By: Michael DrezekIn the spirit of connected learning, which is what in fact brought me here today, let’s take a moment to explore something that might be new, something that might spark creativity, and something that might help model to colleagues and staff to embrace taking a risk with technology. Before we jump in, I just want to highlight two ISTE Standards for Education Leaders that connect to what I’ll be sharing here. 1. Empowering Leader: Inspire a culture of innovation and collaboration that allows the time and space to explore and experiment with digital tools.I love the idea of empowering another. It feels great to be empowered so why not pay that forward. There are plenty of opportunities to do this in our work. Whether you are empowering a student or empowering a colleague, being a leader calls upon us to make this happen. In creating a culture of innovation and collaboration, technology will help and most importantly, modeling that technology use will help. Another challenge, especially this school year, is allowing for time and space to explore and experiment with digital tools. I encourage you to try and make this happen, for your students and for your colleagues. 2. Connected Learner: Leaders model and promote continuous professional learning for themselves and others.I am going to share some resources and ideas here today. Some you might have heard of or used and some might be new to you. It is my hope that at least one thing you read today is new and that you can put that to use in your practice in some way. And the idea of a connected learner requires another person to make that connection. I encourage you to share a resource or idea with a colleague and see where the conversation goes. I am grateful for thought partners in my world, both in my PLN, in my school district, and in my personal life that help me learn and grow. That learning comes through a combination of discussion and reflection. My best ideas and projects were never that of mine alone. It was always a team effort. And celebrating those wins is never as fun alone as it is with others so embrace the connections. My lens comes from that of a District Technology Integrator serving as a teacher on special assignment. While I thought this might have only been a one or two year grant funded position, I’m now in year 7 of this role (year 17 overall). I’m going to keep riding this education roller coaster and do my best to enjoy the ups and downs along the way. It’s been pretty neat to see the educational space evolve through the years. One thing I’ve learned is there is no silver bullet. But, when used intentionally, tech can be an accelerator to reaching certain goals in a classroom, school, or community. My hope in contributing to this space is that you’ll embrace a new tool and put your own personal leadership spin on how it can be used to model technology use, creatively communicate (and maybe collaborate) and give yourself some permission to take a risk and have some fun in the process. If you’re reading this, I already know you’re a connected learner. If you’re thinking, I don’t have time right now for one more new thing, that’s understandable. But if you’re up for it, I’d love to share a few nuggets with you. Here are 10 (in alphabetical order) that have helped me along my journey and just might help you too. Blooket |