Forth Twitter Chat

Forth Twitter chat https://storify.com/golandatrim/edtechbridge-wed-21-of-october

My First Twitter Chat Assignment

Enjoy my first Twitter chat https://storify.com/golandatrim/edchat

Third Twitter Chat: Creativity and Intelligence

Enjoy viewing my third Twitter chat. https://storify.com/golandatrim/friday-october-27th-2015

Twitter Chat cancelled

Here's a Twitter chat experience that shows the inter connectivity of technology yet still relies a human presence.https://storify.com/golandatrim/twitter-chat-cancelled

The Education Cure

You can also view my Storify on Education at https://storify.com/golandatrim/finally-my-fifth-twitter

Technology Plan Part 1

     The technology plan I selected is from the Greenwich Public School. It is an online plan that I

chose since the program I work with does not have a technology plan. This plan does meet and

exceeds the expectations of criterion in the rubric. The plan’s vision statement is evident on the first

page of the document where it state, that under their plan’s vision by the 21^st century, their

classrooms will ensure that technology is an integral and ubiquitous part of a flexible and relevant

environment; where students will be challenged to responsibly demonstrate knowledge of  the use of

technology and information resources and to think critically and creatively about solving problems in

an effective  and efficient manner.

       There is a mission statement that does meet the criteria of the rubric with its clear focus on the

instructional outcomes, and a clear indication of the school’s district plan to ensure its technology in

education is a teaching and learning tool. When the plan used,  it will be effective in its support to

help transform the way students interact and enjoy personal growth.  In addition, the goals for the

plan as exceeded the expectations of the rubric. It is very broad and was designed to meet every

student learning styles and level. The goals outlined a variety of expectations. For example, it has a

goal for curriculum integration, professional learning, equitable access and resources, the funding

goals for the life of the  plan and the evaluation that will develop a continuous process of evaluation

and accountability for teaching and learning for technology.

          In my observation, the biggest positives about the plan are that it has a very colorful and bold

outlook to its layout. The headings and sub-heading are in bold forms.  In addition, there is much

useful instructions/information found under every heading. For example, there is an introduction,

vision for the plan, a mission that the plan sets out to accomplish a review section as well as focus

area and a variety of goals and strategies for guiding the user and making the plan user friendly.

        While it is important to have multiple strategies because of the different learning styles students

bring to the classroom, some of the negatives I have observed with the plan is that the set goals are

too many and very in-depth. For example, there are approximately seven different sub-headings of

goals with various expectations. I believe it is too much; hence, with regard to changes I would make

to the plan, would include eliminating some of the instructions and condensing the expectations. This

is due to the prevention of overwhelming students.

    Whether or not this plan accomplished its goals, I would definitely say to an extend it did, despite

the intensity of it content. It is important to also, understand that in a classroom there are different

populations of students. Therefore, this technology plan much be implemented across the school

board, and it must be differentiated to accommodate all its students.

 

Technology plan part 2

         In the article, “Developing Effective Technology Plans” by John See, he mentions some very

important points that are still relevant in technology plans to date. It is still important to have in the 

school, technology support personnel who will be  available and willing to attend workshops and

staff development meeting  in order to be aware and be  informed of the various technological

advancements. The personnel must be willing to attend these training sessions, like the author

mentioned in the article and  stated, that it is the school districts’ responsibility to provide its staff

with professional Development. This, ultimately will benefit the individual worker for his or her own

personal and professional growth.  Another aspect that is still applicable to today’s technology plan is

having sufficient funds to supply the school with updated device and equipment.

        On the other hand, some of the information mentioned in the article is no longer relevant

to today’s technology plan. For example, spending thousands of dollars for a device that serves

only one purpose is no longer an issue. In the world today, there are different ways to ensure

that money is allocated correctly; almost every technological device today can be used for

multiple purposes. In fact, there is no need to purchase a special device for teaching

keyboarding since almost every student has a phone or access to a phone and very often, acquires

this skill from texting and or playing video games. Moreover, having them practice on an old

type-writer will definitely  be highly annoying to students in today’s classrooms. Students are

coming into the classroom with the pre- knowledge of keyboarding from a very tender age.

Teaching keyboarding is no longer a priority for schools. The priority for schools today is to

have the fastest working network systems and the most advanced equipment.

696K Reading Response:

                    Future Ready Schools: Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning!

1.     a) In the reading under the heading “Getting High-Speed Internet” The suggested best approach in the reading for connecting schools with high speed Internet is by Internet over Fiber which really could not be used, even though it is the fastest and most reliable service, the cost does not permit schools to own their own fiber. Even though it is the best suggestion, this will not work for every school as the most effective and reliable.

     b) The alternate approach I would choose for connecting my school with high speed Internet would be to obtain the right of use contract (IRU). This generally provides adequate use of the service for extended periods without any limitations. This would absolutely be the best option for consistency that allows learning to take place without unwarned interruption of Internet services. This would absolutely be the best option for consistency that allows learning to take place without unwarned interruption of internet services. In the midst of a class lesson and or teachers performing administration task would be the most damaging. For example, using the suggested internet service does not guarantee the school that their service would not be interrupted for the lack of payment. The simple reason is because not every school as a budget that can afford to keep paying as they go at such expensive cost. In the midst of a class lesson and or teachers performing administration task it is quite possible that their service could be interrupted. This would be most detrimental and frustration experience for the school community.

This is closely connected to my favorite quote from one of the heading the reading where it states that, “Technology is at the core of virtually every aspect of our daily lives and work, and we must leverage it to provide engaging and powerful learning experiences and content, as well as resources and assessments that measure student achievement in more complete, authentic, and

meaningful ways.” We must consider all of the factors mentioned in the above quote in order for us to be complimented and to feel comfortable that we are in fact providing the entire school community with the best and most effective level of technology.

2.  What I have comprehend from the information in the reading some of the biggest challenges schools would face if it were able to get the speed it needed to the Internet are,

(a) The wireless signals, which will rely on the placement of the access point in order to defuse the interruption of the level of speed the classroom, receive.

(b) The difficulty of passing wires through concrete foundation that is dangerous as it could result in various interferences from sources like Bluetooth devices or microwave ovens. Check for interference at different times of day and on different days as part of your network assessment. It may be that interference from devices peaks at a key time during the day, requiring an increase in access points to compensate.

( c ) Another challenge the school can encounter if they were to get the speed needed for the Internet is being able to provide the correct network assessment with the recommendations for the appropriate location and sufficient capacity of access points that is need to be installed same.

3. (a) The device I would choose if I were given a directive to standardize devices across my district. The considerations that I would consider when making such decision is first to consider the fact that not every parent will be in a position to supply their child with a device. So, I will make sure every student is given the same opportunity to learn. I will ensure that the computer lab is equipped with sufficient devices. Most likely I will choose laptops since these seem most inexpensive and more user friendly to every grade. Some devices are more expensive than other. Therefore, it will not be a fear to have some students working on the most expensive, not necessary the most effective device, while others are forced to accept the less expensive models. These situations create opportunity for teasing. This should never be encouraged.

(b) The device I will choose if told I need to work with a cost constrain is to supply the school with the one device that could be used if possible across the school community for both teachers and students. Since, not every device work comfortably for each grade level, I must find one that will work across the board. For example, instead of supplying different devices to each grade level, I will unify the complete school community with the same device that every student and teacher can use and be comfortable using it while learning and completing assigned task accordingly. This will be the desktop computer.  So, every student will be given the same opportunity to attend computer period and be able to participate in lesson activities together as a group in a learning community.

The downside to having to choose this one device is that teachers for example will be place in a disadvantage position of not having individual devices available in their classroom. Nevertheless, for the teachers who are interested in integrating technology into their lessons can always request the use of the computer lab rooms for such purpose. This is from experience, as I personally worked in a school where the teacher would take her class to an available computer room when ever she plan an interactive technology lesson for her class. Since, there were not sufficient and yes no high speed Internet service to her room.

( c )  The program I would choose to implement is the 1 – to – 1 initiative. Having the “bring your own device” (BYOD ) policy could result in teacher- student struggle. Since accounting for outside devices that student may show up with could cause constant confusion as every student would want they device to be accounted for at whatever point they decide to show up with them. 

4. In my judgement ranging the five discrete from most important will be in the following order that which will provide the most proficient service to the entire school community. Everyone involve will be comfortable knowing that all is well first and foremost with their privacy as well as to protect against inappropriate contents. In addition, you want students to have some ownership and to exercise their independence that will prove their maturity. Also, it is important to be able to manage the devices accordingly and last but not least accountability. Students must be held accountable for the device in their care. We all know things happen but letting students know that there are held to some extend as responsible is a great way to help them become more keen and observant of the property and immediate environment. 

a)     Student privacy requirement

b)    Safeguarding against inappropriate content

c)     Responsible use & digital citizenship

d)    Device Management

e)     Lost or damaged devices

·        Using these policy in the order in which I perceive is the most effective for ensuring all students, their privacy and devices are kept protected. Another of my favorite part of this entire document is where it is stated that all “Devices require ongoing management including keeping software updated, adjusting filtering settings, and changing system preferences. Software tools can be installed on devices to make it easy to remotely update them without users having to take them physically back to the school each time an update is required. This software may also collect information about how devices are being used in order to better support students and teachers. The district is responsible for maintaining up-to-date security and privacy settings to prevent hacking and protect student data. As schools transition to online assessments, installation of special software may be necessary to ensure a secure testing environment.” While, I am fascinated with technology and all of its advancement, here is where I become very scared. I am very worried about the terms privacy and its conditions moving forward into the twenty first century. The claim right now is that people’s privacy is always protected. But, listen to the news and the reports are often worrisome. For example, these very big financial companies you believe will have the budget to maintain the best security system to protect people’s privacy. But yet still reports show that their systems have been hacked. 

5. Finally, of the four sections “Getting High-Speed Internet to Schools, Getting High-Speed Internet Throughout Schools, Getting Devices to Students and Teachers, and Responsible Use, Privacy, and Other Considerations.” The one best service I consider to be the most important to a school’s success is responsible use, privacy, and other considerations.” Without this service there is no way a school and its community could function in a smooth effective and productive manner.