Leadership is...

After a collaborative and in-depth cohort discussion on various types of school leadership, the functions of a school leader, and what defines a leader, we were asked to discuss what type of leadership most relates to us, and to come up with our own Edtech leadership statement.

I believe that passion is one of the most important characteristics of a leader, and also the most contagious when it comes to social influence and shaping action. Others may not agree that most leadership skills can be taught, but I strongly believe that any leadership skill can be improved with on going practice.

As I curiously searched for “leadership” on Goggle News, I was not surprised to see how almost every article was related to political leadership. Media will attempt to have us believe that leadership means being a politician, yet ironically, politics does not relate to the most authentic leadership values.

This had me thinking about our responsibility as teachers to discuss, and model every type of leadership to our students, not just as Edtech leaders in our schools but as teachers making a difference in our communities.   Leaders come in all areas, genders, ages and cultures. In a school leadership context, true leaders value all forms of leadership and use their strengths to make a difference.

Teaching with Technology Showcase

The 2012 Brock University Teaching with Technology Showcase in Hamilton, Ontario attracted top Edtech exhibitors, leaders in the field, and hundreds of attendees. I was fortunate to experience the showcase both as an attendee and a presenter.

Being able to present at the Live Learning with Livescribe session specifically on “Livescribe Smartpens for Early Readers and English Languages Learners,” along with my colleagues Candice Lee and John Dang, reassured my passion for instructional leadership and being able to inspire and encourage educators and administrators to explore the benefits of incorporating Smartpen technology into their classrooms.  Collaboration as presenters allowed our session to provide examples of activities that targeted primary, junior and intermediate divisions. Check out my learning object for this session.

 I eagerly attended the Gamification of Learning, and Google in Classroom sessions led by fellow colleagues, and was very impressed with their knowledge and leadership in these areas. These sessions greatly expanded my understanding of social media tools and using video games in the classroom. Additionally, the exhibitor showcase provided me with valuable information on new technologies, and opportunities for collaboration in the Edtech community.

Overall, I took away practical and ready to use Edtech tools and ideas for the classroom and expanded my PLN by meeting some passionate newbies and leaders in the field.

See you there next year!