This week hundreds of people in ed tech across the country were waiting to hear the results of the 2016 PBS Learning Digital Innovators selection process. And as promised, notices went out to the 52 Lead Innovators heading to Denver for professional development, training and learning opportunities at ISTE. Then the tweets started with all of the people who were named local PBS learning digital innovators. As the numbers grew way past the 52 additional people we were expecting, it became clear that something odd was happening.
A little research revealed the answer. While I had looked at the bios for all of last years' winners and read over the application process, I missed the part that said for the first time ever all applicants that meet the entry requirements would be named local innovators.
As a PLN this community of learners holds great promise. I am sure the Pennsylvania cohort is filled with amazing educators. And I imagine PBS has many opportunities in store. That's not the problem. The problem is that people clearly think they were 'chosen', 'awarded the honor' or otherwise picked out from the masses, and this is just not true. We were all accepted. I'm fine with 'excited' but not so much with 'grateful' or 'thankful.'
This opportunity is much more in line with joining a professional organization, like your state or national affiliate for your teaching area, or our wonderful PAECT. Valuable - yes! But we haven't done anything yet worth any type of congratulations. We just applied.
I am interested in learning what the program has to offer and what I can do for my cohorts. I'm looking forward to new experiences. But I am not tweeting the news. Or putting this badge on my website until I've done something to earn it.
A little research revealed the answer. While I had looked at the bios for all of last years' winners and read over the application process, I missed the part that said for the first time ever all applicants that meet the entry requirements would be named local innovators.
As a PLN this community of learners holds great promise. I am sure the Pennsylvania cohort is filled with amazing educators. And I imagine PBS has many opportunities in store. That's not the problem. The problem is that people clearly think they were 'chosen', 'awarded the honor' or otherwise picked out from the masses, and this is just not true. We were all accepted. I'm fine with 'excited' but not so much with 'grateful' or 'thankful.'
This opportunity is much more in line with joining a professional organization, like your state or national affiliate for your teaching area, or our wonderful PAECT. Valuable - yes! But we haven't done anything yet worth any type of congratulations. We just applied.
I am interested in learning what the program has to offer and what I can do for my cohorts. I'm looking forward to new experiences. But I am not tweeting the news. Or putting this badge on my website until I've done something to earn it.
A much better plan would be for PBS Learning Media to invite us all to join them, give us the year to learn and share, and then pick who gets to go on to the next level and ISTE based on what we've done for the program during the year.
It makes a lot more sense to do it that way, especially if the mindset is to let everyone participate. Give us something to work and strive towards - a future opportunity to expand our reach even more.
Would I have applied if I realized everyone got accepted. Most likely - I am a professional learner after all. And there are some great benefits for my school. I just wish everyone else realized they've joined a worthy organization, excitement is fine, but thankfulness and congratulations are not in order.