technology has given the world many opportunities to help alleviate our daily burdens and make tasks that were once considered difficult can be accomplished with less effort. However, as technology continues to evolve, how can education keep up with the changing landscape and prepare students for the future?
Here we speak with Dr. Michael Nagler, Superintendent of Minneola USFD in New York, about his work in early technology adoption, the importance of maintaining creative thinking skills to prepare students for the future, and how to maintain open lines of communication has allowed students and teachers to contribute to the growth of their educational practices.
Nagler was recently recognized as the Most Innovative Superintendent in tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summit with a Innovative Leader Award.
<h2 id="adopting-technology-early-3″>Adopt technology early
New forms of technology emerge almost daily, and many schools and districts make decisions about what hardware and software to add to their environment every day. Nagler points out how early adoption prepared his district to become known as a technology district and synonymous with innovation.
“More than 10 years ago, when the iPad came out, we welcomed it,” Nagler says. “We had a pilot test with a group of fifth graders the first year. Within two years, we were one on one. The entire district. And that is why we are known as a technology district.”
Under Nagler, Mineola was one of the first school districts in New York to implement a comprehensive computer science curriculum beginning in kindergarten, and continues to encourage its schools to thoughtfully embrace technology. “We innovate a lot,” he says. “But it's a misnomer that we've focused on technology as a response, whereas I think we use technology appropriately as a tool to try to drive changes in teaching and learning.”
How has technology changed the educational approach?
“Direct instruction is a holdover from a long time ago,” Nagler says. “We need to engage children very differently. If we use technology to help them be creative in the way they do their work and explain what they know as an assessment form, we will better position children for the next wave. “ai is coming and I think the more creative things we ask of kids, the less we will have to worry about ai doing all the work.”
It can be easy to offload all of our processes into artificial intelligence programs built to handle them. However, it is important to note that the skills that students will need in their professional lives are still relevant to be taught. technology is important, but it cannot replace the human element.
<h2 id="embracing-technology-finding-balance-3″>Embrace technology and find balance
New innovations in education can help achieve a lot, but they can also offer too many options for students and teachers. Nagler says sticking with one form of technology for the district can help keep students engaged in the innovation process.
“We were very determined with the iPad,” Nagler says. “I think it's a device you can use to create. If it's not web-based, you're not really doing much. That's why we are distinguished by Apple. There are only 18 districts that obtain this recognition. And the reason we leverage Apple products is because we want kids to create.”
But how do we keep children in the spirit of learning even after leaving an educational environment? Nagler says maintaining a level of flexibility within the district is key to adapting to changes and obstacles along the way.
Nagler also embraces a driven sense of inclusion for teachers when it comes to making innovative strides within the school and district. Having the right input from educators can help create an inclusive and supportive educational environment, even if it doesn't make everyone completely happy.
“Everyone complains about something,” Nagler says. “That's the nature of humans.”
<h2 id="how-to-keep-your-technology-growth-in-check-3″>How to keep your technology growth under control
Dealing with issues stemming from technology in a school can create chaos without having a clear approach to the obstacles, Nagler says. Not allowing technology to take over is also essential to providing a level educational experience. Additionally, encouraging creativity in students through technology helps them be prepared for a technological future. And, as Nagler adds, the inclusion of teachers is key.
“My philosophy is that it has to be teacher-driven,” Nagler says. “You have to present an idea that teachers can adopt and give them the ability to change it, to make it work for them. “Teachers spend years studying to practice their craft and we should let them do it.”
