Where do we go from here?

Perhaps the most eye opening part of this class for me was the idea of modifying a philosophy of education to include technology.  I'm preparing a PD presentation for our staff, and I plan to use this idea.  We are in a 1:1 setting, but are having a hard time getting buy in from all of our staff members.  The technology frustrates them, which in turn causes them to avoid using it.  I understand their situation and am sympathetic to a point, but progress is happening and they need to jump on board that train.

Along those same lines, the classroom management piece was very informative for me.  We are battling bandwidth issues and a lack thereof, due to gaming and music streaming on our Chromebooks.  While we have blocked numerous sites, the students always seem to find a way around.  Teachers are being asked to monitor the device use, which is a part of classroom management.  A lot of resistance is building because it is hard to add one more thing for a teacher to do. 

I'm looking forward to using the information from the class in the future of my position as a media specialist.  While my school has made great strides, we still have a long way to go.

Student-Centered Learning

The transition from a device being a "toy" to something that is invaluable in terms of education, is not always a smooth one.  On a daily basis, teachers in my building struggle to keep out the games, streaming music, and email conversations that try to distract the students as they use their 1:1 device.  The battle is the same, no matter the device.  

One aspect of this process that has made the students seem to buy-in a bit more on the technology as an educational tool is the idea that their computers make their lives so much easier.  With this being our first year for a 1:1 setting, students still have vivid memories of life before a laptop in the classroom.  They remember taking notes and having to hand write papers if there wasn't a computer lab available.  They remember having to go to a teacher to ask a question, instead of just emailing like they can now.  This newness will wear off, of that I'm sure.  Hopefully, though, this will give our teachers some time to get ahead of the curve in terms of technology integration.  The students are still getting used to the device, so the teachers can fool some of them into thinking they are using more technology than is actually the case.

Technology gives students the opportunity to interpret assignments in a way that was not possible in previous times.  For example, our 8th grade LA teacher is having her students write persuasive essays.  They are doing research and gathering data.  She did not give them clear directions on this, so students are really trying to find different ways to gather their information.  Some are using Google Forms, others are using Survey Monkey, still others are using the Internet or online books.  At any rate, the excitement is there and they realize that the learning is taking place as well, even though it might actually be fun!

I would say one of biggest issues with classroom management and technology that I have heard teachers talk about is the emailing and chatting that is going on during class time.  While some teachers are very perceptive to technology and catch on when students are not doing as they are supposed to; others are not.  I feel that no matter what device or set-up a school has, misuse will be a problem.

I really liked the idea of doing strikes with the devices, as was mentioned in the video.  For our school, this could be an easy method to implement and could be tracked on our Student Data Program, Harmony.  Students need to understand that there are consequences for misuse of the technology, and need to be held accountable.  A student emailing back and forth with another student 78 times in two hours, as I was made aware of this morning, should not be happening.

At the same time, while students SHOULD know what to do and how to stay focused on technology, it is ultimately the teacher's responsibility to make sure that the students are engaged.  Students should understand the lesson's importance and the classroom should be structured enough that the ability to wander off task is non existent.  This is not an easy task to compete.  A teacher should be able to follow the same methods, with or without the technology.

What are the top three things to communicate when introducing the concept of technology integration to stakeholders? You can think of this as your learning objectives when preparing a presentation, website, article, etc. In other words, what three things must your audience understand in order to be fully supportive of the school's mission to integrate technology?

When presenting a new technology program to community and school stakeholders, there are a couple of items that must be included.  The information that is provided to the stakeholders and the way in which it is received can have a huge impact on the initial success of a device rollout or implementation.

The first speaking point for this meeting would be a breakdown of the cost of the device, the insurance, the cases, and anything else that may potentially cost the student or family money.  One thing I have learned very quickly in our device rollout is that this matters a great deal to all involved.  From a school's standpoint, they need to make sure that everything is covered and accounted for financially.  From a family standpoint, that family must have a clear understanding of what is included in the insurance policy and what happens if something is not covered by the insurance.  The bottom line is that the devices will break and everyone needs to know what the cost of repair will be.

The next point of discussion should be the proper use of the device and what it can do, technologically speaking.  Most parents and stakeholders will not understand a hugely technical description of the device.  The information needs to be presented in a way that is easy for the general population to understand and comprehend.  Many students that I have dealt with have parents that do not understand the vast space that is the internet and technology.  It is the school's duty to help them understand.

The final piece of the presentation should include information on what the parent and student can expect a classroom to look like with the device in hand.  The look and feel of a classroom will change dramatically with the inclusion of a technological device.  It is important that the stakeholders understand that the kids won't be playing games and getting on Facebook all day long.  By showing some of the educational processes and tools that are available on the device, the stakeholders will understand the importance.

All change in education requires time.  Sometimes, due to funding limitations, testing procedures and requirements, and other issues a change in procedures can have some hiccups.  WIth patience and proper continuing education, success is possible.

Technology in my Life

Technology is something I would have a hard time going without in my personal life.  From my iPhone, to my Chromebook, to my Netflix subscription, technology is a big part of my life.  When I actually sit and think about this simple fact, it seems a bit crazy to me how dependent I have become on modern technology.  At the age of 30, I can remember getting my cell phone during my senior year of high school, nearly 13 years ago.  How crazy is it that in 13 years I went from a cell phone that would only work in places that were indicated on the fold out map to a world with a seemingly endless supply of technology.

As I prepare for Christmas shopping, specifically for my 3 and 5 year old, technology shows up again.   They are both interested in the Nabi tablets (any insights on those would be great!) for Christmas this year.  When I think about those tablets, and others like them, I know that my kids shouldn't be so dependent upon technology for entertainment.  At the same time, though, I am dependent on my technology.  They will grow up in a world where they will depend on technology even more so than I currently do.

As for my professional life, my current job would not fully exist without the existence of technology.  Although I am housed in the school library, I would say that 5% of my day deals with library books and duties.  The other 95% is spent with technology, specifically our 1:1 device, Chromebooks.  I cannot imagine all the conveniences of a school setting in 2013 compared to that whenever I was in school or before.  

While I see the benefits of technology in education and my personal life, I do think that some adjustments would benefit our society.  The main one of these would be the need to maintain personal relationships and communication outside of the internet and technology realm.  I think that students (and staff for that matter) need to be reminded of the importance of face to face communication and feedback.  

For example, our 7th and 8th grade students are selling items for a fundraiser for a trip to Washington, DC.  One student emailed our entire staff to buy from her to support her trip.  I'm not sure that any staff member bought from this student.  She had to be told that her methods of selling weren't the most effective and that a personal approach may have been better.  Sure, it was easier to just send out an email, but did it yield the results she wanted?

Technology is something that is something that is becoming a part of who we all are.  It defines how many of us function on a day to day basis and communicate with those around us. I can't imagine where technology will be in another 13 years.  Will there be as many gains as there have been since I got my first cell phone in 2000?

Philosophy of Education

How does technology fit with your philosophy of education? Write a philosophy of education that includes technology integration.

As an educator, I believe in the power of a young person’s mind.  I believe that each student has unique characteristics and deserves an education made specifically for him/her.  Students are entitled to a learning environment that provides opportunities for excitement, growth, and sometimes failure.  It is my role as an educator to also provide a spirit of community within my classroom and connect all learning to the students’ real lives.

The purpose of education is to help all students gain the tools needed for a successful future.  It is important to realize that not every student will have identical goals and dreams for the future.  Education must reach all students, regardless of their level.  Through education, the future of the students’ community will be brightened, as well as the future of the world.  Education must provide opportunities for students to become lifelong learners who see the value in what an education provides.

Students have a valuable role in their own education.  In today’s society a student’s familial situation and circumstances outside of school can cause some imbalances in the classroom.  I believe that one way that students can help improve the educational process is to be honest with faculty members at the school.  I believe that a student can become an engaged learner when the school is aware of the struggles and triumphs that the child is facing.  As an educator, I can show my students my respect for them and their learning experience in my classroom.

In today’s media centered world, it is hard to help the community see the good in education or in a school.  As a teacher and stakeholder in the well being of my school, it is my job to help my community see the importance and the power of our young people.  This manifests itself in many different ways, but the key factor is involvement.  My students need to see me at their sporting events, academic competitions, pep sessions, and other school related events.  A school is meaningless without students that are meaningfully participating.

I believe that technology has a place in today’s classroom.  Many ideas and a wealth of information can be shared, reviewed, or created using technology.  Students expect technology in the classroom and it is my duty as an educator to provide it to them.  Technology allows students to become more actively engaged in their own learning, which in turn makes the material more interesting and relevant for the learners.  It is my duty to help my students acquire the technological skills they will need in future educational settings and beyond.

Education is a never ending process for all of us.  Even though a child’s formal public education ends at high school graduation, a teacher’s job is never done.  A teacher must be a leader in the school, community, and beyond.  Being an educator is one of the most important tasks I will ever take on in my life.

Pre-Course Reflection

As this course begins to get in full swing, I find myself most excited to learn about ways that I can help the teachers in my building more effectively use our new Google Chromebooks.  There are many teachers in my building that are embracing technology and the new 1:1 setting we have.  However, I feel that I can be most useful in helping those teachers who see technology as a hurdle that is too big to overcome.

I could potentially be a leader as a 1:1 rollout resource.  We just completed months of research on devices, methods, and anything else related to 1:1.  I am glad to report that everything went and is going very well in our building.

I will need help from others in the area of the technology standards.  This is an area that I am not very familiar with, yet need to be.  I'm looking forward to getting things started!