Technology Trends Administrators Need to Know

Process for this Session Introduction of tool or trend Description of features or characteristics Discussion of ministry and education implications

QUESTION: A parent approaches you and tells you that they are sending their son Johnny to schools with an iPad to use during the day. How would you respond?

Trend #1: Social Learning

Social Learning Forces the re-thinking of the question, “What is a friend?” Anytime/Anyplace/Any where Forces the re-thinking of the question, “Who is an expert?” Tension of openness vs. control

Social Learning Questions What social learning activities are embraced in your school? What are the social learning challenges for your setting?

Trend #2: Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive Whiteboard Questions Does this tool make a difference in student learning? What does the current research say about best practices for using in the classroom?

Interactive Whiteboard Research Initial gain in student achievement that levels off quickly, unless students remain actively engaged with the whiteboard over time. Use of student response systems and other mobile devices aid in this process. Several studies show 15-18% gains over three years on standardized test scores in math and science when regularly used by students. The ability for teachers to network and share resources is also an important step in improving student learning with whiteboards.

Trend #3: Mobile Applications

Apps for Education

Questions on Mobile Applications Obviously, the examples given in this presentation relate to the iPhone and iPod Touch. What other sorts of mobile devices might be implemented? What questions need to be answered in order to utilize mobile devices in our classrooms? What do you see as the role, if any, of mobile devices during the school day?

Trend #4: Personalization and Customization of Curriculum

Expectation of Personalization

iTunes Store -- Customization

Phone Skin Customization

The Textbook Tension: Looking at New, Personalized Solutions

Issues Growing tension between group experiences and individualized activities Expectations of parents and society will likely increase this process over the next 15 years A conflict is building between traditional standards and other forms of accountability

Customization Questions Is a trend toward customization in education desirable for our society? If so, how do we embrace it? If not, how do we stop it? What opportunities are there for Lutheran education in the customization movement?

Searching Beyond Google

Other Trends 4:1 Computing -- Four devices for every student Greater discussion of when NOT to use technology Mobile School -- School as less of a place and more of a series of experiences Expectation of data-based decision-making. Know the research! Others?