How Will We Keep Up?

"The Changing Media Landscape" is a thought provoking youtube video.  After watching the clip, I was surprised to discover it was produced several years ago- 2009!

This video really drives home how vitally important it is for students to develop digital literacy skills.  Due to budgetary cuts, this has been challenging for many schools.  Across our district, for example, all the elementary library media specialists and technology teachers have been eliminated.  In fact, the Pentucket School district has only two full time staff members responsible for maintaining all the computer equipment and technology database systems used in six school buildings and the business office.  (Fortunately, Jeanne Frasch and Craig Carlson are very dedicated and talented).  

At Sweetsir, faculty members have decided to make enhancing our knowledge and use of technology a school-wide goal this year.  Teachers are sharing resources and dedicating time to help each other further develop technology skills (i.e., blogging, skyping, creating video lessons, smart board lessons, assistive technologies and using social media professionally),  We are also collaborating to create livebinders to share technology resources. 

Take a risk and try something new this year... and then share it!

As a Principal,  I've sent a welcome back letter to faculty members every August.  It's a way to reconnect and set a positive tone for the upcoming school year.  Since I am often encouraging faculty members to learn new skills and share with each other... I decided to practice what I preach.   This is my August welcome back message to the faculty...

Recently, I've noticed an incredible surge in the number of educational articles (along with blogs and tweets!) focused on the importance of bringing 'media literacy' into today's classrooms.  As educators, we have an obligation to be ongoing 'digital learners' to best prepare our students for tomorrow.  Effectively using current technologies is rapidly becoming an essential communication skill for all ages.  (Even my 74 year old aunt has learned to Skype to see a newborn grandchild living three states away).  This inspired me to explore how to use the camera lens on my new home computer.  Using the Tutor for iMovie 'll App I taught myself to create and edit a video.  The Internet is filled with so many free technology tools and how to guides.  On this page, I've started a list of Educator's Blogs as a resource for any parents and educators who might like to see what technologies other schools are using... reading them you can even learn to twitter, blog, skype, and create a prezi!  My favorite, The Classroom Chronicles, is written by a teacher who taught her colleagues a new tech skill each week... then she shared all of her lessons on-line!  Amazing.  I can't wait to share that site at our opening faculty meeting!