Connectedness

Many schools are excited to join then movement pushing to put technology into the hands of students. Some schools are allowing students to bring divides from home (BYOD) while others want schools to purchase devices for students. Allowing each student to have his or her own district purchased device (1:1). 

This movement has been problematic. Schools have purchased new technology and infrastructure, yet neglected to support teacher training. In the article, A Culture of Innovation,  Pautz shares ways two schools approached this problem. The schools focused on teachers. The professional development was teacher led. Teachers were even asked to share three minute clips regarding technology usage at staff meetings. Technology was embedded in the school culture and used by everyone. The examples in Pautz are supported by Alan November in his article Why Schools Must Move Beyond One-to-One Computing. According to November, it is important to "Ensure that technology is not seen as a new initiative, but as integral to curriculum." So often the technology and not the actions and learning are the focus when technology is brought into school. 

Using NETS A Standard 1, as a guide I would work with my staff to create an urgency. Why should we be using technology? How can technology help refine classroom practice and address our teaching standards? I will need to model technology usage, provide just in time training embedded in staff development, and allow teachers time and grace to explore and learn. If I was leading a transition to 1:1 o BYOD this is where I would start. 

What have you seen impede the implementation of 1:1 or BYOD initiatives?