The 95% - Who We Should Be Making Decisions For

My principal started our first staff meeting of this school year by showing a video with someone speaking about how decisions should be made for the benefit of the 95%, not in fear of what the 5% will do.  This concept is also discussed in George Couros's book, The Innovator's Mindset.   On page 149 of his book, Couros asks, "Is this serving the few or the majority?" in regard to decisions we make at school.

I have always believed in this idea, but have had trouble living it in my classroom because of restrictions our school placed on things.  Therefore, I was super excited when our principal showed his growth by sharing this video.

I successfully advocated to have Google Hangouts unblocked at our school.  Many teachers complained that students would use it to cheat, chat during class, etc.  When I approached my principal to ask that it be unblocked, his first concern was the possibility that other teachers would be frustrated with the inappropriate use of Google Hangouts by some students.  I quickly told him that would be the "5%" we discussed in our first staff meeting, and that I thought the 95% should have the opportunity to use this amazing learning tool.  He laughed, joked that the 95% video was coming back to haunt him, and got Google Hangouts unblocked.

The global connections my students have made have been amazing.  We hung out with Canada to discuss the Global Read Aloud Book, Pax.  We also learned about how our cultures are similar and different.  We hung out with New Jersey and Puerto Rico to share virtual Valentines and opinion pieces on the appropriateness of celebrating Valentine's Day at school.  We connected to discuss theme in a short story we all read.  And. . . we became more aware and understanding of differences in people.  The 95% were AMAZING!

Yes, there were those who misused, and continue to misuse, Google Hang Outs.  It has been something we have had to address as teachers.  However, the gains have far outweighed the negatives.  Also, we have learned to teach our students to be better citizens with the technology they have available to them.

Unblocking Google Hangouts most certainly served the majority, not the few.  I wonder what else could serve them if we opened up opportunities instead of "locking them down".  I hope to find out!

Update:  As of June 2017, Google Hangouts will be blocked again.  Sigh. . .  I will be looking for an alternative way to continue video communications for my students.