huge gamble. 5. LYS Principal quote: “I would never compare monkeys to politicians. I like monkeys. 6. Marble Falls MS had another awesome training day on the Fundamental 5 with Sean Cain of the LYS Nation! Sean does an excellent job of modeling the Fundamental 5! (By @principalschu) 7. Article states, “NCLB’s Promise Falls Short.” Why is this a surprise when the majority of our field either ignored or fought it? 8. Every teacher who claims students don’t respond to recognition & reinforcement can’t be more wrong. 9. Prepping “Fundamental 5 for Parents” training. Here’s to focused school/home partnerships! 10. I’m reading Sean’s book now (The Fundamental 5) in advance of his visit to our region in February. Looking forward to implementing some ideas at our high school. (By @tlonganecker) Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…