Twitter inspires me. Twitter helps me continue to build a network of individuals that I can agree and disagree with. A network of educators that think and share big picture ideas. One of the first big thinkers found on Twitter was Dr. Scott McLeod. I first came across his work with the “Did You Know? (Shift Happens)” video series. I share this video anytime I can. It is how I start each summer with future teachers in my graduate course, Computers & Technology in the Classroom. What?!?! You haven’t seen it? Check out the 4.0 version ☺

Dr. McLeod challenges my thoughts about education, especially leadership. His strong message that schools need to change to allow for more innovation, is something I believe in and challenge my colleagues with everyday. My educational career is based on the fact that school leaders must embrace the change needed today. I find my skills in instructional technology & leadership more relevant than ever. Instructional technology is finally sitting at the ‘big kids table’ and is part of educational dialogue. The Internet and its tools can no longer be ignored. The social networks of the past are now the social learning sites that kids use daily. As my network grows via Twitter, conferences and school visits, more of the assistant principals, principals and superintendents I meet are instructional technology educators (former technology teachers, coaches, coordinators) in roles to lead the change.

I recently re-watched a TEDx talk that Dr. McLeod gave titled Extracurricular Empowerment. He tells true stories of young innovators that are doing incredible things outside the classroom. He challenges us to think about how we take the extracurricular and make it curricular? How do we bring this into our classrooms? He suggests we have to get rid of Fear (let our students have access to the tools they want to use), Control (relinquish control of learning to the learner) and focus on Empowerment. It seems easy. Many educators are willing to not let Fear and Control drive what happens in their classrooms. These teachers need to be recognized and applauded for their efforts. We need to remember that teachers also need to be Empowered to move forward and take risks. These teachers that go for the moon, will inspire other educators around them. Not only educators, but the young innovators like the ones that Dr. McLeod shared.