Virtual Reality in Education Let’s talk about the possibilities of virtual reality (VR) in learning. The coming virtual reality revolution will lead to dramatic changes in who benefits from learning experiences and how learning occurs. In other words, VR will have a significant impact on people and systems. A few years ago, I took part in a conversation with educational leaders from across…
Category: Mass Customized learning
Create The Future For Your School!
Congratulations…you are a school leader. You are now leading a building or a district (or helping to do one of these). As you think about all of the possibilities of potential actions you can take as you grab the reigns, may I suggest something? Reaction Mode How will you build the necessary momentum within your school or school district to…
Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear
The Rearview Mirror One of the oldest leadership analogies is that you can’t lead by looking in the rearview mirror. Looking behind you prevents you from moving forward effectively. The first time this was spoken to me, I thought to myself, “Sure, I am always focused on the windshield and what is coming at us”. I have learned through the…
Of Bicycle Racing and Education Technology
I am a big fan of bicycle racing. Okay, I admit it! Ever since Greg LeMond won the Tour de France three times in the late 1980s, I have been a fan. I was (and still am) a fan of Lance Armstrong during his run of 7 Tour wins. I continue to be a fan as I root for the…
How School Leaders Can Update Education in Your School
If Your Phone gets an Update, Why Not Education? I call my son my personal philosopher. Over the years, he has stopped me in my tracks with his simple statements that really make you think. In one instance, I asked him when he got home from school whether or not he had fun at school. He said “No”. I then asked him, “isn’t learning…
If You Say It, Do It!
If you take the time to say you’re going to do something, then do it! This seems to be an easy maxim to live up to; but I know I (at times) do not live up to it. Aligning your actions to the philosophy involves two things. First, be careful and deliberate about what you say. Make sure that what…
5 Statements School Leaders Need to Avoid at All Costs
The Command and Control Structure in Schools What is the “command and control” structure of organizations and why is it bad for schools? Command and control is just what it sounds like. A command and control organization is based on superiors telling their subordinates what to do at all times. Words like empowerment are foreign to these types of organizations.…
Technocratic Tinkering in Schools
Many of us share the same vision for our schools. Namely, to create learning experiences that are centered around learners needs. It is safe to say that undertaking the implementation of the vision results in the total destruction of the current operating system of schooling and education. The thought of upending a system that has been in place for over…
A Master Schedule in School is Bad
We need to get rid of the master schedule in schools. The master schedule limits learning experiences for learners. For those of us who have created a master schedule, the following scenario is all too familiar. After weeks of work and massaging, the schedule is as complete as it is going to be. If judged by a percentage, if only…
Am I a Grumpy Old Man?
I think I am becoming a grumpy old man. I realize that I am not “old” (lightly seasoned at this point) but I find myself observing things in the world and getting grumpy. Let me explain. Some Observations Observation #1: I attended a high school track meet yesterday. As I watched the triple jump, I noticed that the high school…