Initial thoughts on a technology integration lesson

For my technology integration lesson, my grade level is adult at the undergraduate level (it could with select high school seniors) and the subject is organizational leadership. The topic is “prepare a mission, vision, values statement, and operating goals.” The students will brainstorm, develop, write, and present these four items for an organization they would like to lead. Instead of having them present in front of the classroom, I will have them present via Skype or Adobe Connect. This would be a real world activity, because many organizations are global and it is not realistic to fly everyone into the same place and present the vision at once. This activity will allow students to be creative in leveraging technology as leaders to solve organizational communication problems.

In addition to the four statements, students must consider backdrop, lighting, and setting and how they affect the message. If they are unprepared or fumble through the presentation their credibility may be weakened. To help the students develop the concepts for their statements I will have them use concept mapping software and post their ideas to their blog or simply have them use Google Docs so the other students can provide feedback and offer suggestions. More and more is required of leaders and teachers as leaders as far as technology is concerned. Yes we should be expert communicators both orally and written, but we also must know how to leverage technology. We do not have to know how it works (I still don’t understand how grains of sand compute everything I use my Apple computer for and I am a programmer), but we must understand the principles of how to use it affectively and how to stay current. We also need to be able to “feel out” a technology to see if it is just a fad (remember the laserdisc and zip drives). Organizations and schools waste millions on trash technology with a one-year shelf life. We must be good stewards. Yes it is a lot to ask of people.