In the technology department right now we are debating devices and the benefits of different platforms such as Windows 10 tablets versus iPads at the k-2 level. As we have debated the benefits of both platforms we keep coming back to the central issue which is: It doesn't really matter what device and platform you have, what matters is what are you doing with these devices. Our big issue right now is that we are using our devices as a substitution for worksheets and text books. Our students are not being expected to problem solve and work on real world problems. Our teachers use drill and kill websites to reinforce skills but our students don't seem to have the opportunity to share what they are learning with an authentic audience. As a district we need to really look at how we are using our devices to promote student learning. With this in mind, I want to really focus on inspiring teachers to try new learning strategies and/or instructional tools as well as creating a site-based group of instructional leaders who can model great technology based learning strategies in a blended learning environment.
I am going to accomplish both these tasks by creating a tech integration team for our district. The integration team is composed of 1-2 teachers at each grade level that have agreed to try new learning strategies or tools in their classrooms and then discuss with their peers how these experiments went. I wanted to work on these two characteristics because we have implemented many different types of technology over the past few years such as Canvas and Office 365. In our district we need to move away from integrating new tools but look at the pedagogical changes that need to take place in order to give students more opportunities for deeper learning in the classrooms. I want my teachers to try new learning strategies instead of trying new tools. I believe the best way to incorporate both of these aspects is the integration team.
