What money can't buy (in the tech department)
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 07:21AM Yesterday's BFTP post, Gifts That Keep On Giving, reminded me of Frank Sonnenberg's book Follow Your Conscience (as reported by Lolly Daskal at Inc.) and its list of 50 things money can't buy. They are:
Respect- Well-adjusted kids
- Work-life balance
- Natural beauty
- Manners
- Common sense
- A clear conscience
- Purpose in life
- Integrity
- Good friends
- A long life
- Close-knit family
- An open mind
- A worry-free day
- Trust
- A new beginning
- Clean arteries
- A great idea
- An honest politician
- Peace of mind
- A good hair day
- Patience
- Luck
- A good epitaph
- Happy memories
- Time to relax
- A strong work ethic
- A positive attitude
- A happy home
- Everything you may want
- Good karma
- Appreciation of the simple things
- True love
- A new shot at a missed opportunity
- Peace in the world
- A golden anniversary
- Talent
- A second chance in life
- Quality time with your kids
- Wisdom
- Happiness
- Humility
- A good reputation
- A 25-hour day
- Relationship with your kids
- Youth
- Class
- Justice
- A proper perspective
- Selflessness
While I sometimes wish that I had enough money to actually try and buy happiness, I have to admit the things that I appreciate most can't be put on the Visa card. And this extends to work.
As a result of an expensive but much needed wireless network upgrade throughout the school district, my tech department budget this year is tight. Very, very tight. Which perhaps is not a bad thing.
Without the time spent on acquisition of new "stuff," might we focus on some things that money can't buy in our technology program? Here are some freebies I value:
- A long-term tech plan with user input and buy-in.
- District-wide standards for classroom tech, building tech, teacher tech use, and student tech skills.
- District leaders who "get" how technology can improve education.
- Collaboration with curriculum and teaching and learning department.
- A technology department that is truly a team.
- A zero-based budget that reflects replacement and upgrades.
- A focus on user experiences by everyone in the tech department.
- Good communications and relationships with building administrators.
- A carefully selected, promoted, and wisely used district-wide LMS.
- A plan to replace textbooks with e-resources.
- A re-envisioned role and purpose for the library program (and librarians).
- Public support for technology initiatives, parent and public understandings.
- Developing a standard "procedures and practices" manual for the tech department.
- Formal training plan for technology department employees.
- A practical management strategy for iPads, Chromebooks, and other devices.
- A policy of figuring out what we want to accomplish with technology before we buy it.
- A work environment of respect, open conversation, and cooperation - a place where one looks forward to coming to work.
- A transparent decision-making process.
- Recognition of teachers who surpass the imagination of even the tech integration specialists in their work with students.
- Oh, and a tech director with the personal reputation for service, approachability, and student-focus.
Maybe in a year or so, our department will have some funds. I'd be happy to have a means of putting more technology in more kids' hands, more training for all our staff, and better online resources for everyone to use.
But in the meantime, I will focus on those things that don't cost a nickel - only energy, focus, and determination.
What do you value in your technology department that just can't be bought?
Reader Comments (2)
You are a good thinker. Burnsville is lucky to have you!
Hi Heidi,
Coming from a good thinker herself, this is high praise. But I often wonder if thinking isn't the easy part - it's putting this stuff in action that is more difficult. This is why leadership gets too much attention and good management too little.
Have a happy holiday season,
Doug