21st Century Classroom update What have we learned this year at TCMS?

Desired state for technology integration: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate tools and resources. Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. 

Five-Year Plan 2016-17 2017-18 10 additional classrooms at K-5 Added 0.5 FTE K-5 Instructional Support 300 student devices at 8th grade Added 1.0 FTE 6-12 Instructional Support 2017-18 Proposal to increase I.S. at K-5 300 student devices at 9th grade Proposed addition of 1.0 FTE Tech support

What do we want each lesson our students experience to teach them about 21st Century skills?

Which tool is best to help our students achieve our goals for the lesson/unit? Instructional technology is another tool in your toolbox! For some tasks, traditional tools work better. Other tasks are made possible only through the use of tech tools Key phrase = PURPOSEFUL USE

TECH Tools in the classroom

What Students are saying: Benefits of Access to Tech Tools Drawbacks Easy access to information/research Improved organization Better communication and collaboration The majority of students surveyed (81%) stated that the increased access to technology was a positive experience Technical issues Tablets can do a lot, sometime there are distractions Balance between writing on paper and tablet No keyboards

What Parents are saying: Benefits of Access to Tech Tools Drawbacks Students are more organized Students are transferring digital literacy skills to home Communication is improved Access to online resources to support homework Increased student independence Concern about balance between screen time and interpersonal interactions Technical issues with devices Distractibility concerns Lack of keyboards

What Teachers are saying: Benefits of Access to Tech Tools Drawbacks Improved communication with students and parents. Improved organization of course materials (for both students and teachers). Students can “go at their own pace” Students are more independent. Increased ability to differentiate instruction and personalize learning. “Gaming” apps are very engaging. Students have additional opportunities to demonstrate learning. There are still some technical issues that get in the way. Keyboards are increasing in importance. More access to coaching support would accelerate integration.

What we have learned so far: What Doesn’t work Technology does not fix all issues! Trying to use technology for every learning task is not effective. Lack of clear expectations = issues! It takes 3-5 years to effectively integrate a new technology into practice … don’t over-expect perfection right away! Nuts and Bolts Charging the tablets Lost or broken pen Forgotten or broken device Syncing and the network capacity (chunking is a good thing)

What we have learned so far: What Works Inking is a game changer! Online resources = no excuses. Tech puts a world of information at kids fingertips (literally). Students have a lot of tech skills that benefit the classroom. Students engage at high levels when given choices and authentic audiences. Achieving BALANCE between traditional and tech-based learning is critical. Peer to peer sharing of experiences is valuable for teachers (and students). We are in a great place compared to many other districts!

Next Steps: 2017-18 School year Expand the 1:1 tablet device distribution to include all 8th and 9th graders in the 2017-18 SY. This would enable us to glean greater understanding of implementation considerations for almost 600 students in two buildings at once as well as associated staff, many who may not yet be familiar/comfortable with the incorporation of tablet devices into the instructional environment. Support additional 2:1 iPad classrooms at FRES and CRPS. Number TBD by current device replacement schedule from technology reserve. Proposal to increase Instructional Support for teachers with STEM coaching positions at FRES and CRPS. Investigate the value of re-branding the initiative.