At times, at my age, I wish the technology world would slow down, allow people to take a deep breath, and smell the roses (or is it the key board).  However, what makes my head spin in the area of technology is viewed as normal life today by most people younger than me.  Somehow I need to let go of my stubborn German heritage and get with the technology surge.

Over a year ago, the title of my Inside Track column in the Insider newsletter was, "Technology Makes the World Go Around."  The column suggested though the community could not support a levy referendum for the enhancement of technology learning tools, the district would take the steps it could within given resources to embrace and enhance technology.  Well, much has taken place since I wrote the article. 

The district continues to improve the infrastructure with upgrades.  Automation of routine maintenance tasks is taking place, more wireless networks and ports are installed, and  improved network speed are but a few of the infrastructure initiatives.  In addition, the district is in the process of completing an improved disaster recovery system, updating servers and ensuring there is sufficient server capacity.

Learning tools can be a little bit like a dog chasing its tail, but I am happy to report the district is not of the mind set we need to purchase the latest toy on the shelf.  For the time being, the main focus has been replacing desk top computers with laptops, and televisions and other display equipment with LCD projectors and inter-active white boards (smart boards).  The district does not have sufficient resources to undertake a one-to-one lap top endeavor for students.  However, the upgrades in mobile phones to include computer capabilities are creating a different discussion about the district's next steps to provide students with personal access to technology for learning.  The future focus may be on allowing students to bring their technology tools into the school world much like they bring notebooks, pencils and books. 

Professional development has taken center stage.  While efforts have been spotty over the past years, the district dedicated a full staff development day this past October to help teachers integrate the use of technology into their instruction.  Over 42 sessions were offered for teachers.  Forty of the forty-two sessions had district teachers and students as presenters.  Yes, I did write the word "students."  It made sense to me to have student presenters; in fact, when I am stuck at home with a technology issue I call my children for help.  I would like to state to readers, excellent teaching does not require the use of technology, but students do live in a technological world (as we do) and we need to use tools that will engage them.  We do need to move beyond the black board and the white board to the next level where we find our students once they leave the confines of the school.

The final area of emphasis has been personnel.  Without using additional financial resources, the technology staff was reorganized, a support position was eliminated, and a new position, instructional integration teacher, was created.  This teacher's assignment is to teach teachers on the uses of technology in the classroom.  The benefit of these staff changes is yet to be determined, but the reason for the change was to enhance service and provide a resource for teachers to access regarding the use of technology in the classroom.

So where does the stubborn German fit into this picture?  Well, just last week I embarked on a commitment to improve my technology savvy by joining with twenty other superintendents who, like me, want to understand the world of technology and its implications for work productivity and enhanced student learning.  I launched the journey; we'll see where I end up over the coming months.