Innovation with Ford SYNC

Walking through the State Fair of Texas autoshow, I was introduced to Ford Motor Company’s plan to innovate the communication interaction with our cars in 2007.  Initially launched in the affordable Ford Focus, the SYNC voice-controlled communications and connectivity system enables drivers to operate their Blue-tooth capable digital media players and mobile phones via voice commands or with steering wheel controls.  While greatly influencing my own personal vehicle purchase, the SYNC system has also been installed in more than 2.5 million cars, trucks, and crossovers (Ford Fact Sheet, 2010).  This system combines the features of a digital media player, mobile phone, GPS system, and automobile diagnostic center into one voice-activated piece.  This innovation is already receiving improvements to sustain the innovative qualities.  In 2011, AppLink will launch in the 2011 Fiesta model which will allow drivers to access and control smart phone apps using the SYNC system.  MyFord Touch will be launching in the 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.  This will replace many of the traditional vehicle buttons with SYNC controlled commands and clear, colorful LCD screens (Ford Fact Sheet, 2010).        

I, too, am looking for new ways to communicate among my campus and school district.  Our district has many great programs, several strong school leaders, and some very talented and creative people.  Unfortunately, we are all feeling pressured to focus on the never-ending TAKS test push.  So much of our time is spent preparing our students to pass the state requirements; we have little time to collaborate on ideas that will bring more than just the basics to our students.   Truly integrating technology is pushed to the backburner because teachers don’t have the time to explore new teaching strategies using the ever-growing technological advances.  Using my blog, I plan to communicate the possibilities that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms. 

According to Ford market research, 32% of SYNC owners said the SYNC system played an important or critical role in their purchase decision and 60% of the owners are using the voice commands.  If I could get 32% of my campus to read and comment on my blog, then I could start a conversation with my colleagues about technology and the possibilities of today.