In regards to bootleg technology I often get the question, “Where should we start?”
Here’s an idea: Ask some students. If there are expert bootleg technology users on your campus the odds are that they are students, even at the elementary level. So create a ‘Principal’s Emerging Technology Advisory Committee.’ Populate the committee with students who are handpicked and volunteers. Then have the committee answer the following questions:
1. What bootleg technology tools do students use? 2. How do students use bootleg technology tools 3. Where do students use bootleg technology tools? 4. Which common bootleg technology could be used in class? 5. How can identified bootleg technology tools be used in class? 6. What should be the rules for using bootleg technology? 7. What should be the consequences for using bootleg technology inappropriately?
My guess is through the process of answering these questions your students will create a reasonable and actionable bootleg technology plan that will be the envy of your district.
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 6, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.
1. We are still our own worst enemy. A teacher union quote, “Closing empty schools won’t impact the overall budget much.” Blatant inefficiency steals from kids and taxpayers.
2. How can you not have one documented teacher observation at this time in the year and look yourself the mirror, much less call yourself a school leader?
3. There are 205 school days in South Korea’s calendar – 25 more than in the U.S. Over an academic career, they spend 2 more years in class. (@FareedZakaria)
4. “Studies suggest students should be praised for effort…” LYS’ers are surprised by how many are surprised by this.
5. Just because the standard is hard to achieve doesn’t make the standard wrong. And a try and a miss still equals a miss. So try again.
6. I’m about to lead teams of teachers on some classroom observations. Always an exciting day. This is the first real step in creating an action oriented PLC.
7. Here’s the goal. Morning announcements – 2 minutes or LESS. Every extra second of instruction is valuable.
8. It is time to pull back the curtain of truth. Teachers who do not want to improve should never be considered master teachers. (@CabidaCain)
9. If you haven’t read Marzano (or Schmoker, Fullan, etc.), you don’t get to debate the interpretation of Marzano (or Schmoker, Fullan, etc.).
10. Can anyone show me where the weekly spelling test is in C-Scope? So how come I keep seeing spelling tests being administered?
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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: NASSP Conference; NASB Conference
