This is the bane of many traditional webquests. Wherein lies the power of the internet when resources are handed to you on a platter? It just doesn’t work that way. Lists of links made by someone else are inherently subjective. I would suggest a guided search: create search phrases that insure the sought after resource is returned in the first 5 items in Google. The assignment is to read the one item, but engagement lies in the opportunity to also look at the other 4 hits which may provide added value.

Let’s take it a step forward… into the realm of social networking. I would have del.icio.us installed as a browser add-in. Have them tag it in del.icio.us. Show one example of how the article could have been located using a del.icio.us tag search.

The technological expertise of the participants is very wide ranging. These two suggestions add very little complexity, but allow far more opportunity for greater exploration.

There are certainly additional ways to introduce the participants to social networking, and I understand the need to keep on track with content. Yet, the authentic world of technology is increasingly built upon social networking tools. We should stretch the participants in the right direction.

Targeting Oklahoma public school principals and superintendents, the seminar introduces the K20 Center’s IDEALS framework for whole school renewal using technology integration as a catalyst for change. For principals and superintendents, the two day seminar costs only $299 and the participants receive a laptop computer valued at $1500.

The seminar focuses on creation of professional learning communities (PLCs). PLC development is addressed through understanding the change process, sharing of successful models, and creation of action plans towards moving their own school or district towards a PLC. Action research, data driven decision making, and leadership skills are covered.

The K20 Center’s twist on this already successful idea is how technology integration can create a powerful catalyst for changing a school into a PLC. Classroom technologies (interactive whiteboards, student response systems, Powerpoints, classroom sound systems, etc.) are used through out the seminar to exemplify uses in teaching and learning. Participants create Powerpoint presentations, are given opportunities to word with Microsoft Word and Excel. They are provided a supportive environment to use their new laptops, find internet resources, and play with classroom technologies. Sessions are provided that demonstrate different technologies used in schools.

The sharing, networking, and modeling are powerful elements of the seminar. Each seminar (limited to approximately 40 participants) are divided into two cohorts that will continue networking beyond the two days. The seminar moves the leaders towards innovation adopters through use of technologies and sharing stories from their own districts.

School renewal efforts often overlook the necessity to provide professional development for school administrators. Change theory acknowledges the necessity for powerful leadership to lead change. Educational change that involves technology (as much does today) requires leadership that fulfills the role of technology adopters. The power of the program lies in creating a venue of leadership development to introduce the use of technology.

For more information, see the K20 Center website.