ISTE - Change from the Radical Center of Education

Change from the Radical Center of Education

(Description) This presentation suggests 10 principles to follow from the radical center of education that will result in positive change in education 

Its always easier to steer the camel the direction its headed.

I loved this camel quote since it is how I feel about the direction that technology is going. I see it that we are being guided by forces that are not always in the best interest of education and what best for kids. These forces can be IT departments who have different concerns such as security and stability of a network and product vendors who are interested in the bottom line.


Anyway, here is some of the links from this presenter whom I was pleasantly surprised by.
http://www.doug-johnson.com
http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com
http://dougjohnson.wikispaces.com/Changeradicalcenter


The presenter Doug, labeled himself as a "radical centrist in education, who subscribes to the following principles:"

1. Adopt an "and" not "or" mindset.

2. Look for truth and value in all beliefs and practices.

3. Respect the perspective of the individual.

4. Recognize one size does not fit all (kids or teachers).

5. Attend to attitudes.

6. Understand that the elephant can only be eaten one bite at a time.

7. Make sure everyone is moving forward, not just the early adopters.

8. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."

9. Believe measurement is good, but that not everything can be measured.

10. Know and keep your core values.

Here is another quote that he used which really applied to the collaborative steps we need to start taking:
 

"If you want to travel fast...travel alone.

If you want to travel far...travel together."

African Proverb.

Doug also spoke about what gives school value?
1. School climate
2. individual teacher quality
3. libraries and technology
4. elective and extracurricular offerings
5. commitment to staff development

Quote from Kim Confino
I sometimes need to remind myself that the most critical part of my job to inspire change in the real world, not just within our connected group of educators. The reality is that those of us hoping to be voices of change need to make sure that we’re not speeding ahead on our own, but must always work to bring everyone else in our school environment along with us.
This is from Doug's blog (below) and it strikes a cord that as I try to push myself farther and farther it is nothing if I do am not an agent of change to help bring the rest of my district, teachers I meet in my trainings and my Personal Learning Network with me. This truly is what the African proverb above talked about.


http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2007/12/31/rce-7-and-8-moving-with-others-and-admitting-ignorance.html

And lastly, this presenter talked just a bit about how his district has just recently made the switch over to Google Apps. 

I had a conversation with him afterward and we pointed me towards his site and blog which cover their journey. I am excited to read more about this as we at Rocklin Unified continue to move forward with Google Apps.