Common Language
This post is part of an ongoing series of chapters from the book CHOICE. Please view this post for an introduction and table of contents. To keep up with each new chapter published, please subscribe.
You need to be speaking the same language. School Districts are an amazing cross section of so many different people. The school community has members from age 5 to 80. All with different educational, social, and cultural backgrounds. It’s very difficult to get everyone on the same page.
To work together successfully, everyone needs to understand the same terms. Words like “online learning” or “distance learning” can mean different things to different people. For example, does “online learning” mean watching live lessons on video, or does it mean using extra learning materials on a website? Taking time to explain what these terms mean in your school helps avoid confusion and makes teamwork easier.
There are so many terms and acronyms in education. There has to be a concerted effort to develop common language, phrases, and terms for what you are trying to accomplish.
Getting everyone on the same page means talking to teachers, parents, students, and school staff. Each group has its own ideas and questions. By listening to these groups and explaining things clearly, you can make sure everyone is working toward the same goals. Clear communication builds trust and helps the program succeed.
When I was a just starting in educational technology, I learned how important it is to speak the same language. I was helping teachers set up a system so students could use learning materials at home. I explained it in a technical way. Where to click and how the parts of the system connected. But the teachers wanted to know how it would help their teaching. I learned a new word pedagogy.
We had the same goal, but were talking past each other. It was frustrating until I changed the way I learned to speak with them. We started talking about how the system could help with teaching strategies and fit into classroom goals. Once we did that, everything went much smoother, and we reached our goal together.
Tips for Clear Communication
Define Important Words: Work with others to decide what key terms mean and make sure everyone knows these definitions.
Speak to Your Audience: Adjust how you explain things based on who you’re talking to. Teachers might care about teaching methods, while parents want to know how easy it is to use.
Offer Training: Show people not just how to use the technology but also how it supports learning and teaching.
Ask for Feedback: Check in regularly with staff, students, and parents to make sure everyone understands and feels included.
By creating a common language, you can bring people together and help your 1:1 technology program succeed.
Author Comments
Providing a peak behind the curtain of the thought and writing process.
This works both ways. I usually think of the technology side. What acronyms or words that I use in IT might teachers and students not know. But it goes the other way to. What terms do teachers use around education, that the IT Department might not understand.
What words or phrases have you used outside of your working peer group that someone made you explain? Or just look at you like you have three heads.