What a typical School Elem/Sec should look like in terms of Instructional Technology (Infrastructure).
What technology skills should teachers have (Professional Development).
What resources will the system need to implement, support and train (Resources)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I believe that teachers need considerable training in the workings of technological tools. However, more importantly we will need to provide them with the awareness of HOW technology will be effective so they will be ABLE to overcome the factors that lead to the enertia of adoption.
Equality of access to the technology. What strategies do we use so all students have access to the tools we provide them.
Technology must be used where it improves learning and not for technology sake.
Standardization. The use of technology should be standardize across KPR. Id Teachers/students all work in similar environments this will allow teachers and students to help each other.
Should have a plan. What happens after the 3 year plan ?
Is the value of the particular technology worth the cost. What is the best way to get "bang for the buck"
The vision should reflect research and best practices that are already been used and tested.
The vision should include a method of effectively implementing the technology. How to we get teachers on board ? Who will be our school leaders.
Formal orientation in the use of technology for students at certain grade. For example all grade 9 students learn how to create podcasts, video using MS Photo Story and wikis. Teachers will them be able to assign these technologies as part of the curriculum.
Important concept :Teachers do not have to know the technology to use it in the classroom...they need to know what the technology can do. It is up to the students to learn the technology. This has proven to be true from my experience.
Make sure students are not blocked too much by security filtering systems when using the technology. For example - at my school when students login in many are unable to access their memory sticks because of security.
Schools should be set up so accessing the technology is as easy as possible. This would include making all schools completely wireless so students can access the Internet with their lap tops or personal devices.
Methods to make teaching more efficient should be included. For example the new KPR photocopiers have the ability to scan pages and turn them into PDF files which can be posted on-line. Teachers could easily post every handout, class notes or overheads on-line. This would also save printing costs.
Do not be afraid of students teaching teachers on how to use the technology.
Use a strategy that allows teachers to see the benefits of using these new technologies.
How to we monitor if what we are doing is effective and worthwhile ?
I think a vision of technology in the classroom needs to include not only the infrastructure, but the sustainability, resources and PD to actually make it work.
We also needs to have mechanisms or processes to assess appropriateness (indicators of success) of technology in classroom, the controls and or security, confidentiality, and student safety issues need to be considered.
Post a Comment