I interviewed Mrs. Collins, who is the ITRT at Southampton
High School. She has been in education for thirty-seven years. The last seven
years have been spent as the ITRT and before that she was a high school math
teacher. One of the most important issues seemed to be how electronic devices
will be integrated into the classroom. There are a lot of elements that go into
properly implementing electronic devices and there is also teacher professional
development that also needs to take place.
Since the trend is heading toward all digital textbooks
there are issues that arise with that. Some students will be required to bring
their own device and they may not have access to a device, which presents a
problem. This is an important point because this is the direction all education
whether it is distance or face to face is heading.
I have not changed my views, because I work closely with
Mrs. Collins since she was a math teacher and she works closely with the math
department still. So I know a lot about what she does on a daily basis. This is
very relevant to my life after graduation, because I would love to one day be an
ITRT for my school. Mrs. Collins is the only one for the middle, high and
alternative schools for our county. So she could always use some help even if
it was part time.
Hi Sherry,
ReplyDeleteGood thinking! How will you address the BYOD movement in your district? This is a got topic and implementation is no easy task....
As I read your blog I am reminded of some experiences I have had as a music teacher. Much like musical instruments, electronic devices are expensive. This fact creates a situation where a portion of the demographics of any school are eliminated. In music education there are sometimes loaners that the school can provide. The complication this often causes is the loss, and wear and tear on the instrument. Based on my observation students whos parents had a financial investment in their students instrument took better care of their instruments, and kept them in better working condition, thus increasing their success. Students who used loaner instruments tended to be less cognoscente to the maintenance and working status of their instrument. This type of program also tended to be more of a financial burden on the school system because they lost instruments, and had to spend money to repair them. I am sure that much of this type of phenomenon will carry over to technological devices, the only differences are that the population targeted by these types of programs will be greater, thus increasing the potential expenses to a school district. I also wonder if rental programs will eventually become available as they are for band instruments. This could easily create a more inclusive situation for the middle demographic.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry,
ReplyDeleteBYOD was an issue in My interview as well. Adequate access is an issue, and will always be an issue as we all struggle to keep up with technology. I personally feel that we have to have effective planning to deal with this issue and all other integration issues. I am fairly certain that most schools around the country deal with access issues in one form or another. My district tries to remedy this issue by opening technology labs before and after school, and by forming partnerships with community-based organizations that can help students with access outside of school. Our teachers usually deal with this issue in class by forming groups and by allowing students to come in before and after class/school.
Professional development is always an important issue. It needs to be effective (quality) and ongoing to help teachers and students. Hopefully if reflection and evaluation of the technology integration plan is taking place like it should be, it will help those in the drive seat to come to this conclusion. Instructors of course should have a voice in this as well.
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteImplementing new technology and planning for new devices seem to be a critical topic. It is good that you know your technology representative. A good tech rep will keep his staff update and familiarize with technology implementation. Implementing digital textbooks is becoming the new norm for education across the world. Digital books will give students the ability to study and read the content through their mobile devices where ever they may be. Some minor professional development might be required with the implementation process. We as technology educators need keep our focus on the future for learning styles for generations to come.
Sherry--Thank you for your post. You have mentioned several points I discussed with the two tech directors/business teachers in my interview assignment. As a literature teacher, I am forever checking out and collecting novels. Some books are never returned, thus causing an added expense to an already stretched book budget. My high school is facing the text situation as we try to figure out the best way to proceed. Should we buy new novels or utilize the new E-library program available to us this year? What about the students who do not have computers at home or do not have regular access to the computer used by the whole family? We are "under the gun" in the English department. It is our year to buy new texts. Obviously, there are many opinions and ultimately, funds will probably make at least part of the decision. I am personally open to whatever is decided. If we decide to go with the technology rich texts, I worry we will be given only a haphazard training. The two people I interviewed have assured me, they would answer any of the questions the English department might have. Thank goodness for their willingness.
ReplyDelete