Guest Speaker: William E. Brannick

On February 11, William E. Brannick was the guest speaker for my Technology and Communications class.  Mr. Brannick is presently the principal of Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergrast Catholic High School.  Below are some points I took away from the conversation.

• More than ever, students have the ability to efficiently and effectively collaborate with one another across great distances- worldwide
• Issues and concerns regarding student misuse of technological equipment can often be managed through simple classroom management strategies
• Having a collaborative effort, drawing from all areas of the school community, is important in successfully selecting, implementing, and using technology
• There is a vast community of educators constantly communicating about technology and education and who are passionate about sharing ideas

The last point was perhaps the most impressive to me.  Mr. Brannick shared numerous anecdotes relating to the meaningful professional relationships he has developed with other professionals through online communities.  It is a unique situation to find oneself in, when meeting someone face-to-face for the first time after having shared ideas and strategies through online communication for months or years.  What stood out to me the most is that, just as with students, the resources available to educational leaders are more accessible and abundant than ever.  Traditionally, educational change has occurred slowly and gradually.  In this digital age, potential is there for change to happen at a speed and frequency not yet seen before.  I do not which direction things will move in the next 3 to 5 years, but I do know the most recent innovation that blew my mind will be deemed obsolete in not time.  Seems like the only way to truly stay current is to tap in to the online communities out there on the Web.

Below is a link to William E. Brannick's blog:

Click here.