A call to action has been issued: schools and districts need to innovate. This statement is often accompanied by an assertion that teachers need to integrate technology as well as transform instruction. But what does this innovation actually look like? As 2014 comes to a close and we set goals for the New Year, how will we define innovation?
According to Oxford Dictionaries, innovate means “to make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.” This definition fits nicely with what is being asked of educators — to integrate new technologies, practices, and concepts into the classroom. As teachers, however, we also have to ask the question: why?! We need to ensure that these changes are to the direct benefit of our students. For that reason, I prefer Scott Berkun‘s definition: “Innovation is significant positive change.”
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