Ahead of the Curve and Looking Forward

The blog post below was originally posted on The Innovative Educator Blog.  The black text is the original post my comments are in red.  

Top 5 most popular technology solutions in 2013

Here are my predictions for the five most popular technology solutions we’ll begin seeing more of in 2013.



1) Lifting the ban


Policymakers will stop banning and start embracing the use of cell phones and other student-owned digital devices in school. This will help provide equity and access to students using the tools they use in life and need for success in the world. 

We started doing this at Waldwick HS how many years ago??  The cell phones/smart phones that our students are carrying around are very powerful mini-computers.  We have only touched the surface of using the power of these devices and in 2013 I hope you consider challenging yourself to find ways to incorporate them more into your lessons.   We have plans to improve our wireless network that will allow more students to bring tablets, laptop and other devices that will be able to connect to our wireless network.   

2) Customizing learning with digital lectures and learning resources


Innovative educators will realize that instruction can be customized to learners when lectures and other learning resources are available anytime, anywhere, to anyone that needs them. These classrooms will look very different with students moving at their own pace using materials customized to their needs. The teacher will be able to focus more time on supporting individual students and small groups.


We have done this by having more student centered class activities, interdisciplinary projects, the BluePrint course and the use of digital tools (edmodo, Twitter, Naviance, etc) that have taken the learning outside the classroom.   

3) Embracing social media


Schools and districts will realize the importance of empowering students to responsibly use social media. These pioneering districts will be examples of what happens when we support students in effectively using the resources they need for academic, career, and citizenship success. 

I think we have this one covered.  Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Blogging, etc have all been a big part of WHS for a few years now. 
  We also talk to our students about the importance of "Digital Citizenship".  

• We have 15 teams/clubs currently using Twitter - List of WHS Twitter Accounts 
• We have 27 staff members (That I know of) on Twitter
• Our YouTube channel has over 61,000 views.  

4) Providing home internet access


Home internet access will start to be seen as a right rather than as a privilege. School districts will begin working with internet providers to offer special rates and packages to students who qualify for subsidies such as free lunch. 



This one does not really apply to the Waldwick Community.  


5) Going paperless


Schools and districts will re-allocate resources away from paper and toward digital solutions. Savvy decision makers will find ways that this can save schools money as they realize savings in reduced costs of items such as textbooks, copy machines, toner cartridges, etc.

We started this over five years ago with: Google Docs, Google Forms, Naviance, Genesis GradeBook, Copy Machine Scanners, Web Pages, Turnitin, WebAssign, The Source @ WHS.    

We have a class piloting Kindles and we continue to have conversations about what role the "Textbook" will play in the future.  

Why did I share this with you, because we have so much to be proud of and we have been ahead of the curve for years when it comes to technology integration.   We all have worked hard to create a positive learning environment for our students as well as develop a school culture that revolves around: RESPECT, LEARNING, SHARING AND A TRUE LOVE FOR TEACHING.  

Let's continue to work together, look forward and "Make it Happen" in 2013.