While reviewing these materials you should reflect on leaders you have worked with or observed who were in a position to implement a major change (a technology integration initiative if possible) - how did they lead that change?
I currently work for Dr. Debra Hemler and we are constantly updating her classes with new technology tools. I have made many suggestions myself and she is always looking at educational journals for new technology to add to her courses. Dr. Steven Roof is another professor at FSU that adds a lot of technology integration to his classes. He is probably the best person at excel I have ever seen and integrates some unique spreadsheets into his course. For his Genetics course he has changed the way we do the fruit fly lab by making it completely online. Many others in the department are using more and more technology integration in their classes. Some of them come to me to help them with the new technology and I am always more than happy to help.
What leadership style did they exhibit?
Not 100% on how to answer this question, but here it goes. Dr. Hemler takes technology tips from all her colleagues and shares her findings with others. She is the science education coordinator and writes grants for all kinds of programs so that they may have money for all technology needs. She also is in charge of the NASA ERC which has a major focus on STEM outreach. Being able to work with someone that does so much for her school and the community is an honor.
What about their leadership efforts was successful?
She is able to reach out to the community and all over the state with her efforts to spread STEM education and promoting the use of new technologies. She also helps immensely with the WVSTA that helps the education community see and adopt new technologies for science education into their curriculum.
Why do you believe this/these aspects of their leadership was/were successful?
I think it is because of how willing she is to help others and the way she supports them in their endeavours that makes her so successful in what she does. When the people you employ and work for know that you care and are supporting their decisions while also offering helpful feedback, they are more than willing to also support you as a leader.
You are also required to complete the leadership skills assessments included in this module and reflect on your results. What are your skills? What skills do you need to develop? What leadership style is your strength? What kind of leader do you aspire to be?
I received a 78 as my score for the assessment.
53-90 Excellent! You're well on your way to becoming a good leader. However, you can never be too good at leadership or too experienced – so look at the areas where you didn't score maximum points, and figure out what you can do to improve your performance.
The areas I scored the best were Self-Confidence, Positive Attitude and Outlook, and Providing a Compelling Vision of the Future.
The areas I need to develop are in Emotional Intelligence and Being a Good Role Model.
I aspire to be the kind of leader that everyone looks up to and respects. I clearly am lacking in Emotional Intelligence and Being a Good Role Model, which I will now start to work on improving so I can be the best leader that I can be for whatever job I take on.
Chapter 3 Keys to Leading Sustainable Change
Summarize two of the Six Secrets of Change.
Connect Peers with Purpose - Learning and achievement by students is increased when the teachers are supported by school leaders that want them to improve. When initiating change, have clear goals and outcomes associated. Teachers need to know their opinion matters and can voice it when they want so that the process may be changed if needed.
Systems Learn - The school and its’ educators should be open to adopting new technologies to fit their classroom needs. An ever progressing classroom that improves student learning.
Chapter 4 Leading with Technology
What is your philosophy of how schools can/should use social media?
Social media is a ricky thing, but if used correctly can be a powerful tool. I would not recommend using mainstream social media sites, but instead try more secure social media sites. the only downfall of such sites is that the students may not be as willing to use them. Facebook is a good site to have a private group in, but since there is direct messaging and other tools that can be used in cyber bullying. The two mainstream social media apps I would recommend would be Instagram and Vine. Instagram is great for pictures that students can use as ways to show a story for assignments; a picture is, of course, worth a thousand words. Vine can be used for 6 second clips that can also be utilized in the classroom to get a point across in just 6 short seconds. These both force students to critically think about the assignment before they complete it. My philosophy is that social media can be a great tool, if used correctly, and so can any piece of technology.
Sean,
ReplyDelete"I clearly am lacking in Emotional Intelligence and Being a Good Role Model" who are you trying to fool? You are being much harder on yourself than the Sean I met in Communications class and the Sean that led (by example) your peers while working in customer service, (a job that may not be glamorous yet necessary), all while carrying an "honor student's" course load. Maybe I could let you slide on "Emotional Intelligence" but that may just be your logical self talking. I may be going out on a limb when I say this, but you do Not end up where you are at this moment in your life by accident... and maybe others recognize qualities in you that you just cannot see yet, either way you are a good role model well on your way to greatness! That said, you bring up some very good points throughout your post. I especially like your take on the social media question... "powerful tool" powerful tools often have lasting and sometimes fatal consequences... the tricky part is learning how to use them and always respecting their potential for harm. I also really like "vines" and "snapchat" too... they force you to focus your message a 6 second clip or focus your attention for a 10 second photo (unless you screen shot) before it disappears. Teaching students how to harness the power of social media rather than just watching it go by can be a great way to explore a variety of topics that often elude mere words. Thanks for making me think!
I always try and have a positive outlook and attitude when it comes to leading. No one likes to work with a "Negative Nancy". As a leader you want others to want to work with you and have good things to say when it comes to working with you. Leaders are those who are not always in charge but just lead by example. Students need to have positive teachers in their life and show students how to be better. I never thought about the systems learn secret that you picked but I can see why you chose that one. We need to open to change and adapting new technology sources and systems in our classroom. If we aren't open to change then our students would be the ones that are suffering. I completely agree with your philosophy, as long as you are safe with using technology then it can be a wonderful resource to use.
ReplyDeleteI'm unfamiliar with Dr. Hemler, but she definitely sounds like an effective leader. I like Dr. Roof and he has helped me a few times get my key code for the copier room working, and I have heard about the genetics fruit fly lab! You're surrounded by amazing leaders for sure. I also scored in the 53-90 range on the leadership assessment, and like you, found some qualities to work on. I do, however, find it hard to believe that you're not already a good role model based on all that I've learned about you in the classes we share. It seems you're very involved in several activities and that you have a lot of responsibility. I agree with your philosophy on social media; it can be a wonderful thing if implemented and utilized properly.
ReplyDeletePlease don't think of me as being rude, as I just saw your comment on my posting this morning, but yes, I have been in the library working early and thought that was you, as well as at Julia's desk. Next time, I will say hi!
Sean we are similar in so many takes on this course and the questions. Social Media is definitely an effective tool if used properly and constructively.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your input as always. Especially when you said "some of them come to me to help them with the new technology and I am always more than happy to help." - it is very important for us to encourage and assist in technology integration so more and more teachers realize the impact it has in the classroom and more teachers accept the help with such implementation. We are the leaders! Keep leading teachers into the modern age!
Great post, Sean! This particular statement really stands out to me, "When the people you employ and work for know that you care and are supporting their decisions while also offering helpful feedback, they are more than willing to also support you as a leader" - this is so true! It's about collaboration, respect and a willingness to be flexible. I really enjoy reading about your current academic experiences. Dr. Hemler is beyond amazing, and I'm glad you are able to be part of her team.
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