The goals for improved learning are shown to you, and the Technology Leadership Coordinator will provide a description on the progress of meeting these goals.
According to the District technology survey sent in 2010, SB training and using Notebook software are highly sought after needs by the District, which is a positive acknowledgement towards the $$ spent on purchasing new hardware. Teachers want this technology in their classrooms. This slide shows a number of opportunities that are offered by the District for staff to learn more about new innovations. One concern is time needed for teachers to learn how to integrate technology with Instructional Intelligence strategies. The Technology Leadership Coordinator is currently part of the AISI steering committee and will continue to help address this goal and need by teachers.
With the rapid changes taking place in education and technology, communication is important. Email is still the most used method of disseminating information. New ways to collaborate such as Skype, Twitter, Blogs and Wikis are methods the TLC uses and promotes in the District. These methods offer 24/7 access to information, which helps with the challenge of time. Still, the most effective way to communicate is the human element of face to face interaction.
With increase use of technology in our society comes the dangers and risks involved. Much like the ads for campaigning against drinking and driving, we need to educate all technology users in using devices in an appropriate, responsible and safe manner. This should not stop at one presentation, but be embedded in daily teaching and learning. The District has provided opportunities for all stakeholders to learn more about Digital Citizenship through presentations made by the Technology Leadership Coordinator. There are many excellent resources for teachers and parents that educate technology users about safe and responsible use. Technology can change the lives of many for the better, but can lead to harmful consequences. Again, ongoing education and support is needed.
New innovations like Skype, podcasts, presentation toolsCelebrating successes through video captureSkyping classrooms to participate in student learningSharing new resources like SMART Board links, Glogster, Prezi, Edmodo with teachers and leaders to allow a chance to exploreSurvey to students in grades 5, 8, and 11. Newer technologies such as Skype, Glogster, Prezi, Bitstrips, Edmodo, Wikis, ePearl have been demonstrated by the TLC and used in many classrooms throughout the district. Teachers have commented on the positive student engagement while using these resources for learning. As well, the District is beginning a pilot project using Netbooks in a couple of secondary classrooms. Findings from this project, as well as interviews with teachers already using Student owned devices in the classroom for learning will be reported at a later date.
Enhancing leadership capacity for 21st Century Learning is essential in creating an environment that allows for technology to be used effectively for improved learning in the classroom. In 2009/2010 6 sessions for leaders were held at Central Office relating to technology. This year one session has been offered focussing on Discovery Education in the classroom and ISTE’s technology standards for administrators. Firstsession was held in September focused on ISTE’s standards for Administrators and our paid subscription to Discovery Education. Future sessions include Skype,January 18th – SMART Math with Terry Freeman March 15th – Student Owned Devices- Discussion through Academic Controversy. April 19th – Power Schoolat Crescent Heights or Hat High May 24th – Personal Learning Networks Mini-Conference- Using Twitter from a remote site to collaborate and join in on a discussion. June 7th – Sustainability Models for Integrating Technology in the classroom. As mentioned in the Improved learning goals, numerous PD opportunities exist for staff to participate in learning more about integrating technology into the classroom. One school scheduled time for teaching assistants to learn more about using SMART Boards.
In 2009/2010, the district technology committee created a technology survey for staff to help address the technology needs of the district. The committee reviewed the results and realized that the survey itself could be improved upon. Comments such as it was too lengthy, and that some questions were not necessary will allow the committee to revise the survey for future use. The following pages are highlights from the survey. In the TLC’s mind, the district is moving in a positive direction towards adding and improving hardware, providing Professional Development, and researching best practices in using technology. Areas for further growth include using technology to increase higher level thinking skills, i.e. creating, collaborating and communicating. Future surveys will include a student technology survey, a support staff survey, and another staff survey. These will help the technology committee understand if goals have been improved upon in our three, and where further action is needed.