My Personal Vision for Increasing Technology Use through Google

 My vision is to utilize Google application for collaboration among committees, submission of lesson plans, communication with staff concerning school activities, updating information and examining data and other information concerning student achievement as it relates to instruction.   Eventually I would like to see the staff collaborate utilizing Google Docs to plan for instruction.


The apllications that I would initially use are Google Docs and Blogger.  I also plan to teach teachers how to use them in the classroom.  Google Docs is excellently for sumitting lesson plans.  It makes it possible for me to comment on them and teachers can continue to update and modify as needed.  I have attempted in the past to blog with other principals.  I believe that as the mandate for collaboration in the district increases blogging will be a more acceptable means of communication among busy colleagues.  Already, telephone calls are incovenient and often difficult to return in a timely manner.  Presently, I find it easier to communicate via computer application.  I believe it allows for more thoughtful communication due to the ability to edit thoughts before actually "speaking."

The major lesson that I have learned is that none of the applications can be utilized without the proper technology infrastructure.  At the completion of the BCS district refresh, we should have an infrastructure that eliminates much of the frustration we experience presently with technology.  I have also learned that sometimes the applications themselves experience problems but they are short lived.  Continued practice brings about efficiency and proficiency. Getting others to "catch the fire" of using the applications may be difficult.  For some it will require that some communications and collaborations be accepted only via computer technology while others be eased in.

 The ISTE standard this visions aligns with is "engage in an ongoing process to develop, implement, and communicate technology-infused strategic plans aligned with a shared vision."  This vision to encourage the usage of Google among my own staff and my colleagues to utilize the applications.  Already I have begun to utilize the forms for staff members to update their demographics.