PORTLAND, Oregon—Just inside the front doors of Meriwether Lewis Elementary, a wall-sized mural offers a clue: This is a school that celebrates creativity. The same message echoes from the music room where students learn to play recorders and band instruments. When Principal Tim Lauer shows a visitor around, he makes note of the colorful banners, totem pole, mosaic bird bath, and other art installations that students have made since the school was built half a century ago in this southeast Portland neighborhood.

"I'd like to have students use digital cameras to catalog this artwork," Lauer says, "and research some of the history behind it." Then, he envisions sharing historical information with the school community via the new school weblog.

Lauer has been contemplating creative ways to merge new and old traditions since he arrived as the brand-new principal this fall. Although he's been teaching since 1982, Lauer has spent the past several years focusing on instructional technology, first as a teacher on special assignment for Portland Public Schools and then as a consultant to Intel® Innovation in Education.

When he arrived at Lewis Elementary, fresh from a year working with Intel staff to develop tools and resources for educators, Lauer brought considerable skills in technology. But he's not interested in what he calls "whizbang stuff. I've never been a technology teacher," he says. "I'm a teacher who uses technology."

He is using weblogs, for example, as a vehicle for communicating with teachers, parents, and the larger community. The school weblog offers a central place for sharing information, including announcements, a calendar, class projects, and a gallery of school photos. "The communications aspect is exciting. It lets you reach your audience and allows you to tell your story," he explains.

Lauer created the weblog using Web publishing software called Movable Type*. It allows information to be updated easily through a process called syndication. "This doesn't require a lot of time for maintenance," Lauer explains. "It's easy to keep current. The content is dynamic, but maintenance is low. New content flows right in. And all the information is archived, searchable, and date-stamped. A weblog puts information in a place that's easy to get to."

The school weblog can be read by anyone with Internet access. To reach parents who may not have computers or Internet service at home, Lauer plans to set up a couple computers in the community room that's located right across from the school office.

Lauer also has set up an internal weblog for communicating with staff. This online forum replaces the email bulletin that staff used to receive each Friday. Because the software includes a comment feature, teachers can use the weblog to engage in dialog and discussion. Instead of being a message from the principal, the weblog has the potential to spark dialog and build community. "Technology flattens an organization," Lauer says. "It makes information transparent and allows people to share knowledge."

The new principal has inherited a veteran staff of talented teachers and support staff. He credits his predecessor, retired Principal Mary Crouse, with building an exceptional school where students perform well academically. "She did an excellent job here," Lauer says. "She was good at building support," he explains, and points out that about 40 percent of the school's students come from outside the local neighborhood.

Of course, there's plenty to keep the new principal busy. The computer lab, for example, is in serious need of maintenance. Lean budgets have meant little funding for upkeep of equipment. Lauer has lots of ideas for improvements, including the addition of a Linux server and a suite of applications for students to use. Lauer plans to work with both students and staff, modeling how to integrate technology into learning. Before the principal can begin offering mini-lessons in the computer lab, however, he needs to get the gear in working order. "Teachers are excited about trying new things with technology," he says, "but first we have to get the stuff to work."

The favorite part of the new principal's day? "Lunch duty," he says with a grin. He often has a digital camera in hand when he's walking around the playground. Taking photos "is a great way to get to know the kids and interact with them." After a few years of working in the central office setting, Lauer is delighted to be back in the world of school. "I feel like I'm here for the right reasons. I'm proud of what we're doing."

As he settles into his new role, Lauer will be using his personal weblog to reflect and connect with an audience of educators from across the country. His weblog, "Education/Technology," is at http://tim.lauer.name*.

The Lewis Elementary weblog is at http://lewiselementary.org*.