Change is Good

I recently changed jobs and although I am still an Instructional Technology Specialist fostering the relationship between technology and curriculum, I am now in a larger public school environment working with K-12 faculty/staff. It is an exciting opportunity and I am gratefully challenged with the responsibility to promote learning in the classroom with interactive integrated lessons. My primary task is to support faculty and staff by offering training, workshops, and one to one guidance with software programs throughout the districts. I know that there will never be a dull day! Keeping up with the latest technology is an ongoing education, and what you know today is already in the process of being updated for tomorrow. Through professional development, education and networking, an educator can stay ahead of the curve, but it takes a solid commitment to accepting change. I am thrilled to be in this loop of change and look forward to being a part of the Dover Sherborn community with its incredible and professional team of educators!

Looking at some of my older posts, I wanted to share some highlights that I posted back in 2008.  Time has changed many things, but my feelings are still the same.

I am always amazed at the latest technology "gadgets" and how they are used in the classroom. Brave are those who try these new resources and are able to apply them to useful instruction. Technology integration is no stranger and has been around for some time. The gadgets change over the years, but the concept of using technology in the classroom to engage students and motivate learning has always been the same.

As educators, we are still looking for the perfect way to reach our students and adapt our teaching styles to their learning styles. I often think of one of my favorite quotes by Eric Hoffer where he intuitively said that, "In times of change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."

Using technology in the classroom to enhance student learning has taught me to appreciate the student as an interactive member of the educational process. As educators, we must remember that in addition to using technology, we should never lose our imagination to inspire our students and encourage them to take on more of the responsibility of learning. We will only come to realize the endless potential of technology in the classroom if we continue to imagine the possibilities.

With the start of each new academic year, I get excited about the opportunity to be a participant in the opening of student minds to unveil their creative thinking. Technology allows them to participate in the process and contribute on their own level. It makes me realize that change is good.