The Learning Teacher: A Blog

In the video,  Episode 25 of LeadUpTeach featuring Weston Kieschnick on Bold School , Kieschnick talks about how "bold" is a combination of the words "blended" and "old." He states that the teacher continues to be the most important part of the classroom, but they can use blended learning and technology to elevate what they already do. Bold is a process of designing instruction methodically and purposefully without losing the things that made "old school" learning and instruction successful. First, the instructor determines the learning outcome. Then, the instructor selects a high effect size instructional strategy. The instructor then selects appropriate digital tools for that strategy. Finally, the instructor reflects on the lesson and determines what did and did not work. In Harlingen, Texas, a school has incorporated blended learning into its curriculum. The students and teachers have seen higher success rates. Even veteran teachers are movin...

  In the video, Schools that work for kids , Eric Sheninger talks about how schools are no longer teaching students how to become successful in the real-world. Where schools are still functioning in silos - subjects are taught as stand-alone information - in reality, life presents problems that are not just "chemistry" or "math" problems, but an amalgamation of these concepts. Sheninger focuses on the fact that schools are continuing to function based on the status quo and rules which stifles student creativity and passion. He suggests that by giving up control and putting trust in students, instructors can better promote student learning. His suggestions for doing this include allowing students to use social media and their own devices in the classroom.  Administrators and instructors also need to develop student learning spaces that are conducive to modern learning. An example of this idea is found in Carol Lautenbach's, Lessons in equity and opportunity from ...

There are several changes coming to the public school system in 2024 according to the article, 5 K–12 ed tech trends to follow in 2024, by Rebecca Torchia.  First and foremost, the National Educational Technology Plan has been released and guides many decisions surrounding K-12 technological decisions. Beyond that, there are trends in five areas that Torchia lists as pivotal to 2024.  Without Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (which is expiring), schools will have to plan for device obsolescence without the benefit of these extra funds. Torchia suggests that schools should utilize services and tools to "extend the life of devices" and be careful to get the "best return on investment" when purchasing new equipment. Doing this will save schools money where budgets are tight. Another trend mentioned by Torchia is the advent of teachers using AI in the classroom to assist with simple, administrative tasks. She posits that this could alleviate burnout and...

    As a technology leader, how can you use the lessons from Daniel Pink in your duties? Daniel Pink very convincingly describes the things that motivate people. If something is simple and has a "clear destination," extrinsic motivation works. In this case, giving someone some sort of reward would motivate him to perform well. However, the more difficult task is motivating someone who is working through a challenging task. The motivation to perform well in this type of activity requires intrinsic means. Giving people "autonomy, mastery and purpose" are all effective intrinsic motivators. By giving others the ability to navigate their own course, I will allow them to feel a greater sense of these three concepts and, thus, succeed. This is also where George Couros', The Innovator's Mindset applies. He emphasizes that empathy is an integral part of being a powerful innovator. This involves getting to know people on a deep level. If I'm able to get to know ...

How do you model and explore new opportunities for learning in your own practice?  At CMIT, our job is coordinating conferences and trainings. Because of this, we often have the opportunity to sit in on or go to conferences and trainings ourselves. This provides me with the ability to continually learn. I also enrolled in the ISDT program because I had the desire to add to my knowledge. In addition, I often read books or browse websites where I can get new and exciting information for my job. I like to think that by being excited to go to conferences, trainings and professional development and even go back to school, I'm modeling what it means to be a continual learner. I try to share the information I get from those activities with those around me and hope that they would do the same. What opportunities are you providing for informal learning, exploration, and “play” with new technologies in your organization?  I do not often have the opportunity to introduce applicable,...

One leadership quality I would like to improve upon is being an encourager. Chapter 8 in Couros' The Innovator's Mindset has struck a chord. After some self-reflection, I've realized that when I manage others, I tend to "ignore" them if they are doing well. The chapter shows that this is even worse than focusing on their weaknesses. How tragic! This is not out of any ill intent on my part - I think my introversion makes this a little bit of a battle for me. I have to make a better effort to tell people that I appreciate the good things that they are doing. I have no trouble focusing on and playing on their strengths, but I think I need to be more vocal in my appreciation for their successes.  One strength that I have in my leadership style is making sure everyone is part of a team. I understand that there are times that things need to be done individually, but I like to make sure those that I lead know that they are a part of something bigger. Not only that, but ...

How are you developing your identity as a technology leader/facilitator? In the video, First follower: Leadership lessons from dancing guy . Sivers points out several characteristics of leadership and followership. Even though the dancer was at first alone, he took a risk and continued to dance. As a leader, it is important that I be unafraid to step out and take risks, even if I happen to be alone in doing so. This is a scary thought. It is easier to do things that are safe and part of the crowd. I need to actively pursue risks to be a leader, even if I'm alone. In the book,  The innovator’s mindset, Curos also elaborates on how risk-taking and the willingness to fail and be resilient is essential to innovative leaders. So, not only is it important for me to take risks but also to bounce back in the face of failure. This is something that I work on daily - taking risks and being brave in the face of failure. As a recovering perfectionist, it is difficult to take those risks knowi...