In the last couple of weeks, we have made significant
progress towards making our Five-Year Technology Plan go from words and numbers
on paper to a reality. On January 24th,
I presented the proposed Fiscal
Year 2018 budget to the School Board. The budget includes funding to replace our
technology infrastructure in all schools, adding ITRTs and technology support personnel,
funding teacher laptops, and funding a 1-to-1 computing device initiative for all
secondary students.
This was followed by the unveiling of our
new Classrooms of the Future initiative,
which I first identified as a goal in my Post-Immersion
Report last summer. With funding provided by the Hanover
Education Foundation, this exciting opportunity allows teachers to compete for a
complete classroom makeover, including modern furniture and technology, in
order to promote more innovative and active learning spaces. I’m encouraged by all the many possibilities
that await us as we explore better ways to serve our students’ needs.
In the Information Age, we have access to
more resources than ever before that can be used to design lessons that are more
relevant and make real-world connections.
Further, technology affords us the opportunity to know our students in a
more authentic way through adaptive software that aids in identifying which
students would benefit from more rigorous work, as well as which students may
need concepts retaught in a different way.
However, as with any new initiative, we must
be deliberate in our efforts. As we
transition into a more digital platform, it is easy to fall victim to changing
methods simply because something appears “cool” or “fun.” In other words, technology should not simply
be a substitution for what is already being done. For instance, a dry erase board has become
the modern substitute for the chalkboard of yesteryear. A computer though, should not simply be a
replacement for a textbook. While a
substitution may serve as a starting point, we will eventually need to work
towards redefining what is possible in our classrooms by providing students with
opportunities to participate in lessons through the use of technology that was
not previously possible.
As technology becomes more prevalent in our
classrooms, begin asking yourself these questions as lessons are designed:
1. Is
using technology going to enhance the delivery of the curriculum?
2. If
so, will it likely be a more effective method than my previous way of
delivering similar material?
3. Does
the lesson deliver the appropriate amount of rigor?
4. Is
it relevant/applicable to real-world situations?
5. Is
the lesson student-centered as opposed to teacher-centered?
If the answer to all of these questions
isn’t “yes,” that’s okay! Start with
making sure the answer to at least one or two is “yes.” As you become more proficient and comfortable
in a new environment, begin using technology to make your classroom truly
transformational.
Happy Trailblazing!
