Visionary Leadership - Vision Statement

Technology needs to be integrated into our schools to assist in the facilitation of the learning process.  It is a necessary tool that will assist our students’ in moving to the next level of education and independence.  In order to honestly say that we are preparing our students to be competitive members of a truly global market, they must have access to technology at every level of education and become proficient users of the most current technologies present.

            If I ran our school system, I would ensure that each student had their own laptop.  This would become their center for learning.  We would move away from traditional textbooks where we would access information on-line.  Several of our current textbooks contain on-line versions with great supplemental materials and videos.  Students need to become more comfortable with moving away from the archaic bound stacks of paper.  Students will turn in their homework electronically to their teachers and await feedback through the same avenue.  Google docs. is a great example of a media that allows for immediate feedback and collaboration.  Ultimately, paper and pencil will become obsolete.

            Currently our district’s curriculum does specify, that at every level, students must exhibit certain levels of proficiency in regards to technology.  I can appreciate their vision, but I would like to take it to the next level by requiring students to complete some courses electronically.  I use the word “electronic” because I still believe that students need a facilitator like a teacher to organize, lead, and inspire students to become independent thinkers.  I believe on-line courses lack some of these key components to the learning process.  In these cases teachers will still have an instructional responsibility to the students, but also serve as a guide as they move through their courses.  It will be the instructor’s job to open avenues for students to communicate and identify useful resources to assist in the learning process.  As time progresses, districts will have to continuously revisit their technology curriculums to ensure that they are up to date and meeting the needs of the students and global community. 

            As for students, I do believe they need to continue to have traditional seat time.  It is important for them to interact with other students face to face, as well as be familiar with traditional social skills.  On the other hand, technology can open a completely different avenue for class work.  Students will be able to communicate and complete assignments anywhere.  While in the classroom, students will be able to project assignments, information, and videos using the projector in the front of the room.  From there collaboration and various activities can take place.  In our current system, students are collaborating on-line, after school, at their convenience.  We can extend learning opportunities to reach a global perspective using the same technologies.  In regards to assessments, students will not only be assessed on their knowledge of material (or final products), but on their ability to meet certain bench marks in regards to technology.