Discussion (Week 1) - Tech in Classroom

It is my opinion that technology in the classroom, school building, or district is all dependent on the focus and priority the organization places on moving the vehicle of processing information and communication forward.  With this being said, I have been in different situations to which the lastest and greatest was mostly seen as "another thing" added to the plate of teachers and staff who did not want another thing.  (We have done a mediocre job of our use and planning of PD, as PD has been perceived as a "dump" of information and "latest and greatest", and not a process of learing and growth based on a focus and purposeful path.)  However, based on the focus and purpose, and also the process of building the capacity for staff to grow and learn through professional development and time to learn, even the greatest dissentors bought in to the use of technology as a tool to better serve their students.

From software to hardware and the use of web-based programs, the use of technology as a tool is very inconsistent and those who are familiar, comfortable, patient, and have the capacity to want to learn, usually move to another level of performance in their work.  For those who are reluctant, for whatever reason, they usually fall behind or do the very minimum as they do not share the importance of moving forward with the technology of today.  So, once again I go back to the priority the organization places on the tools and the follow through to make certain that those who are reluctant get the needed training and time to develop and grow.  I have not looked at the research to determine generational, gender, or a pattern of who falls into the category of reluctant learners.  Generally speaking, those who place focus and purpose to new learning come out with tools and ways to better serve and assist in their work as school staff.

twitter name: @yazldazl

Brief Intro to Me

Hello!  My name is Karl Nelson and I was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area.  Graduating from Godwin Heights High School, Ferris State University, and Michigan State University.  My undergraduate degree is in the area of Business Education and Mathematics, and then a Masters degree in Educational Administration.

My professional careeer started as a teacher at Burton Middle school and fast forward 20 years later, I am now the principal at Union High School.  Lots of stories and memories in between.

I have a beautiful wife and 2 daughters, ages 10 and 13.

I am excited to learn more about the technology that my daughters can manuver through quite easily.