The Top 10 problems in Ed Tech

[Michelle Davis]

What are the major problems you are facing? How do you plan to solve those problems?

[Jennifer McMaster]

Thank you for this fantastic discussion. Because I'm not an educator myself, I'm interested to hear how teachers deal physically with technology in the classroom, i.e., does the dynamic change when there's a computer between you and the student? And how do you handle students working independently on projects with different technology tools within a single classroom (I'm specifically thinking more elementary grades)? It seems that so much of student engagement occurs during the interchange and discussion between teachers and kids. Are there ways that technology helps or hinders this interchange?

[Joel Josephson]

I may be your first member from across the seas. My aim is to try to create some interaction between what is happening in North America and Europe. Our problems are similar but compounded by 28 languages (at least).

Who am I? I am the founder and executive director of the Kindersite Project http://www.kindersite.org This is a free resource used in 18,000 schools in 157 countries to engage and motivate very small children for the Introduction to technology, introduction to English (1st & 2nd) and special needs.

I am also involved, or have completed, 8 European Union funded education projects as part of the Lifelong Learning Programme (UK spelling). http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/index.htm . Most of these projects are addressing, languages and use of technology in language learning. You can see brief details about the projects on the home page of the Kindersite with links. Most are at the cutting-edge of education, in one way or another.

I am also involved in a further 8 proposals for new projects, some not restricted to languages (results being announced this week, praying hopefully).

One of these proposals in particular is directed at this subject. We identified similar problems that you have with Web 2.0, and our proposal is looking to build a new Web 2.0. application that will be a full suite of simplified Web 2.0 tools for teachers. These will include:
1. Single registration/login
2. A single profile page (teacher, class)
3. Completely secure environment
4. Simple toolsets that use standardized tools and features across all applications (low tech barrier)
5. Set of best practices and examples created by teachers for teachers, on using the tools in education
6. Forums, communication space for educators to place additional ideas and 'peer-mentor' their colleagues

We decided not to talk about blogs, wikis but instead at their functions i.e. So the applications will include uploading, sharing (or not), editing, and communication tools. Users will set the functionality within the spaces for each content item.

Of course, I may well not get funding for this idea, in which case happy to look at alternatives to realizing the project. I must mention that my collaborator in this project is Professor Thomas Connolly (Uni of Western Scotland) he is one of the leading technologists in the UK (founded the largest research dept. in a UK university) and chairman of the European association for Games in education.

[Bob Martin]

I'm a technical trainer for the Missouri Research and Education Network. I travel the state of Missouri, teaching teachers, librarians and tech coordinators how to use technology in the classroom. Over the past year I have been asking this exact question in the form of a round table discussion at the major conferences we present at in the state as well as informally in my classes and presentations. The results, as I am tabulating them (I'm recording the audio of the sessions so I don't have to scramble to write it all down) are not what I expected.

Of the three major groups, let me share with you what I have discovered so far:

Teachers- There are three major issues here. First, we may be assuming too much of the average work-a-day teacher. Most of them (especially outside the urban areas) are still really not even AWARE of Web 2.0 technologies and are only just now becoming curious about them. For those with a bit more technical savvy, the next stumbling block is training (what is it and how can I use it effectively in the classroom). And then, finally, the perception of web 2.0 technologies, not only in the classroom, but in the principal's office, at the board level and in the community. In most of these places, there is still a very negative connotation to Web 2.0 tools (can anyone say MySpace?).

Tech Coordinators- Surprisingly, the vast majority of tech coordinators, when shown the positive benefits of Web 2.0 tools are VERY positive. Let's face it, you can't be a tech coordinator and NOT be a geek to some degree (I only say that because I was one...!). First for them is just a simple lack of knowledge of the application of these tools to the classroom. In short, they are NOT teachers, for the most part, so they aren't in the loop and need education. Second is network security. Not that it is a concern if these tools are used right, but they may not know of the controls that can be put in place, and are quick to say no because of CIPA, overprotective principals and CYA based school boards. Finally, and most shockingly, this group (over 50 of them polled so far) have simply said that the reason they block all this stuff is because nobody has ASKED them about it. Once again, we THINK everybody knows about it and wants Web 2.0, but remember, WE are the early adopters. Let's face it, we're talking about this in a Ning... You think the majority of teachers are doing this? I can say for sure, at least in the microcosm of Missouri, no way.... not even close.

Finally the librarians- In a unique position to be a little more liberal with permissions, this group says that it's simply a lack of knowledge and understanding that keeps them from adopting these tools. Well, that and the time to research them... But that's where we come in, isn't it?

[Brad Meyerhoff]

First of all, thank you for allowing me to follow this discussion. It's great to hear different sides of the issue so we can find a way around the wall.

Lack of knowledge, which leads to fear, has been the largest obstacle I have seen in my sessions. No matter what class I instruct, web 2.0 discussions always finds a way in. Still, I have several educators who don't know what it means or the possibilities of web 2.0. The fear factor also comes in to play. Do you think fear of liability is a factor? If a student posts something negative or hurtful on a blog or wiki, who is responsible? The student? Educator? School? There are privacy settings to limit the chance of this happening, as well as proper monitoring, but that fear pushes educators away.

I am trying to find a way to show educators and librarians how to implement web 2.0 tools in a safe manner. Beginning with privacy settings in blogs, wikis and social networks, we need to expand our training to demonstrate internet safety with the students. For example, what can they post, what they should or shouldn't post in their comments, photos/videos, etc.

What are your thoughts? What web 2.0 safety concerns have you dealt with?

Again, great discussion! I have totally enjoyed it.

[Jenny Donegan]

Acceptable Use Policy is Golden

I have the students and parents sign the agreement which covers your areas of concern from copywrite to blogs to bullying, CONSEQUENCES ( my favorite). Create the acceptable use policy have a section for signing parent and student. No computer access until signed and filed. You will need to work with the school to get support and buyin. I instituted it at the last school and now it is part of registering for school. So basically, it takes that policing burden off the teacher who has better things to do and puts the responsibility on the student and parent. I have found it super effective. Just make sure everyone enforces the policy and you will need to be viligent, but then they find something else to do that does not have negative consequences, like the assignment at hand :)

Jenny

[Jenny Donegan]

Support from the top down and the bottom up. Effective clear leadership that encourages collaboration and shared governance.

Most recently I worked with a private school as a technology integrator and served on the technology committee. The main problem in this current situation is that the Administration have a very broad items in their school wide plan and no technology plan. The technology committee was tasked with a 5 year technology plan, but a critical piece was missing. communication with the teachers who will use the technology and they as subject matter experts can provide technology decision makers with valuable insight into their goals and needs in technology. Currently they have set up a Wordpress site to provide communications, they have department blogs. I asked the technology person setting it up to work with Admin to have a structure to each department section to include technology items brought forth at their division meetings. I suggested there be a mechnism in place to capture the technology discussions or have a discussion forum for each department. Then the technology committee planning the technology for the next 5 years will meet everyones needs and have a good collaborative planning that meets the entire school's needs.

I struggle with the fact that we continue to employ technology without forthought to the support, training and management of these technologies. That is why a comprehensive technology plan can be a valuable and guiding force to move forward with a plan that everyone is a part of.

Jenny

[Sean Nash]

After much work on the ground level, networking both digitally as well as face to face at several major conferences...
I wrote this post on what I consider to be the four big things needed for technology to not only thrive within classrooms in your school or district... but also to allow modern technology to transform the classroom into something better than before. I hope it contains some fuel for reflection by others:

FOUR PILLARS OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION



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