Leverage: What a great word!

***Have you looked up the word leverage yet, Kenan Fellows? Cool word! Perfect for the deeper learning that we are all experiencing. The word has multiple meanings: from using a lever to pry to showing force to the ones I like that have to do with:

• how a small investment gains high returns (Hmmmm….deep!)
• having the power/ability to influence people, events and/or decisions (Go Kenan!)
• to obtain a desired effect or result (BINGO!)

***When I think about connecting leverage to the technology we are blessed to be learning about, I think first about how to try it and make it work in my classroom. I guess that is not so much of a challenge than that of a solution. I think that in order to make the biggest impact back at my school and district is to lead by example. My example would be to structure my teaching in a way that shows how the technology helps me teach smarter, better and with outstanding results. Then the fun begins when others are interested and want to learn more. The second facet of my Kenan experience begins as I am a teacher leader. In the end, it is all good because the goal is that group of children I see every day. ***Therefore, my challenges include time…always time…how do I fit all that I want to do and share into my schedule? (see my other blog post/soap box for more on that topic…) Another challenge is that to make the technology work for my students’ learning means that I need to be great about navigating each one’s unique properties to first teach it to my students and then empower them to make it their own. So, I need to be confidently capable of using whatever technology I integrate into my instruction. Another challenge deals with the semantics of technology. The kids need the hardware. I have 3-4 computers in my classroom for 20 kids. Not exactly a good ratio for consistent exposure to tech tools and learning. My district is at the edge of improving this with the late addition of a second computer lab and more laptops/refurbished netbooks as teachers transfer to using iPads for reading assessments. The final challenge is in direct connection to what happens when folks have more hardware…the need for more maintenance/support. I not only mean those Smart Board bulbs that cost hundreds of dollars, but also the work that will have to go into making sure that the Internet work our kids do is safe and appropriate for them. ***At this point, I am not sure of all of the answers except that teamwork is key to success. Everyone concerned/connected to our kids is going to have to step up.

Put on your marching shoes…