Comments on Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org: Reflecting on Juxtapositions: Moses and the GTA fo...

Miguel, I have just been asked to help plan and l...

2010-01-14T09:25:38.282-06:00

Miguel,

I have just been asked to help plan and lead this event. I will definitely pass along the ideas from here and elsewhere. Any other ideas can be recorded over here: http://henrythiele.blogspot.com/2010/01/google-administrator-academy.html and I will pass them along.

Hank

@Kyle I've watched your video on GoogleApps, used ...

2009-12-23T01:48:10.895-06:00

@Kyle I've watched your video on GoogleApps, used in workshops, and as such, no disclosure is needed (although other readers may appreciate it)!

I decided to respond via my blog as a reflection piece. I'm not interested in crafting the appropriate Google Administrator Academy (GAA), only in sharing my reflections on the conversation...I hope that my decision to NOT use GoogleWave to reflect on goals you set--or in fact, to even stay within the lines of discussion--will not reflect poorly upon me. After all, I have enough going against me just trying to consider a creative video!

Finally, on my blog, I'd rather ask the questions about leadership...the questions you proposed focus on...let's pick out some keywords..."skills," "techtools," and teacher freedom to use tools.

The focus on skills and tools to use essentially make this about the TOOLS, not the leadership...which makes David's point. GoogleApps IS about tools, though, so again, no surprise.

When we ask questions in a certain way, we predetermine the path the answers may take. I'd rather get some answers about leadership in times of needed change, rather than about how to use tools only those with little authority care about.

Is that too harsh?

Thanks for commenting,
Miguel

FROM KYLE'S GOOGLEWAVE:
1) What skills can Administrators model for their staff to encourage teachers to integrate technology tools into their curriculum?

2) In which ways can tech tools be used to leverage the learning in classes that are the focus of NCLB and how can we use these tools to measure the RTI (response to intervention) in our core classes.

3) How can administrators create an environment where teachers have the freedom to use all of the tech tools available to them and their students. This includes smart cell phones, social networking sites and the myriad of free tools available on the Internet.

Miguel: As one of the few people who can speak to...

2009-12-22T23:42:17.633-06:00

Miguel:

As one of the few people who can speak to all of the major issues involved. I am a Google Certified Teacher from the first cohort in 2006, I have been a presenter at a subsequent Google Teacher Academy and a current high school administrator. And in an effort of full disclosure, I have been a presenter for CUE in their Google Workshops for Educators, including all three that have been focused on Administrators. I think this is a long overdue effort on everyone's part. I have lived through much of what you have mentioned in your piece, since I was a School and District Tech Coordinator and watched administrator after administrator give lip service to the role of technology in the educational process. (Everyone now knows why after 20 years as a classroom teacher, I decided to move into Administration.)

I have watched professional educators kowtow to Information Technology Professionals when they use their scare tactics about they ways students will use computers and networks and get Districts in trouble because they will not be CIPA compliant. All of this creates a culture of fear that reminds some of the Mc Carthy Hearings from the 1950's.

I have posted three substantive goals of an Admin focused GTA on the current Google Wave created by Brian VanDyke and welcome a spirited discussion by all concerned, including yourself, David Jakes and Sylvia Martinez. (Both of whom I have met.)

Instead of using our energies to list the things that an Admin focused GTA shouldn't be, let's identify the types of activities that would make the experience beneficial to all of the participants and create the same synergistic experience that attending the first GTA in 2006 was to me.

I am eager to see all of the contributions of the group.