SL

1. Admin High Tech Academy: Immersion for Understanding Angela Elkordy

2. Overview Rationale Problem statements Research questions Related research and disciplines Immersive learning environments …create unique learning experiences For more information

3. Rationale Today’s students must compete, in a very real sense, for positions in a global workplace In many countries, this means students must be able to effectively use communicate, create and produce using a wide range of technologies K-12 educators must advocate and facilitate thoughtfully applied and appropriate integration of instructional technologies in the classroom Administrators have a critical role for shaping how, when, where and if technologies are used in the K-12 environment

4. Rationale Administrators have limited time for ongoing professional development Online learning opportunities have potential as a platform for professional development Virtual worlds, as immersive environments incorporating simulation elements and strong collaborative components, may be useful for K-12 administrators’ professional development

5. Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy

6. Problem Statement A knowledge gap exists in K-12 administrators’ knowledge of effective pedagogies and instructional practices in technology integration A gap in understanding also exists regarding the impact of the specific effective leadership behaviors, perceptions and practices on K-12 technology integration These gaps must be ameliorated so that K-12 administrators have the visionary leadership essential for change and innovation Administrators need ongoing professional development in these areas that is timely, relevant, convenient, and collaborative

7. Problem Statement How can the possibilities of emerging and existing technologies be adequately conveyed to K-12 administrators? What are effective leadership behaviors and strategies that support (or detract) technology infusion in a district? What are effective ways to increase awareness of instructional technologies as well as the critical role of administrative practices needed to effectively implement them in K-12 education?

8. Research Questions How do school administrators’ perceive their role and influence in technology integration? What are administrators’ attitudes regarding the importance or possibilities of teaching with technology (pre and post) How knowledgeable are administrators about best practices of teacher training models for successful integration of technology?

9. Research Questions Are immersive, online learning environments effective in teaching the content? (leadership skills for max. tech. integration and emerging technologies in the curriculum) are Virtual Worlds (specifically Second Life) effective learning spaces for professional development for K-12 school administrators?

10. Immersive Learning Environments …facilitate unique learning experiences Aireyanna on Info Island, Aladdin Literature learning environment

11. Immersive Learning Environments …create unique learning experiences Aireyanna At The Blue Mosque, Turkey (Replica)

12. Immersive Learning Environments …create unique learning experiences Aireyanna in the Mythological Library, Info Island

13. Relevant Research & Disciplines Organizational Theories Learning in organizations Innovation diffusion models Leadership behaviors and strategies for effective technology integration Cognitive Sciences and Learning Theories constructivist and social constructivist frameworks adult learning

14. Relevant Research & Disclipines Emerging research and theories: educational games and simulations Experiential learning persistent virtual worlds and education immersive learning environments social discourse, Activity Theory (tools and cultural artifacts) & others Simulation “engines” and methodologies

15. Relevant Research & Disciplines Professional development for technology integration models: Cognitive apprenticeship Mentoring models Digital Equity 21st century skills Meaningful access of technology (including resources and trained educators)

16. For more information: Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/Bloom's+Digital+Taxonomy Educational Uses of Second Life (Video: Mary Ann Mengel) http://scottsecondlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/educational-uses-of-second-life-video.html RezEd: The Hub For Virtual Worlds http://www.rezed.org/group/grantssecondlife Second Life Grid: http://secondlifegrid.net/slfe/education-use-virtual-world Second Life in Education: http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses