Over the past six weeks, I have completed my third e-Learning course and feel overall, it has been a learning experience and very rewarding. I have used several of Google’s web-based applications, and have given much thought about how they could help improve collaboration and communication within my Head Start Program. My personal vision for how I can use Google applications in my agency is dependent upon how well my staff, from teachers to managers, embraces new ways of collaboration and communication. I especially fell pod casting is a wonderful tool to use for our Agency’s web site. By pre-recording a message or instructions on how to download out applications will allow us to reach those individuals who struggle with reading and have vision problems.
The simplest and easiest way to start introducing them to Google is setting up a Gmail account. All 10 central office staff has email and are constantly sending messages to each other and the twelve centers. Once, they become familiar with this tool; then incorporate Google Calendar, which would allow us to synchronize our schedules and plan for important meetings and trainings. Staff could plan for parent conferences, policy council meetings, and due dates of importance with ease. However, the most important feature is they can set reminders days or weeks in advance for these activities so they will not forget. Sharing ideas with Google Docs and creating a blog page for parents, teachers, and staff to offer suggestions on a variety of topics is a great way to communicate and capture the attention of our younger, computer literate parents. Our newsletter, recruitment information, and parent handbook could be shared effortlessly and cost effective by posting a link on the blog page. By implementing different aspects slowly, and methodically into our skill base and allowing them ample time to become familiar with how to use and master the tool would allow staff to support my vision.
Some key lessons I have learned from reviewing how other administrators and schools are using Google Calendar, Doc, Blogger, and Pod Casting is not to be afraid to try new and innovative ways to communicate with parents, teachers, and staff. In order to bring change to your school the most important person to get on board is the principle. They are the head of the school and the person who will develop the culture for everyone to follow. Communication about technology with your staff and plans to integrate this format in a school was also helpful.
My goals for integrating Google applications into my Head Start program are not difficult, but do require the support from all stakeholders, including teachers and managers. Introducing the concepts of a 21st, Century Technology Plan would be the first step. Create a technology committee who would draft a technology plan, including goals, and implementation phase for approval. Have center mangers and central office staff trained first; then begin using Google tools so they can mentor the teachers at their centers, parents, and community. Among Head Start staff, the Board and Executive Director will be able to help you implement my Technology Plan and the center managers and central office staff are instrumental in helping my with my vision.
