When I talk to campus administrators about embedding the use of bootleg technology in their classrooms, I am bombarded with a variety of reasons why now is not the right time. However, based on a recent report, yet another common reason “against” has been removed from the equation.
What I often hear is, “The reason why we don’t allow bootleg technology in the classroom is a function of equity. We don’t want to draw attention to the haves and have nots”
This has always seemed like somewhat of a cop-out, but I didn’t possess the preponderance of evidence necessary to sway that opinion. Until now. Another tipping point has occurred.
As of this year, 50% of high school students and 40% of middle school students regularly use a smart phone and/or tablet. Add to that a majority of parents report that they would accelerate the purchase of a smart phone or tablet for their child if the use of such a device was allowed in school. What this means is when it comes to bootleg technology, the distinction between have and have not is shrinking daily. And I would argue that as we embed the use of bootleg technology in our classrooms, thus creating a conduit for all children to extend and expand their learning as they use their devices in other settings, we are actually bridging the experience chasm created by economic status. Making bootleg technology our first universal tool for closing the achievement gap.
Now some may ask, “Based on some random facts, aren’t you implicating that 1 + 1 = 5?”
To which I respond, “Exactly. So now what is your campus waiting for?”
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 November 4, 2012.
1. No coup, no revolution! Just old fashion democracy. Like Churchill said, it isn’t perfect but it’s the best we have. God bless America! (By @daleemartin)
2. Reading, The Fundamental 5, on my i-Pad. First book I’ve ever read this way! (By @tjadams105)
3. My current list of the 3 most important elements of the principalship: Communicate; Motivate; Problem Solve
4. Keep in mind that a cute classroom will not overcome poor instruction. Instruction is always Priority One.
5. When instruction is good and improving, the environment can either accelerate or inhibit student learning.
6. Having a room set-up that inhibits student performance is the teaching equivalent to running while wearing a 50-pound backpack.
7. SC – thanks for exposing me to sensible thoughts regarding school culture and change! You are right on! (By @gabbygladis)
8. In 2010, teachers in Switzerland had an average salary of about $112,000 per year. (By @UberFacts)
9. Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle. (By @Sports_Greats)
10. We found out today that, The Fundamental 5 (Cain & Laird), is being used in a differentiated instruction class at Notre Dame!
Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…
- Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5
- Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “Look at Me: A Cautionary School Leadership Tale” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/lookatmebook
- Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Plans (Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan Tool); PW Lite (Basic PowerWalks Tool); PW Pro (Mid-level PowerWalks Tool)
- Upcoming Presentations: TASSP Assistant Principals’ Workshop (Featured Speaker), American Association of School Administrators Conference (Multiple Presentations), National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations)
- Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
