8 Big Ideas

1. Learning by doing
Problem based learning has been the philosophy of my professional development.  In the army, most of my training was steeped in the mantra of "train how you fight".  In terms of technology, learning by doing is adding knowledge on existing knowledge.  Familiarization with applications allows for learning how software can work for the end user.

2. Technology as building material
Technology is existing knowledge.  Using as building material allows for innovations and utility.

3. Hard fun
Learning becomes easy when it is something enjoyable.  Even in difficult subjects.

4. Learning to learn
I just visited the Computer Science Museum yesterday and had an epiphany:  I spend a lot of time thinking about thinking.  Leaders should do this often to understand the mindset of their followers and subordinates.  Understanding how people learn can dictate decisions and advances in technology.
5. Taking time for the job
Martinez and Stager are speaking to time management and how it relates to the real world versus classroom instruction.  In the Army we view time management in terms of coordinating "moving parts" of an operation.  The school model of being reminded of time and appointments is the antithesis of taking time.  In the Army we call this "A to B" thinking.  Thinking in a straight line was a basic form of managing time where most senior leaders are managing multiple timelines and logistics.  The same applies as a leader in education.  There are multiple times ti manage in terms of a student's day as well as managing duties and tasks of classified staff as well as faculty and managers.

6. You can't get it right without getting it wrong.
This a tenet of problem based learning.  This is a part of institutional knowledge.  Mistake and error are a part of learning and development.  I see this concept daily in the release of apps and software in technology that is knowingly released with bugs knowing that someone will create programs to correct those errors or improve upon what is already done.

7. Do unto our ourselves what we do unto our students
This ideas essentially speaks to the idea that leaders must constantly develop and refine skills to remain current.  Lifelong learning is not just something to impress upon students but to impress upon ourselves.

8. We are entering a world where knowing about digital technology is as important as reading and writing.
The technology gap is what puts students in the Central Valley at a disadvantage,  Lack of familiarity with the most current technology makes out students technologically illiterate.  There are basic assumptions in technology and education that put learners behind in terms of ability to compete academically and professionally.