Reflections & Learning in ETEC565A

Spent two days listening to how various school districts across Canada focus on change in their schools – Change that means improved student learning and acknowledgement that technology can be a powerful tool to enhance this learning. In every case, leaders made sure that the emphasis was on student learning first, not technology – to make sure that no one makes the mistake of jumping on the technology bandwagon just for the sake of new toys.
In each case, visions were created, new committees and teams were established and the focus for PD moved away from teaching to student learning. Interesting ways that boards handled the PD and how they found the money to pay for new technology that was needed. Common trends were:

• no new money was coming, just re-allocating what they already had
• libraries converted to learning commons, with a greater presence of collaboration through technology
• online PD for teachers (one board started an Earn A Laptop program – teachers finish 8 out of 14 online PD courses and they get a laptop for free for as long as they work for the board.  4 of the courses are mandatory, the others based on interest)
• schools fully wireless
• students bringing in their own devices (BYOD)
• full support of stakeholders by including them in focus groups (parents, teachers, students, trustees, vendors)
• a focus on 21st century skills – and student-centred environments
• innovation initiatives – teachers applying for funding for innovation projects for their classrooms
• better cooperation between academic and ICT departments at central offices

The experience of so many dedicated leaders was very valuable to those of us who attended from our district.  Now to take our learning back home and making our own plan work.  The one sure thing we know is that we have no funds for this so creativity is key!

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