Focused Schools

We have heard about Web 2.0 and often wondered where should we begin. A recent  National Association of Elementary School Principals article encouraged educators to use Web 2.0 applications to improve the teaching and learning in schools. But what is more compelling evidence that Web 2.0 is changing the way we communicate and collaborate is by the recent actions of our President-Elect Barack Obama. The president-elect will transform his weekly radio address into an online video streamed on YouTube.

Obama\’s radio address, now an online video too.

My journey began at the National Title I Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. I was attending a session lead by Pedro Noguera on school reform. In his session he mentioned to keep up with schools who are actively using research in their schools. He mentioned the Miller Blog and how leaders are establishing professional learning communities online. Later I attended another session where Parent Involvement Specialists from Cobb, Georgia were presenting session on home school partnerships. The presenters were sharing their parent involvement Wikis and Parent Blogs as part of their session.
I was very intrigued about this concept of Educational Leaders using Web 2.0 tools to strengthen their own professional development. It was puzzling to me that I seemed unaware of this community rapidly growing around me. So I took it upon myself to learn more about this concept, which I have called “Professional Learning Communities for 21st Century Leaders”. I spent some time studying two blogs created by Melinda Miller and Scott Elias. To say the least I was blown away by the tools they were using. I guess you could say it is not the “what” but how they were using these Web 2.0 Tools.
That’s it I was sold. I mentioned this concept to one of my colleagues in the central office of my district. She is the Coordinator of Organizational Development. She mentioned that this would be a great session for our Leadership Academy this summer. You see the Leadership Academy is an opportunity for us to present to other Principals and Leaders within our district on the latest strategies and practices. I have enlisted the support of one of our administrators Mike Stutt for the development of this presentation. Our hope is to learn more about growing community of leaders and the Tools they are using.