the ict disconnect in our schools

The ICT disconnect in our schools

The elephant in thecorner of the room

Where is the digital revolution?

• The promise:– high engagement– deep learning– real world connections– critical thinking– powerful networks

• The reality:– slow uptake– hardware hassles– safety concerns– diluted learning– significant expense

• Baby-boomers– technology as a necessary evil– learn via instruction and following patterns– grew up in an era when people asked “do you

have the phone on at home?”– rule followers, not rule breakers– they ask “what was wrong with the way we were

doing things?”

Who is delivering tech-mediated learning?

• Generation Y– no such thing as technology– learn via goal-directed play and via relationships– grew up in an era when people asked “why do you

have the phone on at home?”– Only follow the rules they can rationalise– they ask “why should I do it your way?”

Who is receiving tech-mediated learning?

How can we be ready for Gen Z?

1. Teacher self-concept2. Real student engagement3. Managing the reality of hardware4. Managing the risks5. Training time, training budget6. A good reason for using ICT

The issues

• Build clever teams:Build clever teams:– Project focused, mixed ability, Project focused, mixed ability,

well resourced, clear parameterswell resourced, clear parameters

• Celebrate small successesCelebrate small successes• Show and tellShow and tell• CertificatesCertificates• FoodFood

1. Teacher self-concept

2. Real student engagement

• Gen Y approach– Real world problem with a clear rationale– Range of tools available– Quality, ethical instruction– Working together– Goal-oriented play– Fast, colourful with built-in rewards– - let them create the media

2. Real Student Engagement

• Nothing is simple• Nothing is cheap• Every decision must move the school towards

its strategic goal• Use the support available• Under promise and over deliver

3. Managing the reality of Hardware

• Acceptable Use Procedures!! Test and review• Communicate with parents regularly• Educate parents and teachers• Change classroom teacher behaviour

4. Managing the risks

• Never enough time! • Project based or not at all• In house experts• Give and take• iPods – anywhere – anytime• Del.icio.us (smc_professional)

5. Training Time – Training Budget

• Match strategies to outcomes and to kids• Don’t shift delivery methods – shift thinking• Broader audience for review and affirmation• Collaboration with experts (skype, blog)• Critical writing and response (interschool blog)• Quality research (not google search)• Manage learning over time (google

docs, del.icio.us, wiki, e-portfolio)

6. A good reason

There is a gulf which is widening between teachers and their students as their worlds drift apart. Situating learning and assessment within a student’s world is a first step to bridging that gulf. Presenting a research task as a PowerPoint show is not part of the answer.

6. A good reason

not a luxury…