Happy holidays to all

Wishing everyone a chance to relax, enjoy family, and eat a little too much...

What money can't buy (in the tech department)

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:

1. Respect
2. Well-adjusted kids
3. Work-life balance
4. Natural beauty
5. Manners
6. Common sense
7. A clear conscience
8. Purpose in life
9. Integrity
10. Good friends
11. A long life
12. Close-knit family
13. An open mind
14. A worry-free day
15. Trust
16. A new beginning
17. Clean arteries
18. A great idea
19. An honest politician
20. Peace of mind
21. A good hair day
22. Patience
23. Luck
24. A good epitaph
25. Happy memories
26. Time to relax
27. A strong work ethic
28. A positive attitude
29. A happy home
30. Everything you may want
31. Good karma
32. Appreciation of the simple things
33. True love
34. A new shot at a missed opportunity
35. Peace in the world
36. A golden anniversary
37. Talent
38. A second chance in life
39. Quality time with your kids
40. Wisdom
41. Happiness
42. Humility
43. A good reputation
44. A 25-hour day
45. Relationship with your kids
46. Youth
47. Class
48. Justice
49. A proper perspective
50. 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:

1. A long-term tech plan with user input and buy-in.
2. District-wide standards for classroom tech, building tech, teacher tech use, and student tech skills.
3. District leaders who "get" how technology can improve education.
4. Collaboration with curriculum and teaching and learning department.
5. A technology department that is truly a team.
6. A zero-based budget that reflects replacement and upgrades.
7. A focus on user experiences by everyone in the tech department.
8. Good communications and relationships with building administrators.
9. A carefully selected, promoted, and wisely used district-wide LMS.
10. A plan to replace textbooks with e-resources.
11. A re-envisioned role and purpose for the library program (and librarians).
12. Public support for technology initiatives, parent and public understandings.
13. Developing a standard "procedures and practices" manual for the tech department.
14. Formal training plan for technology department employees.
15. A practical management strategy for iPads, Chromebooks, and other devices.
16. A policy of figuring out what we want to accomplish with technology before we buy it.
17. A work environment of respect, open conversation, and cooperation - a place where one looks forward to coming to work.
18. A transparent decision-making process.
19. Recognition of teachers who surpass the imagination of even the tech integration specialists in their work with students.
20. 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?

BFTP: Gifts that keep on giving - 2014

Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.
                                                                                  Erma Bombeck

Christmas morning. The house is quiet. Something that smells of cinnamon is in the oven. The tree is lit. The snow outside is very white and very deep. The LWW and I will head off to her parents' house in a couple hours. Our children and grandchildren will be invading next week for a few happy days.

I will admit that I can't wrap a package to save my soul, so the LWW spent hours yesterday gettting the robots and bicycles and LEGOs and underwear and books and computer games and noisy baby toys ready to be un-wrapped in seconds. You really have to be a grandparent before the old saw, "it's better to give than to receive," genuinely rings true. I don't believe our grandkids are any more or less greedy than other small children, but they do love presents - and their excitement is a gift to this grandpa returned many times over.

Material gifts for these boys are easy. A list from their mom, one's cash card, and the local Target store is all that's needed. I have no illusions that 90% of what the boys receive will be lost, broken, or forgotten within weeks. A few things might stick - a book that becomes cherished, a computer game that will engage, a special toy that will become "alive" and so escape the garage sales. But as I sweep the lost StarWars figures up from under the couch next week, I'll have to remember that material gifts are just this grandpa's shallow means of making his affection visible.

Were I able, I'd wrap these gifts up for each of my grandchildren with these cards attached...

• Health. While about 95% of your health is due to genetics, for good or for bad, the other 5% that you can control is pretty important. Strike a balance between risk paranoia and complete disregard for your bod. Eat a candy bar now and then, but have the good sense to walk it off.  I hope you like the color and the size. To a large degree, the shape will be up to you.
• Passion. The luckiest people are those who find something that really interests them. What that something is makes little difference  - computers or hockey or inorganic chemistry or etymology or entomology or library science or whatever.  Wear this every day.
• Compassion. OK, this one is a little odd, but it's important, kids. The capacity to feel for others will give your life meaning and purpose. People who are best at handling the occasional blues do so by finding others to help. This one is polar fleece for the soul.
• Adventure. Here is the courage to take a risk now and then. Eat a new food. Travel to a different country. Accept a challenge to your physical strength and stamina and comfort. Read something by someone you don't agree with or completely understand. Do at least one thing every year that none of your friends has ever done. Take pictures. The people with the best stories, not the most money, are life's winners. Wear this hat even when it seems a little scary.
• Appreciation. Never forget how truly lucky you are to be born to loving parents who can afford to feed you, clothe you, and take you to the doctor. Remember that you live in a country that is free of political violence and gives you both freedom and protection. Be thankful that you can get an education that will let you become just about anything you want to be. Even when things may not seem to be going your way, wear these glasses and you will recognize that you are still more fortunate than 99% of the rest of the world.
• Problems. Yes, I am giving you lots of problems as a gift. You may be an old man like me before you come to appreciate this package, but it may be the most valuable one you receive. Problems engage our minds. Problems make us creative. Problems (and finding solutions to them) give you self-worth. Problems keep life from getting boring. Problem make life fun - really! When you put these in your pocket, it may feel like a burden, but they are boosters.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Winter Solstice or whatever flavor holiday you celebrate.

Original post December 25, 2010