Notes from Millie D

Anne’s keynote address during the K12 Online Conference definitely wasn’t preaching to the choir or what I call a “teachers’ room mentality” where we spin our wheels talking about the obstacles and how we should overcome them but nobody does anything to solve.  I liked the fact that Anne took those obstacles and remixed them into action steps for people follow.  I need to take some time to potential look at the obstacles I face at work and try to remix them into opportunities because change is good thing.

I know that I need to do a better job putting together the action side to overcoming obstacles because I can make a difference.  Earlier this year I put together an innovative teaching group in my school (voluntary basis) with the hook that they would get their own laptop.  One of the goals of the group was to use technology to change what they do in their classroom.  I got 90% of the teachers involved, even the ones I would have considered technophobic.  Now I’m working with teachers who are more receptive because I got around the barrier of modern technology in their hands.  I’ve got to take that success and expand on it.

I’ve struggled in what to do with the technophobic who don’t want to take on technology in their classroom.  My struggles probably have to do with the idea that my investment of time probably would yield the greatest results when compared to the time spent with those who “get it” and “want to get it”.  I haven’t thought about trying to remix the obstacle to yield results.

It seems that we can get caught up in the negative mode to never see the opportunities when they present themselves.  We need to take the time to step back and attempt to look objectively at the obstacles to see how we can remix them into opportunities.  Thank you Anne for making me look at work from a different perspective.

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