What needs should technology address, when considering the use of technology to enhance student learning (inside and outside of school)?
immediate access to information
Affordability
Ability for All to Use Same Applications
Tool to support learning
Collaborative Learning
Universal use of programs and consistency with students/teachers on same programs
E.G. --Students/teachers should use school email as a consistent practices and not let students use their outside email when working on projects.
Kids with special needs/assistive technology
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What kinds of benefits can technology provide that will change the way that students engage in learning?
Anywhere, anytime access
Technology should be the tool not to build around the tech but build around the students
Students should be able to access web-based and other applications at home to complete projects
Students can become more responsible for learning at a higher cognitive level.
Students are so accustomed to using technology and they like using technology. Technology integration into any subject will very likely increase student engagement b/c of this.
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Why should teachers be proficient with technology?
To be able to model practical uses of technology for their students
To be able to learn with students and facilitate learning
To be open and able to usenew technology that supports collaborative, anytime learning
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Is proficiency enough? If not, what else is needed?
No. Teachers should have the ablity to determine how and when technology can be used to enhance learning. Teachers need support and on-going training
Teachers need specific examples of how the technology is used effectively and to see it in practice.
Teachers then need to actually work on projects and have available, real-time support to work through lessons employing new tech applications. If this does not occur, teachers may try a project one time and then not revisit it due to the perceived logistical problems.
Peer coaching - teachers who are knowledgeable in the areas of tech integration can provide ongoing support, knowledge,strategies and project ideas to those who are just getting started with it.
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What can teachers do to maximize the use of technology BY STUDENTS?
Use productivity/communication methods that allow students to employ available technology.
Have available technology that is seamless. Not wait for a computer to load or have to worry whether the Internet will slow down learning.
Teachers can introduce new programs.
More consistency across subject areas for requirements in assigning tasks and expectations when using certain programs. E.G.--- Papers/docs should be written with the same header, name format for all docs.
Give them more project based learning opportunities that integrate technology b/c this type of assignment is going to better engage the students and model real word scenarios that they are more likely to encounter as they move through school and life.
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How do we create a vision that will guide our future objectives?
Gather stakeholders, review educational technology objectives, and determine desired outcomes.
Revise the current plan
Align more with ISTE goals and how to harness collaborative use of technology to not supplant, but support class environment.
To not focus on just one great tool, application as the end all and be all for technology.
To be able to adapt on an annual basis and use emerging technologies that support learning.
Determine what we want the students to know and acheive, work backwards from there.
We need a mission statement for the school
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Who/What should we refer to for insight and guidance?
ISTE
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
CoSN
Consultants
Acknowledged leaders (individuals and institutions)
PD Committee
NJ Dept of Education
EIRC
Read the books by the experts (Richard DuFour, Stephen Barkley)
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Who are key resource people in our school (by postion or name)?
Technology Coordinator
Technology teachers
Librarian/Media Specialist
SWE Teachers
Subject Area or Grade Level Teachers that take a Lead
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Who must be directly involved in the professional development planning?
School Principal and Asst. Principal
PDC representatives (consider more than 2 year terms)
Teachers representing grade levels
Special subject teachers
Technology Coordinator
Director of Special Services
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What issues must be identified, and what obstacles must be overcome, before we can have ongoing, structured professional development system in place?
Available times for training
Who will be the turnkey people?
What methods should we use to provide PD? Video tutorials made for Bedminster School by teachers
How much time will be given for follow up sessions to maintain teacher usage of the technology?
Define student acheivement, then determine what teacher, administrator, parent and student behaviors need to be in place or need to be changed in order to reach the student acheivement goals
We need to have differentiated professional development so that EVERYONE has ongoing opportunities to enhance adult learning
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What are some mechanisms, tools and/or resources that will help us sustain professional learning and sharing? Please add specific resources that you think may be beneficial.
Turnkey training
Online resources
Collaborative tools (Wikis, Google Apps)
Blists
Voicehtread
Atomic Learning
Kurzweil Training Webinars- Assistive Tech for LD Reading/Study Skills
ISTE Webinars and/or other webinars.
Moodle or Hotchalk
Diigo orDelicious
Google Wave
PLC's (Professional Learning Communities)
Peer Coaching
Vertical teams (K,1,2 / 3,4,5 / 6,7,8 for example)
Motivational speakers
Teacher/student scheduling- Should we keep the current schedule or make some amendments?
1x Per Week Tech Class Discussion
Teachers available to help other teachers during day.
Bedminster School Educational Technology
Why do we need to use technology? (Use link to add your responses)http://groups.diigo.com/group/bededtech Diigo Bededtech
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