Technology Integration in "Cohort 21" Schools

Technology Integration in "Cohort 21" Schools A path forward for education in an increasingly digital world

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Frequently Asked Questions and Reflections/Recommendations

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Ryan McMichael ELMP 7768 Summer 2021

What is educational technology? 

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“Education Technology (also known as “EdTech”) refers to an area of technology devoted to the development and application of tools (including software, hardware, and processes) intended to promote education. Put another way, “EdTech is a study and ethical practice for facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.” “ [3] The key with educational technology is enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved. Educational technology can help us teach our children more effectively and prepare them for the future

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How is it currently being used? 

G Suite for education is currently used as a method for organizing class materials, communicating with students, assignment management, and communication with families.

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A variety of tools like Pear Deck, Desmos, Kami, and EdPuzzle are widely used throughout the school district. There are a wide range of resources available to students and teachers. o Other examples can be found HERE [6]

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The Journal has a more exhaustive LIST OF RESOURCES [7] There are likely other tools and resources that are available. The list of options for schools to use is endless.

Is it being used effectively?

While we are confident that educational technology is being used effectively, we know that we can be even better. The past school year has shown us that we can use educational technology to promote learning and improve student achievement. Everyone has done an incredible job adapting to the modified school environment. Now that we see the benefits of incorporating more technology into the classroom and we’ve gained some experience with it, we can work towards making it even better.

Who is using technology?

Everyone uses technology. Technology plays a major role in everyone’s daily life and school is no exception. Educational technology is used by administration, teachers, students, and even families.

Why should we be investing in technology?

The world is changing constantly. Our growth as people has become more and more accelerated as we have developed more impactful technology. We need to prepare future generations to operate in a world that is evolving so rapidly. Investing in technology will help us accomplish this goal.

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Where is it going?

FORBES [9] made 14 predictions about the future of technology in the classroom. These predictions represent a small range of the potential growth we may see in the future. The possibilities are endless, and we need to prepare our children for them.

Benefits for Students? Benefits for Teachers? Benefits for Families?      

More consistent communication Keeping people connected whether they are working from home or at school Keeping students more engaged Providing real time feedback Enhanced learning experiences that are difficult to create in a traditional classroom or with remote learners Supporting students with disabilities o More information can be found HERE [10]

What technologies should we be using?

Anything that can enhance the educational experience for students, families, teachers, administrators, and other community members. We are off to a great start but we need to continue to incorporate more educational technology in our school.

Reflections The time is now for us to embrace educational technology. The more it can be integrated into our current educational environment, the better off we will be. The potential for these tools, resources, and instructional approaches will have great benefits on our educational system and we need to be swift and decisive at embedding educational technology into our school community.

Recommendations     

Providing a district-owned device for each student (One-to-One Initiative) Improve network infrastructure to support increased online usage Address access issues amongst student population Provide Professional Development for teachers and administration Host information sessions for students and families o Tech Night o Family Educational Technology Night o

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References [1] James Madison University. (n.d.). Ed Tech Hero Image.jpg [Image]. https://www.jmu.edu/coe/ltle/_images/Ed%20Tech%20Hero%20Image.jpg [2] Langer, B. (2020, July 15). educational-Tech.jpg [Image]. MCIU Lerning Network - MCIU EDTECH TRAINING GUIDE. https://learn.mciu.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/03/educational-Tech.jpg [3] Lazaro, H. (2020, July 15). What Is Educational Technology and Why Should It Matter to You? General Assembly Blog. https://generalassemb.ly/blog/what-is-edtech/ [4] EdTech Magazine. (n.d.). In The News Featured EdTech Magazine 2020.jpg [Image]. EdTech Magazine - Managed Methods. https://managedmethods.com/wp-content/uploads/In-TheNews-Featured-EdTech-Magazine-2020.jpg [5] Stellar Preschool (via Facebook). (2016, October 17).

14707981_1088850237829666_359641 [Image]. Post and Photo. https://scontent-lga32.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.181728/s1080x2048/14707981_1088850237829666_3596418257651105997_o.png? _nc_cat=100&ccb=13&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=E8o3iPt9_wUAX8AXHu2&_nc_ht=scontent-lga32.xx&tp=30&oh=53bdd9791599aac9700c21f8c3f3b09e&oe=60EB672A [6] McGuire, S. & venngage.com. (2021, March 22). 10 Technology Tools To Engage Students In The Classroom. TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/technology/9-technologytools-engage-students-classroom/ [7] Schaffhauser, D. (2020, April 28). Updated: Free STEM and STEAM Resources for Schools During the COVID-19 Outbreak -. THE Journal.

https://thejournal.com/articles/2020/04/28/updated-free-stem-and-steam-resources-forschools-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.aspx [8] Yossundara, A. & dreamstime. (n.d.). education-technology-make-your-successfully-risingup-toy-block-colorful-graph-as-being-use-75211160.jpg [Image]. Education Technology Make Your Successfully Rising up - Stock Photo 75211160. https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/education-technology-make-your-successfully-risingup-toy-block-colorful-graph-as-being-use-75211160.jpg [9] Editors, Forbes Technology Council. (2020, January 13). 14 Predictions For The Future Of Classroom Technology. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/01/13/14-predictions-for-thefuture-of-classroom-technology/?sh=b722e7951c5c [10] Castelo, M. (2020, May 6). Using Assistive Technology to Empower Students with Disabilities. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2020/03/using-assistive-technology-empowerstudents-disabilities-perfcon [11] Pierce, D. (2015, August 11). 20150811_AV-Trends.jpg [Image]. 3 Key Trends in AV Technology for Schools. https://thejournal.com/-/media/EDU/THEJournal/Images/2015/08/20150811_AVTrends.jpg [12] Ravitch, D. (2017, December 29). ed-1513725582.jpg [Image]. 5 Risks Posed by the Increasing Misuse of Technology in Schools. https://edsurge.imgix.net/uploads/post/image/10585/ed-1513725582.jpg?auto=compress %2Cformat&w=1024&h=512&fit=crop