Here's to technology and social media in schools. After the decision to close schools due to dangerous icy road conditions, not only was the old phone tree enacted, but new technology kicked into action. Within minutes all staff were notified by email, the school web site was updated and messages went out to students and parents via Facebook and Twitter. The school Facebook page was busy with kids asking about preparations for the upcoming Exam Week, mock exams, make-up tests and I-work completion. Teachers were posting messages and directing students to teacher web sites or on-line grade books for updates and practice tests. Students were able to email their teachers directly for help and advice. As the weather warmed and the roads became safer, the administrators (with good winter tires and 4x4) were able to get to the school and open the doors. Kids and parents made a steady stream to get textbooks and binders from their lockers to take home. Study groups have sprung up over the web and social media.
As principal of the high school, I don’t believe on-line learning will ever completely replace the deep, rich interaction and relationship-building of face-to-face learning, but it sure is nice to know educators have a few new tools in the tool kit as we move into the 2nd decade of the 21st Century.
Amen Charlie! Your 'phone tree' reference made me feel like Father Time as that was the method of communication in place just a few years ago when I was still in the principalship. I love how more and more schools are embracing technology and social media instead of demonizing it. We know our students are bombarded with information at light speed. We have to stop asking them to leave all of that 21st century access and information at the steps of our schools as they enter the doors of our schools. Congrats on the launch of your blog, sir!
ReplyDeleteKen
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ReplyDeleteHi Charlie - congrats on the new Blog; I'll look forward to reading the thoughts you share!
ReplyDeleteLike Ken, I laughed out loud at your references; we had a closure day on Jan 18th (-48*C windchill) and had the phone fan-out, webpages, text messages, and radio announcements going to let people know that safety comes before school.
Like you, I also don't believe that the online world will ever replace the experience of a vibrant, empathic classroom, but I also look forward to the day when we have the skills and tools to shift seamlessly to that world to interact with our students, on days when:
-- we want to bring in a 'guest teacher' to change the experience for the kids, from anywhere the 'net reaches
-- the kids work with others to access expertise or resources collaboratively, perhaps in distant lands.
-- as above, safety trumps school, for today. Why can't school just 'be different' today?
We usually keep going, through snow, rain, ice, freezing temps, and other minor enviromnental inconveniences.
After all, we are Canadians. We were made for this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3W7mtl6iQ