(Cross-posted on the Google for Education Blog.)
There isnt a playbook on how to introduce new technologies and online tools in the classroom, but we know that admins and teachers often learn the most from talking to each other. We recently spoke with instructional technology administrators and superintendents in Illinois who use Google for Education tools. Here, they share their recommendations for everything from rolling out hundreds of devices to introducing a new solution to thousands of students and teachers:
1. Get teachers involved
The educational technology team at Waukegan Public Schools took a similar approach. After the schools introduced Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks, Lighthouse Lead Learners were identified at each building to help with professional learning at the building and district levels. Since the instructional technology staff cant be at every school all the time, this group of teachers is instrumental to making sure teachers and students get the support they need, says Mary Mlinar-Stephens, Director of Educational Technology Innovation at Waukegan Public Schools.
2. Let students choose
Schools dont need to offer students two devices to put this idea into action. Provide students different ways to learn, for example, by letting them choose between a video, slideshow or article. Says Anne Truger, Director of Educational Technology Innovation at Waukegan Public Schools, Students are paving their own learning path and are choosing the resources that help them learn best.
3. Look at the districts culture
Jennie Magiera, a Google Certified Innovator, formerly a CPS teacher and now the CIO of a neighboring Illinois district, embodies a spirit of sharing and collaboration. In her Education on Air keynote, she discusses tangible steps to empower students to help transform classroom culture. Jennie and many other CPS educators participate in trainings at peer schools and speak at conferences like Education on Air to share their expertise.
4. Provide technology professional development for teachers
After the free summit, teachers introduced new tools to engage students and collaborate with peers outside the classroom. For example, a civics class used Hangouts to connect with a class in North Carolina and engage in a debate on the civil war. Another teacher incorporated Google Draw in her lesson plan to cater to students who prefer to express their ideas in artistic form. When teachers have the opportunity to learn and practice using new tools, they see even more ways to take their use of technology in the classroom to the next level.
CPS Educators demoing Google Expeditions at Googlepalooza |
5. Be Patient
Many schools expect teachers and students to embrace new tools the week theyre adopted, but often it takes months or even years. Getting used to a new way of teaching and learning takes time, and its important all stakeholders know that impact cant be seen overnight. Explain to boards and superintendents that this is a process, Grey says. Dont expect everything to change in two months. And support your staff on this point they need to know youre not keeping score.
Ross Vittore, Director of Innovative Learning at CCSD 59, captures these schools sentiment when he says: Dont adopt technology for technologys sake. You want to create an environment for 21st-century instruction.
Check out more schools stories and join us for a webinar on January 28th at 3pm ET / 12pm PT.
Weve heard great stories from many of you about how youre using technology to do amazing things in your schools, so were going across the U.S. to see for ourselves! Check out the map below to see where weve been. Wed love to hear whats happening in your state, so please share your story on Twitter or Google+ and tag us (@GoogleForEdu) or include the #GoogleEdu hashtag.
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