Innovative Practice?

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

— Albert Einstein

What is an example of a practice that you would consider to be innovative? How is it new or better than what you had before?

My example is related to human resource functions within the business office… Automating clearance tracking and other professional mandates (i.e. Act 71, Mandatory Reporter) has innovated the practice of record keeping and employee notification.

How can you create opportunities for innovation in your leadership? In your teaching? In your learning?

Don’t let the fear of failure (or the comfort of complacency) prevent you from taking necessary risks… choose the path of productive resistance, even when you know the journey will be uncomfortable. It always seems like the worst tasting cough syrup is the most effective… for example, Digital Learning is well outside of my comfort zone. Admittedly it’s an area of weakness, which is why I signed up for this academy. As I work through this journey (and the creation of this blog), I’m hopeful I can become more innovative in my leadership, my teaching and my learning.

What has changed in our world today that not only makes innovation easier to do, but necessary for our students?

Access to information (and the ability to utilize various mediums to respond to information) has changed the world and simplified the process of innovation. With that said, I would offer a counter point to my own answer… Are we better off today than we were 5, 10 or 15 years ago? Education must evolve to maintain pace with the changing structure of institutional learning. Is it possible to conform to educational norms (grade levels, teacher-student ratios, grading systems) when almost everything is moving away from the norm? While I believe in differentiated instruction for all, I’m also of the belief that it’s near impossible to differentiate for all effectively.