Seminar 7: Communication

I believe that most educators and school administrators would agree that we have more to do and less time to do it… Frankly, I believe that is true for most things in life nowadays. When it comes to providing adequate time for professional development and mandated training, there is always a shortage of hours built into the confines of beginning-of-the-year in-service. Utilization of multiple training platforms and pathways (i.e. how-to videos, screen casting, PowerPoints/Google Slides, step-by-step email instructions) allows all end-users to access the information (and to maintain access after the initial launch) in a manner and time convenient to their respective schedules/assignments. In truth, while I’m not yet fully on board with online learning platforms, I’m starting to better understand and appreciate the differentiated opportunities this type of communication affords/provides. We are able to organize an initial launch of new information and provide individualized support to the staff members who require follow-up. Establishing a collective vision and mindset for this type of training/communication has had varied results, often associated with one’s view of professional responsibilities “outside of the work day”. And the beat goes on…