Why change in education important?
By dorothy.bialke | September 20, 2007
As the leader of St. Raphael’s Catholic School, I am dedicated to help my staff deliver an education of the highest quality. This requires all of us to make changes that will improve our educational program. We need to prepare our students to learn and work with people throughout the world. This type of education can be done through planning and the use of tools that were not readily available a few years ago.
Over the last two years we have made integrating technology into teaching and learning a priority. This change has allowed us to provide the students with the opportunity to gain the necessary skills they will need as adults. When I see the students at school I see the impact these changes have made on the development of the whole person. These differences are often small or subtle. This is fine as we are working on the foundation for the students and it is the combination of these changes that will have a long term impact. I understand that it might be more difficult for parents to see the value of this change since they are not at school each day. Even educators sometimes have a hard time explaining what they know and see daily in their work.
Recently, I was reading an article titled 8 More Reasons for Technology in Education by Arthur Virtue. He is enrolled in a masters program in instructional technology and I was intrigued by his comments. I have included an excerpt for you to read. The entire article is found here .
One member of our group, the executive assistant, asks the question “Why is technology so important in education?” After years in this grad class, we all scoffed at this question but actually failed in our attempts to give clearly defined answers. I think about this and decide to make a list for quick reference. If you are familiar with the term educational technology (using technology to enhance the teaching process), you will find little new ground here, but here goes:
- Using technology involves the student in the learning process. Students using technology become active participants in the learning process instead of passive listeners.
- Using technology eliminates most discipline problems. When the student is involved in the work, there is little time for trouble.
- Using technology allows students to take ownership of the project. When the student is empowered to find his/her own answers, the learning process becomes much more interesting.
- Using technology transforms the teacher from authority expert to facilitator. The teacher becomes more of a participant than authority expert when the students use technology to find answers online.
- Using technology is familiar to today’s students. Technology use is part of the normal learning process for students; it is in their “comfort zone” and teachers often learn new technology programs along with students.
- Using technology reduces the workload on the teacher. Technology as a tool enhances, and replaces, text, paper and pencil because students can use technology for both reference and presentation.
- Using technology allows for a smooth transition from school to work and school to college . Technology is used everywhere - in math, science, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, and every business application you can think of. From sales transactions and inventory control, to e-commerce, the uses for technology are limitless.
- Using technology allows for the free exchange of information. The widespread use of compatible word processing and graphic software programs allow information to be exchanged easier than ever before.
In the next few months keep these items in mind as you talk to your children about what they do at school each day. As you listen to their responses you may become more aware of the impact these changes have made on your child and the foundation we are building.
Topics: toolbox for learning, core 6 | No Comments »
Why the title “Chief Learner”?
By dorothy.bialke | September 6, 2007
Some of my staff members and students have noticed my newly chosen title. I have not explained it to them but thought this is the proper place for them to hear the answer.
As an educator I learned very early in my career that the principal does affect a school’s climate and student achievement. I have worked under some fabulous principals that have made working with them a joy. The whole school was very positive, the students enjoyed attending school and the staff worked very hard to support each other. Unfortunately not all of my experiences have been that positive. My goal as the leader of St. Raphael is to create that same type of positive and supportive school that I was fortunate enough to experience.
One way in which I work is to lead by example. I have asked my staff to grow in their skills of using technology as a tool for teaching and learning. While expecting my staff to grow in their skills and knowledge I held myself to the same standard. Just like the teachers I have shared my successes and failures. Together we celebrate all the wonderful accomplishments we have made. We also support each other when things do not go as we had hoped. I wanted to start the school year off with this message so at my staff welcome breakfast I presented my first staff development motivational movie.
Mostly, I want my staff to understand that we are all learning so that led to my title change….Chief Learner of St. Raphael.
Topics: toolbox for learning, technology, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
The School Year Is Here…
By dorothy.bialke | August 16, 2007
Now that it is mid August it is exciting to think about the new school year. While making plans for the year I continued to think about my experience in Atlanta. That experience impacted many discussions I have had and expanding my summer research.
I am so happy to be a part of a school that is changing how we deliver instruction to meet the needs of our students. We know that each new group of kindergarten students brings with them new experiences and skills. Our goal of capitalizing on this knowledge is a wonderful challenge for us.
As parents and teachers begin settling into a new school year, as principal, I start planning for the 2008-09 school year. One of the first focus areas for me is attracting new students to kindergarten. I realized the other day that the parents of these potential kindergarten students have different ideas of what they want for their children than parents of kindergarten students a few years ago. As I explore the wants and desires of parents who are considered a part of the Generation X, I realize we are offering what they desire. We are offering a program that fits with their desire for their children; to develop strong communication skills, embrace challenge, be able to solve problems, be able to collaborate, be critical thinkers, and to embrace diverse ideas and people. We are doing all of this in a faith filled school that has high academic standards. Impressive for such a small school so now it is time to acknowledge and celebrate what we are doing.
Topics: core 6, generation x, marketing | 1 Comment »
Summer Learning
By dorothy.bialke | June 30, 2007
In June, Mrs. Sjogren, Mrs. Juetten and I went to the National Educational Computing Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This was a wonderful experience for us.
The conference was attended by educators from around the world. I met principals from many different states and countries including Australia.
Two of the most interesting people we talked to were Dominican Sisters. These two are avid proponents of using technology to help prepare their students for adult life and also to help them understand the impact they can make on society. These two sisters also help train other Dominican Sisters to be teachers. As a regular part of teacher training all Dominican Sisters are trained in technology integration.
Classes and seminars focused on many different uses of technology to help students to become global citizens. The conference centered on developing instructional strategies that help the students to expand their thinking beyond learning rote material.
We were truly challenged to help our students reach out to the world an make an impact. There were many examples of how young students are doing just this with the aid of technology and fabulous teachers.
One particularly inspiring session was taught by a middle school social studies teacher. The name of the session was “This is Not Your Grannie’s Classroom.“
This teacher made her subject come alive with music, maps, and video clips that helped her 6th grade students not just learn about the topics but understand how their lives are impacted by those topics.
This teacher understood the value of having students engaged in their learning. It made me want to return to 6th grade.
I came home with many ideas of how to help St. Raphael continue to educate the students in a way that is meaningful and will prepare them to be productive members of the 21st Century. I am looking forward to the new school year.
Topics: toolbox for learning, NECC 07, technology | No Comments »
Next Entries »