4. Figure 1: Three major influences on 21st century learning Learning styles, technology, and our world have changed. What are we doing about it? How can we provide students with a learning environment that is engaging?
12. CONCLUSION Technology can be an effective tool when all the pieces of the puzzle are brought together to serve the same purpose. Technology Integration Support & Planning Teaching Strategies 21 st Century Learning
Editor's Notes
In this presentation to the school board, administrators, and other stakeholders, I will discuss factors that are essential in the successful use and integration of technology. Four main points I will be emphasizing are: 21 st century learning, technology that supports objectives, effects on teaching strategies, and planning and administrative support. This presentation is geared toward a school like mine that has ample access to computers, but the integration of it needs some improvement. I also will provide research findings about 1:1 computing that will hopefully set our goals and planning toward implementing a 1:1 initiative program.
How students learn Technology that supports objectives/standards Effects on student achievement and engagement Effects on teaching strategies Effects of planning and administrative support Conclusion
how our students and world has changed in the 21 st century. Students learn better when engaged. Does our school accommodate their lifestyle of mobility and encourage collaboration? I will make a diagram categorizing old and new ways of doing things (Old method vs. new method). I feel it is important to point out this to solidify my argument that students sometimes feel like we teach them how to do it the “old way” which is less efficient and obsolete. Asking for directions Learning about the heart or other organ Writing a research paper Renting a movie Learning about events around the world ii. Students spend about 6.5 hours/day with media (ACOT) internet usage among 12-17 year olds is 87% (increased 24% from 2000-2005) (ACOT) Modern lifestyle skills that are essential (according to ACOT): Global awareness, information and media literacy, civic literacy innovation and creativity, self-direction, critical thinking and problem solving skills
Show ACOT figure 1 (Diagram the three major influences of 21 st century learning: How people learn, technology innovations, and globalization). Using this diagram, I will discuss: How people learn and what they need to learn Students now more than ever need to have better problem solving, collaboration, innovation and creativity Globalization We live in a world where it is essential we have the knowledge and skills to communicate and function in a global community Technology innovations It’s not about using technology, it’s about how our world works with the way people learn Thought-provoking question for the audience: How can we provide students with a learning environment that is engaging?
Technology that supports objectives and standards Technology is the most powerful when used as a tool, for problem solving, conceptual development, and critical thinking (Ringstaff & Kelley) Big mistake by adding computers but nothing else changes (Stransburg) Technology is less effective when learning objectives are unclear and focus of technology use is over-done (Barnett) It is important we make technology work for us, and match technology with learning goals Difference between learning “from” computers and learning “with” computers Teaching and learning changed when students and teachers were given laptops, school-wide wireless access to the internet, etc. (Stransburg) Can you tell the difference in these two photos? It is difficult to know the difference unless you know the activity they are engaged in. They could both be typing a form letter!
Effects on student achievement and engagement Do not rely on technology alone to boost student outcomes, the results come from integrating technology along with education reform. According to Ringstaff & Kelley: Students are less likely to become bored with computers when teachers use them as one among many tools Student engagement is likely to endure Engagement remained high with project-based instruction In order for technology to support student collaboration, inquiry, and interactive learning, teacher beliefs about learning and teaching must often change. 83% of teachers in a 3-year 1:1 implementation program witnessed improved student engagement (Bebell & Kay)
Teachers’ beliefs of the impact of 1:1 computing Student engagement, motivation, quality of work, participation increases Improved quality of writing and independent work School climate has changed Less behavior and discipline problems
Effects on Teaching Strategies Our district has buildings, equipment, curriculum materials, and salaries to pay. There’s a reason 70% of our school budget goes to salaries – teachers are still our most valuable resource for our students, not technology! Schools will have little return unless teachers are adequately trained, not just how to use the computer, but how to engage students using technology as a tool Teacher training was the most significant factor influencing the effective use of educational technology to improve student achievement (Ringstaff & Kelley) “ Individual teachers have the power in the success or failure of 1:1 programs. Teacher nearly always control when and how students use technology.” (Stansburg) 1:1 program had major impacts across many aspects of teaching (Bebell & Kay) 83% of teachers reported their own computer skills had improved since the implementation Over 80% of teachers reported the delivery of the curriculum within their classes had changed. Most of our resources should be focused on getting teachers adequately trained so our students can benefit. If a 1:1 program is in our future, this will need to be a big focus point.
Just as important as teacher training, administrative support is also important. Re-emphasize: Technology is less effective when learning objectives are unclear and focus of technology use is over-done (Barnett) It is important we make technology work for us, and match technology with learning goals What are our goals? Leadership , vision, and planning are three other essential components in technology implementation “ when principals receive specializing training and technology [is] properly implemented, the benefits increase even more,” according to Project RED (Devaney) Technology projects should be implemented only after a planning stage, where administration and other stakeholders develop clearly articulated standards and goals for technology use. (Ringstaff & Kelley) Adequate technology support – must be reliable and efficient. As teachers begin using technology for more sophisticated purposes, instructional and technology support is needed. ACOT sites reported having a full time technology coordinator that gave assistance to teachers. If we are to implement a 1:1 program, this must be considered.
Conclusion: The Payoff of a 1:1 Computing Program From a study in Maine, 7 th and 8 th graders who were enrolled in a 1:1 program had improved scores in language arts, math, and science. Having notebooks all 4 years of high school, the 12 th graders scored higher than 85% of their peers in all core subjects in the Maine Educational Assessment. (ACOT) Significantly impact beyond schools to families and communities with students acting as mentors. Students are helping parents, siblings, and others use technology. 1:1 programs tend to increase teacher retention and enthusiasm, and help in recruiting teachers. Show figure from Project RED how proper implementation is the key 70% of schools with 1:1 programs reported their students’ achievement scores were rising. Schools with 1:1 computing programs that implemented certain strategies for success and frequent collaboration of teachers in professional learning communities, that number is 85%. (Devaney) Among schools using 1:1 programs, 50% say they are seeing a reduction in disciplinary actions, 56% of their students plan to attend college. Schools with the proper implementation of a 1:1 program saw those numbers increase to 82% and 86% (Devaney)
Improve teaching 83% of teachers reported their own computer skills had improved since the implementation Over 80% of teachers reported the delivery of the curriculum within their classes had changed Students are engaged in learning 83% of teachers in a 3-year 1:1 implementation program witnessed improved student engagement (Bebell & Kay) Increase student achievement In one study, 70% of schools with 1:1 programs reported their students’ achievement scores were rising. (Devaney) School climate Among schools using 1:1 programs, 50% say they are seeing a reduction in disciplinary actions. Schools with the proper implementation of a 1:1 program saw those numbers increase to 86% (Devaney) Community benefits Significantly impact beyond schools to families and communities with students acting as mentors. Students are helping parents, siblings, and others use technology.
I. Conclusion Even without a 1:1 program, technology can be an effective tool when all the pieces of the puzzle are brought together to serve the same purpose Simply having technology is not enough. Focus on planning, student achievement goals, implementation, and teacher training. With proper planning and implementation goals, you can expect to see better results, and even high results with a 1:1 program properly implemented.
