Today my dear friend, George Couros, presented at my school district. I have seen George present before and each time I feel rejuvenated to hear him speak his story and truth. His words always seem to validate what many believe, but most are not willing to say.
During his keynote, George reminded us to lead with learning, not with technology tools. His advice made me reflect on part of my journey in education. Before being an Assistant Principal (my current role), I was a Mentor Teacher/Instructional Coach/Technology Integrationist all-in-one. What a title, right? I led teachers and students with meaningful learning and always strived to start with the experience, not the tech. I loved being able to think in that lense all day and to have the opportunity to innovate constantly. But, I will admit, it would be hard to not get caught up in helping IT issues as they arose. I was always willing to help with anything but had to be very mindful, each moment of each day, to ensure I was centering my focus on the learning first.
Furthermore, one overarching lesson I have learned throughout my years in education, for both students and adults, is that just because we are ready to go to the next level in innovation, does not mean that every other person is on that same exact point of the progression. Not only is that okay, but it is what makes learning interesting and personalized.
As George says, “Our technology decisions should be based on education and learning, not business sense.” I could not agree more. Even when it is tough, we have to always strive to look at each person, students, and adults, where they are at. Innovation is not a one-size-fits-all. Likewise, it does not matter one bit where we start. What DOES matters is we display a willingness to put ourselves out there, show up, and try!
