Where to in 2013

Where to in 2013 

I have been in my new position for 9 weeks now and am really enjoying it.  I have worked out how our network is structured, reorganised the G Drive (to be implemented on Monday), tidied up a few documents and begun the implementation of a number of other projects.

What is the goal?

In 2013 we will have approximately 200 new Year 7’s turn up on the first day, many with their shiny new devices ready for high school. If they finish the first week not having actively used their devices, there is a real risk they will become disengaged from the process.  My fear is that they will be seen as a waste of resources by the parents and the students will not see the benefit of bringing them to school. Therefore, before the beginning of the new school year we need to address a number of  questions:

• What is it we want students to be able to do with their devices?
• Do our staff have the capacity to deliver lessons that will effectively incorporate a range of devices?
• What is the educational benefit of using the devices and how can learning be enhanced with their use?

Initially, my vision is that students will use the devices to supplement the work they already do:

For example: my maths class will come with their maths book loaded onto their machines. This will alleviate the drudgery of bringing a text book to and from school. (At this stage I will still have them working in exercise books because the time it takes to type out questions and show working is not an effective use of class time for practicing a range of skills.)

Other examples:

• Quizzes and test: Students with devices can complete these using software like the Socrative (http://www.socrative.com).  Great for pretesting students and for in class quizzes and competitions.
• Brainstorming activities: Students can post their responses through websites like todaysmeet (http://todaysmeet.com) Students can post, or send you questions as the class progresses.
• Research, where students research topics on the web during the course of a lesson.
• No lost work. If students are encouraged to save work to their device or through their device to the “cloud” then no matter where they go they will have access to their work. No lost books, no I left my USB at home, the dog ate it, etc. (There will always be a copy you can access from your computer). Currently we are working with people in the Department to implement Google in Education (http://www.google.com/edu/teachers/apps-for-edu.html ) this will be an online learning space where students can store, retrieve and work on their work, teachers can post work and collect work for their students.

These are just a few examples that are easily achievable for most staff, but they will take some preparation and thought over the holidays to prepare for introducing the new devices.

It is important that all of this is underpinned by some skills around using ICT’s as outlined in the Australian Curriculum: The ICT capability learning continuum is organised into five interrelated elements: Applying social and ethical protocols and practices when using ICT; Investigating with ICT; Creating with ICT; Communicating with ICT; and Managing and operating ICT.

I ask staff to consider how the use of ICTs might enhance the engagement and educational outcomes for current classroom procedures, lessons and activities. Have a look on the internet, search for “integrating technology in the classroom”, “ICT in the classroom”, “Educational Apps”, “Using ICT in ... “ subject area and anything else around ICT’s, Technology and computers.  Be selective, there is some good content material and some not so good. Choose what suits the level you are at now, there is some work to do but it doesn't have to take over everything.

Finally, and most importantly, PLEASE SHARE. If you are implementing ICT's in your class please let me know, comment on this blog or send me an e-mail. The more everyone uses IT the easier it will be for all of us.