My second reaction, is to the idea that “the school system needs to provide for the classroom the tools and skills needed to use these technologies.”

Do we want the “school system” picking the software and tools that teachers will use? Would it be better to have the folks on the front lines having some say in what software and tools might work best for them?

in appreciation,
pete

It will take a lot of time and effort before all of this happens but once it does it will have tremendous impact on students. Students working in classroom using technology will be better prepared for the new world and ready for what life throws at them.

I can see why you would want to buy the second technology offering you described - but the question I have for you is what would you pay?

The reality here in Canada (and often in the States as well, I suspect), is that the technology department gets limited funding - so the ideal technology solution isn’t possible.

Your new definition of success is a fantastic place to focus. Changing the hardware mindset is going to take putting the technology department and the educators in a room to be open about their NEEDS (i.e. we need to improve reading skills by providing students with the ability to not only read books, but also to hear them or to record themselves - not we want ipods), then being open to creative solutions that are both supportable by IT and that meet those educational needs. Create WIN-WIN!

As Districts, we have to measure HOW the technology is being used, not just HOW MUCH technology we have.

We have to get administrators talking with teachers and trainers and the unions in order to find training solutions that work for everyone. I’ve seen honest attempts at technology training run headfirst into brick walls put up by collective agreements. Again, let’s get creative about providing a winning combination of training strategies in order to meet all needs - some online, some interactive video conferencing, some in-person classes, some text documents, some mentoring in the classroom, etc… I haven’t seen one single approach be successful yet!

And finally, I think we need to have a crystal clear and agreed upon vision for what we’re trying to achieve with technology use in the classroom. What are we doing and why? Both teachers and District decision makers need to be fired up about the value of technology use before they’re going to put the time, effort and MONEY behind proper funding of technology (including hardware, software and ProD).

My formula for successful use of technology in education:
1) motivation and inspiration, a clear and compelling vision, leadership
2) reliable and user-friendly technology (hardware, software, networks, servers, etc…) that meets both IT and educational needs
3) a suite of training options, in addition to templates, samples, forums for ideas
4) in class mentoring to support teachers in trying new projects, new ideas that are outside their comfort zone
5) measurement of technology use, in order to provide feedback for funding decisions and system improvement

Mix it all together with a ton of communication and a smile. Bake for 12 years and serve with students to create engaging, exciting, creative and passionate schools!