For the past 14 years, my brain has been developing in two different hemispheres: one side continuing grow in the Kelsoe mind frame, and the other side influenced by the Amon mind frame. The use of a colon in the previous sentence proves this influence! But the influence is more than just grammar and includes work ethic, life skills, problem solving skills, and much more. The two of us began the journey together as CISD began to introduce technology to the district. The first wave was to put a computer and a telephone on the desk of each teacher. Next, each teacher classroom was equipped with a mounted projector for teachers to share presentations, videos, and Internet sites with the class. From there, the addition of technology equipment began to expand exponentially. Smartboards, document cameras, digital cameras, student response systems, COWs, iPod touches, iPads, and student netbooks were deployed. Although the tools were available, there was still a disconnect between teaching lessons and infusing the technology seamlessly into the curriculum.
Last summer, the district provided a Digital Leadership Academy for all administrators and supporting admin staff to attend to start learning about how to seamlessly add these technology tools into lessons and activities. Teachers began to have students use the technology to enhance their learning in their prospective classes. Video conference events for the elementary campuses tripled from past years. Teachers began to use online classes and online resources with their students.The ideas and teaching strategies that Mrs. Amon and I had been working so hard on for the past 14 years were finally coming to fruition. As we come to the end of the year, Mrs. Amon will be retiring and two new individuals will join our technology team. Although it will be very different without her working by my side, I am excited to move into this next chapter of my career. I look forward to sharing with my new colleagues, but I also look forward to learning from them as well. Thank you for the influence you have had on my life Mrs. Amon. I can only hope that I will be able to now pass that forward!
