You Can Do ... Anything!

I've structured my blog around the theme of being able to "do" technology.  Today, I want to share a bit about the human side of technology. This is where the power in technology comes - the people.

I am excited to share that my district is embarking on a digital book study next week.  The prep work has been going on for some time and WE DID IT! We have over 50 registered!

"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda

The book is an AMAZING one ... George Couros' "The Innovator's Mindset". The whole theme is right on his cover - "Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity". It's an inspiring and reaffirming read which I know will resonate with my colleagues. [And if this sounds like something you might like - don't question it ... get it! Read it! Don't hesitate!]

"Innovation is not about the stuff; it is a way of thinking." 

- George Couros

Now, technology has played a HUGE role in this - the planning, the roll out, the organization, and the sustainability of it. We built a website, are utilizing a badging system built off of a Google Sheet (thanks to Daniel Sharpe's BadgeU!), incorporating our LMS platform Schoology, sprinkling in Google Forms, Mentimeter, Twitter, Padlet & Flipgrid.  That's a LOT of tech, come to think of it, that we plan to do ... that we WILL do.  And it's all tech you can do, too!

"What we model is what we get."

- Jimmy Casas

A team of people put this all together ... a team of people bounced ideas off each other ... a team of people supported, encouraged, questioned, pushed & pushed back.  And if I can brag a little, it's a team of people that I am thrilled & honored to be a part of!

"When we think differently about the things we are used to seeing daily, we can create innovative opportunities." 

- George Couros

Using inspiration from the book, we did our best to be innovative.  We worked within the constraints of time, budget, tools, resources, etc. As we planned activities, we thought of potential participants and what would be good for them. We threw ideas around, tore them apart, kept pieces, added to them & mashed it back together to produce a book study that we are proud of. 

"Once you stop learning, you start dying." 

- Albert Einstein

As George recommends in the book, we took time to focus on relationships.  Without good relationships, none of this would be possible.  I want to send a shout out to Becky Tompkins, Robin Baker, & Tricia Kluener for working so diligently as a team to pull this off.  I 💖  being part of this team.  Thank You!!!

"The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious." 

- John Scully

🙋 Reach out to others for help (always feel free to contact me).  
🌎 Build your PLN (professional learning network) ... inside your district and outside (Twitter is GREAT for this!).  
📚 Read ... books - blogs - tweets - whatever
👂 Listen ... to colleagues - podcasts - your own kids - your students - whomever

"It is our choices that show who we truly are far more than our abilities." 

- Albus Dumbledore

What will you choose to do?