"Innovation is more than imagining possibilities; it’s the courage to bring them to life, one step at a time."
In the world of educational technology, innovation is built on action. While a creative idea might start the process, true innovation lies in bringing that idea to life. It’s about identifying solutions that engage and inspire and stepping forward to implement them. Edtech leaders who innovate see connections others may miss and transform challenges into opportunities that impact students, teachers, and administrators alike.
The journey to innovation is rarely straightforward. It requires persistence, courage, and a willingness to learn from failure. Risks are part of the process, but they’re necessary steps to bring real change. Embracing this uncertainty isn’t easy, but it’s what drives progress forward.
To innovate effectively, focus on solving real challenges. Think through your available financial and human resources. Ground your solutions in thorough research, build on the successes of others, and welcome input from teachers, students, parents, and administrators to create well-rounded solutions. Develop a clear roadmap with a vision for success and start with a pilot program in a smaller environment to test and refine your ideas. When missteps happen—and they will—use them as valuable lessons, adjust, and keep pushing forward.
When I was the EdTech Leader in Mountain Brook, AL, we established an Institute for Innovation. Teachers submitted proposals of innovative ideas they wanted to try in their classrooms. Only proposals for scalable ideas were accepted; research and a budget were required. Each submitting teacher presented their ideas to a panel of peers, the Superintendent, the Curriculum Director, and me. Going through this process, we could involve the stakeholders, encourage innovation, allow for failure, and try innovative ideas on a smaller scale. It has proven to be very successful. Not all ideas were successful, but we learned from each endeavor.
Innovation in education isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about transforming the learning experience. By embracing change and taking action, you’re building a future that inspires growth and drives meaningful change for everyone involved. Remember, everything we do in EdTech today was once an innovation.
To innovate effectively, focus on solving real challenges. Think through your available financial and human resources. Ground your solutions in thorough research, build on the successes of others, and welcome input from teachers, students, parents, and administrators to create well-rounded solutions. Develop a clear roadmap with a vision for success and start with a pilot program in a smaller environment to test and refine your ideas. When missteps happen—and they will—use them as valuable lessons, adjust, and keep pushing forward.
When I was the EdTech Leader in Mountain Brook, AL, we established an Institute for Innovation. Teachers submitted proposals of innovative ideas they wanted to try in their classrooms. Only proposals for scalable ideas were accepted; research and a budget were required. Each submitting teacher presented their ideas to a panel of peers, the Superintendent, the Curriculum Director, and me. Going through this process, we could involve the stakeholders, encourage innovation, allow for failure, and try innovative ideas on a smaller scale. It has proven to be very successful. Not all ideas were successful, but we learned from each endeavor.
Innovation in education isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about transforming the learning experience. By embracing change and taking action, you’re building a future that inspires growth and drives meaningful change for everyone involved. Remember, everything we do in EdTech today was once an innovation.
Innovation in EdTech is about reshaping the learning experience. Great EdTech leaders see possibilities where others see roadblocks and turn challenges into opportunities that benefit students, teachers, and communities.
Here’s a savvy tip: Start small and build big. Pilot programs allow you to test ideas, involve stakeholders, and learn from the process. Even when not every idea works out, the journey drives growth and progress.
Discover actionable strategies for innovation in The Savvy EdTech Leader: bit.ly/purchasesavvy
Engage with other innovative leaders in our LinkedIn group: bit.ly/savvyconversation
Here’s a savvy tip: Start small and build big. Pilot programs allow you to test ideas, involve stakeholders, and learn from the process. Even when not every idea works out, the journey drives growth and progress.
Discover actionable strategies for innovation in The Savvy EdTech Leader: bit.ly/purchasesavvy
Engage with other innovative leaders in our LinkedIn group: bit.ly/savvyconversation