Topics, Ideas, Keywords…
As I begin this course in effectively integrating and utilizing technology in classroom and library settings, I do so with a mix of apprehension, curiosity, and bewilderment. The secondary school where I work is on the verge of major changes; a new building has been a long time coming, and with it, we are undertaking to shift how we deliver curriculum as well. A more connected, less paper-based, technology-focused school program is the vision. How we will get there has been a long source of debate between teachers, parents, students, department officials, and public interest groups. There are both practical and theoretical hurdles we as a school-community will need to address. At present, this project has been so long in the planning stages, it seems people are tired of it before the construction has even begun.
I’ve divided my thoughts into two parts: the practical challenges and the curricular challenges of effectively utilizing digital technologies in my school environment.
- Practical challenges
- System capabilities/infrastructure vs. demand on usage
- Access to technology
- BYOD?
- Parental permissions
- Liability issues
- What constitutes acceptable use?
2. Curricular challenges
- Effectively using personal learning networks
- iPads as classroom/library tools
- collaborative publishing and privacy concerns
Our library is something of a “testing ground” at the moment so far as technology integration is concerned. Over the past 6 months, the administration has gone through innumerable hoops, trying to get us moving toward being more connected. We will hopefully have iPads available in the coming weeks and are also hoping to be able to offer ebooks before the semester is out. The roadblocks and red tape my principal has waded through have been amazing. That being said, we have yet sit down as a school team to make a plan as to what we are even going to do with them when they are available to be borrowed.
I would like to be able to offer students useful tools through the library that will encourage learning and help them become savvy digital consumers. I would also like to be able to offer advice to my staff on how to integrate this technology effectively and constructively into their programming, helping to ensure they are meeting the curricular outcomes of their courses.
At the moment I have few ideas on how to do either…