175: School Leaders & Technology In most aspects of school function, school leaders have experience and preparation. A leader probably started their career as a faculty member, then studied school administration and progressed through positions that gave them more experience and in which they gained increasing knowledge of school operations. Most school leaders freely admit they are not “technology Read More
169: Key Performance Indicators and School IT | RSS.com Key performance indicators (KPIs) are measurable values that help organizations track and assess their progress toward achieving specific business objectives. They provide a framework and structure for monitoring performance, making informed decisions, and driving improvements. Information technology leaders who work in schools are well-served to have key performance indicators identified. These are goals that are specific Read More
180: On Multiple Working Hypotheses When I was an undergraduate student studying biology, a botany professor shared with us an article from Science magazine published in 1890. The paper was presented to the Society of Western Naturalists by its president T. C. Chamberlin. It was very influential to me in 1985, but during a move Read More
161: A Story About School IT Leaders I once coached a technology coordinator who was fond of saying, “I built what they asked for, it they asked for the wrong thing, that is not my problem.” He used it whenever the educators decided the system they wanted wasn’t exactly what they wanted and they asked him to Read More
163: Comfort Zone Technology | RSS.com One of the challenges of being a school technology leader (and probably in other fields as well, but my area of greatest expertise is in education) is what I (and probably others) call “Comfort Zone Technology.” Here is the general situation: A new leader is hired into whatever is Read More
178: On the (Limited) Value of “Big Idea” People A colleague recently arrived at my door with a “great idea.” I listened patiently and finally told him “sure, that sounds like a good idea. I think your first step would be to….” He interrupted me to say, “I thought you would do that. I’m more Read More
The world is full of AI. Our searches, our social media inboxes, the apps on our phones, and our bookshelves. This becomes overwhelming if we are to try to separate the good stuff from the bad stuff, but here is a recommendation to put on top of your “to read” pile. Madhumita Murga, an editor Read More
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe very different activities. In the world of education, technology, and creative production, the terms planning and designing often intermingle—but they serve distinct purposes and require different mindsets. Whether you’re developing a course module, building a website, or crafting a podcast series, understanding the difference between Read More
106: Teaching in the AI World: A Time for John Dewey I’ve been as educator for a long time. In the 1980’s, the folks who taught me how to do the work connected me with John Dewey. I have continued to read his work over my career and wondered what he would have thought of Read More
Education demands data. This isn’t just about lively debate; it requires educators to act as educational researchers, asking clear questions, designing robust data collection methods, and analyzing findings to draw reasonable conclusions. At the heart of this process lies the critical twin pillars of ethical data gathering and rigorous data validation. Only through these can Read More