Tech Byte: Technology Vision and Change

I was honored to present at the Technology and Teaching Conference last week in Bismarck (notes in previous post). I also had the opportunity to attend several great sessions by leaders in the field. I will be sharing some of the information I gleaned with you. Much of the material in today's Byte is derived from a session by Chris O'Neal who works at the University of Virginia. I'd like to publicly thank him for the insights and resources he presented. (More about Chris.)

Let's be honest. A few burning and legitimate questions come up over and over again from education's gatekeepers and school staffs regarding the integration of technology and 21st Century Skills (which are not solely related to technology.**) Even the most enthusiastic technologist knows that very little will change around school technology practice unless we address these issues:

1. What research proves that embedding technology into the curriculum will work to improve our students' achievement and school experience?

2. What is our vision for using technology to teach content and 21st Century Skills?

3. What do we need to know about best practices in this area if we are to move forward?

These engender additional questions, resistance and objections that must be resolved if any vision is going to become reality. Perhaps you have heard these in your own building or district:

@ All those bells, whistles and computer or web projects are showy and fun. But what do they have to do with real learning, increasing attendance, raising our test scores, and meeting standards?

@ How will we prioritize our budget to include equipment, training, access, and support in a way which satisfies our constituents?

@ Many of my students don't have computers or internet access at home. How can I teach equitably and effectively in light of those two issues?

@ What I’m doing is working. Why should I change the way I teach?Tug of war

@ I'd like to use technology more often but how? Why don't we get more training?

@ How can I teach with technology when things malfunction and I have little or no technical support? Who will help me?

@ You think I have room left on my plate for yet another thing to learn or teach? Show me how this is possible.

Obviously I cannot answer all of these deep questions here; however, I want to direct you to three exemplary resources that can help you find data and answers to those critical inquiries.

The Pew Internet Research Project. "Pew Internet explores the impact of the internet on children, families, communities, the work place, schools, health care and civic/political life. The Project is nonpartisan and takes no position on policy issues." They study the impact of the internet in the following areas and more:

Online Activities & Pursuits

1. Internet Evolution
2. Technology & Media Use
3. Education
4. Work.

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development The ASCD does not focus exclusively on technology or 21st Century Skills. Is is "a community of educators, advocating sound policies and sharing best practices to achieve the success of each learner." They offer quite a bit of information about:

1. Research
2. Curriculum
3. Professional Development.

The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology. "CARET bridges education technology research to practice by offering research-based answers to critical questions." There are some excellent resources here, among other things, about essential conditions and priorities which must be in place as educators work to develop a vision for technology integration in their district, school, or department. Like ASCD, they have data about:

1. Student Learning
2. Curriculum and Instruction
3. Professional Development.

Education Leaders Online. This is Chris' RESOURCES page which has links to the following wikis about these topics:

1. School 2.0
2. Leadership
3. Leadership Web Links

I hope that you will visit these sites as you consider the coming school year. Please feel free to contact me to discuss these issues in more detail.

**21st Century Skills

21st Century FrameworkA. Critical Thinking - Investigation, research, reasoning.

B. Creativity - Highlight provocative issues, perform in-depth analysis, encourage, excite, explore.

C. Teamwork - Collaboration in small groups, work on sub-projects, co-present, work as a whole class, evaluate self and teams.

D. Cross-Cultural Understanding - Handle diverse teams, be aware of and define issues or questions that may come up, sensitivity

E. Communication - Stay in touch about multiple products, give frequent feedback, seize opportunities for mutual learning

F. Technology - Use the tools and tricks which are available to us.

G. Self-Direction - Maintain interest, display intrinsic motivation

All the best wishes for a spectacular June!

Photo credits:
http://www.gameshire.com/artwork/photos/tug-of-war.jpg
http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php?Itemid=120&id=254&option=com_content&task=view