My time here at the 2012 NASSP Conference is drawing to a close, but before I get on the plane and leave Tampa, I wanted to put up a quick post about two great technology sessions I managed to catch. The sessions were lead by two of NASSP’s three Digital Principal Award winners, Mike King and Eric Sheninger, who, along with third winner Patrick Larkin, represent some of the most engaged and forward-thinking technology leaders in education today.
During his presentation, Sheninger used the term “digital immigrant,” and I think it’s a great one, especially when it comes to education. As Sheninger noted, change is hard, and embracing new technology can present a particularly daunting challenge. As a “digital immigrant,” you may not feel like you speak the same language, you don’t belong, you are lost in a confusing new world. But the reality is, today’s students are “digital natives;” they are familiar with these technologies, they are comfortable with them. The key, according to Sheninger, is not to say “no” to the technology. The key is to demonstrate to the student that technology can be a valuable tool, a resource, a privilege. Make learning fun, says Sheninger.
When an awestruck “digital immigrant” asked Mike King, “where do I start, there is so much out there?”, his answer was simple. You start small, find something you are comfortable using. Talk to tech-savvy members of your staff. In fact, there are probably some students who are familiar with the technologies and can help as well, said King.
For Sheninger, the real “a-ha” moment was when he started using Twitter. His original impression of Twitter as a tool for celebrity gossip and oversharing quickly dissipated as he realized the potential of the service. Now Sheninger, aka @NMHS_Principal, has thousands of followers worldwide, including parents, teachers, students, school leaders, thought leaders, and more. Originally reluctant to use Facebook, Sheninger later embraced the social network because it was an effective, no-cost way to communicate with his students and parents. “Use the tools that are out there,” says Sheninger.
Both Sheninger and King have “rolled out the red carpet” for technology in their schools. These principals use the wide array of free, collaborative tools easily available on the World Wide Web to connect with skilled practioners nationwide. Throughout his presentation, Sheninger reminded us, “together we are better.”
So to all of the “digital immigrants” who are struggling to find their place in this new high-tech, interconnected world, I urge you take the small step of connecting with these amazing Digital Principals on Twitter. They are a friendly face welcoming you in!
Eric Sheninger (@NMHS_Principal)
Mike King (@digitalsandbox1)
Patrick Larkin (@bhsprincipal)