Throughout my discussions with people about the issues they face with technology integration, the most logical way we can address many concerns is by being more deliberate in our collective approach to technology when we are starting out with students in the 1:1 environment. If we want technology to change the way that students learn, we must involve our students in the process of change. We have always been deliberate about the behavior we expect (don't damage the device, no inappropriate content, etc.). However, we also need to share with kids what we expect from them, in terms of creativity, collaboration, contentedness, etc. in their day to day education. By outlining clear expectations, and providing them with the tools and support to be successful, they will have a clear understanding of the "new" style of learning that we want to foster.
I had initially thought about doing a technology "bootcamp" with the students in my class at the beginning of the year. The time investment in the first week of class, would more than pay off in the long run. However, I spoke with one of our teachers about the idea, and she offered to run a technology for learning "bootcamp" in her connect for success room. This is a place where all grade 9 and 10 students have supervised time to work on home work, it is also where the grade 9 students receive their devices. Because all of the students in our school run through this connect for success class, we can ensure that all students are exposed to the concepts and skills that we want them to have for their 4 year high school career.
In an effort to generate a list of goals for this program, we met as a large group to discuss what each teacher would like to see included in terms of front end technology support. This gave us a starting point to identify programs and concepts we wanted to expose students to from the beginning of their technology journey. By using the connect class, students will have time to work through these technology skills and tools. Putting the time and effort in the front end will save all teachers time later. It will also help to build a culture of creativity, collaboration, and contentedness.
After brainstorming with the large group. I met with teacher in charge of the connect for success program to organize the programs and concepts into thematic units. We are going to use this content to create ebooks that will act as mini modules for students to work through in order to develop their technology proficiency and explore the concepts that we want students to focus on (creativity, collaboration, connections, etc.). These units will be constantly evolving as technology and teacher pedagogy continues to adapt.
This sounds like a good solution & a workable plan, perhaps you should share some of this learning through an article in the BU Grad Journal &/or at workshops?
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to try to present some of the technology stuff I have been working on, both in my class and through this practicum. One of my goals for next year is to get out and share ideas, not solely through social media. I found the sharing that I was forced to do through Dr. Kirk's course was helpful for my growth, so I certainly want to continue to push myself to do more of that.
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