Completing the 10 Day Challenges in PQP 1 and PQP 2, has involved some new learning for me and allowed me to think about what I would do as a Catholic leader in a school setting. Although many of the mechanics of the Challenge in Part 1 where things that I was already using and familiar with, looking at tools through the new lens of Principal made me think about the tools in a new way. Many tools that are useful in the classroom, are also useful for communicating with staff. I had not considered this before since in my current role I am often demonstrating these tools at staff meetings for staff to use in their own classes. In the future, when introducing new digital tools or devices I will also consider introducing it in a way that allows the staff to be the students and use them for their own personal professional development. I have always done these instructional sessions in a "hands on" manner, but as teachers. It would also be beneficial for staff to see what the student experience is so that they can be more informed about the usefulness in their own practice.
I enjoyed the fact that the Challenges for PQP2 seemed to be more about pedagogical impact for digital tools. I often hear from teachers that they need a class set of Chromebooks because they want to go paperless. This was particularly striking when looking at TPAK and the SAMR models since there are no enhancements to pedagogy with substitution only. In the past, I would have thought that this was a valid request but I would now expect more of a change in teaching practice besides delivering content through Google Classroom. If I am ever given the opportunity to be in the role, I will ensure that staff understands the SAMR model and the real intent of technology to enhance what is happening in the classroom, not just be a delivery method. As tweeted by Alice Keeler "a worksheet delivered through Google Classroom is still just a worksheet".
My next steps as a connected learner and leader are to continue learning. Technology is constantly changing and if you are not always learning and following new things on social media you will be left behind. I believe that using technology can bring equality to classes, especially for students that require assistive technology, but also for students that would not have access to technology at home. I will also pay more attention to Digital Citizenship and privacy and safety online. The Global Competencies and Catholic Graduate Expectations support the need to teach these to our students. I often assume that students and staff know how to protect their privacy, but when talking to students I am learning that this isn't always the case and being cognizant of that is going to be important as the leader of a school. Tweet at Apple Canada New GENESIS program Innovation Challenge Presentations Design Thinking
