4-A-2+Wiki+Posting+Five+Ways+to+Think+about+Change

=Home > Assignments > 4-A-2: Wiki Posting: Five Ways to Think about Change=

List five ways to think about and address changes in technology in your classroom and school. With each way briefly describe how you plan to apply your thinking with your colleagues.
 * INSTRUCTIONS:**

Before developing your five ways to address change suggestions consider the following:
 * Considering the list of fears you brainstormed in the previous assignment, what are the common objections and fears your peers or administration may have to changes in technology?
 * How can you assess if the the objections/fears are valid? How can you educate your peers in determining if these fears and objections are valid?
 * How can you inspire peers who share similar beliefs and interests to apply changes in technology to their classroom or students' learning ?
 * How can you get peers out of the "Resistance" phase into the "Exploration" phase?

Post your "five ways to address change" in the table below. Review your peers' postings and post at least one comment in the Discussion Tab above.

2. **"Ten for Tech"** - The last (or first) ten minutes of a faculty meeting could be devoted to sharing out from staff members websites they have discovered, management techniques for dealing with the various technologies that their school has, or even throwing out a request for support (let's say they have an upcoming unit on plants, they might throw out a request for any technology type resources that peers have used in the past and would be willing to share), sharing out things learned at a technology conference. 3. **It's Not YOURS, It's Not MINE, It's OURS** - Keeping with the spirit of sharing and knowing how limited our time is, there should be a dedicated area on the district's server that is a repository for teachers to share lessons, SmartBoard files, etc. that can be used and/or modified by their peers. 4. **BBBs (Bits & Bytes Buddies)** - Just as districts have mentors for new teachers, so to districts should have buddy systems for technology use. Each teacher should have a buddy that they can go to if they have a question about the use of a technology, to bounce ideas off of, etc. It's much easier to ask for help if there is a known point of contact rather than thinking, 'OK, I need to know about XYZ, now who should I/can I ask?'. 5. **PR** - There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with self-promotion! Let's face it, if YOU don't share out what you are doing, who else will? If your class is doing something of interest using a type of technology or website or collaborative project online, then SHOUT IT OUT! Most districts have district newsletters and believe me, those reporters/editors are always looking for stories. So why not make that next story your story? You would be surprised at how your colleagues will come up to you and say, 'I see you're doing XYZ. You know, I was always curious about it. Do you think you can tell me more?' || Nancy S || 2. **Have success stories available to share** – If teachers in the “resistance” stage see how technology is working already, they can be more willing to try something new. 3. **Provide hands-on training** – I foresee this training as showing the basics of the new technology and then allowing me to try it out while there is still support available to help if I need it. 4. **Provide follow-up training** – After a new technology is implemented, follow-up with those that are using it. We could then see how others are doing and maybe pick up some new tricks. This would also be another form of support if some people are having problems. 5. **Name an expert** – Someone in the building should be the “go-to” person in the case of a problem. This person could be a student, staff-member or teacher, but is someone that knows the technology and is able to trouble-shoot. || Beth S. || Communicate the plan and benefits to student learning. I plan to use a wiki and a blog in the classroom. The approval process in my school district involves a formal request to use the technology. Supervisor and principal sign the approval. Before using the technology, written permission is obtained via a letter or email to the parent detailing the technology that will be used, safety precautions and guidelines. Both parent and student signature is required. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Consider mistakes as an opportunity to learn. Gamers are used to trial and error and prefer this method of learning. Encourage peers to allocate time to play with technology – take small steps. Use a blog or wiki to share ideas with peers. Not everyone is ready for change at the same time. Having a resource such as a wiki available when a peer is ready to use it is more valuable than just attending a workshop on technology. The result is students are more motivated to help others and apply their technological knowledge to learning content. Gamers want to be guided but do not want to be micromanaged. However, it is important to have clear goals and defined guidelines (acceptable and not acceptable). || Toni G. || 2. Teachers also need to know //why// they should use the techonology. Is it going to increase test scores? Improve abstract thinking? Help students solve problems more quickly? Teachers must know the reason behind the request to implement something they are unfamiliar with. 3. Also, supports need to be offered to teachers who feel uncomfortable with computers, the Internet, SmartBoards, etc. An in-service training would be a great opportunity for fears to be alleviated. I think one of the most important things that can be taken away from this is for teachers to know they are NOT going to break the computer. It may do something that looks a bit concerning, but practically everything can be undone. It may make teachers more comfortable to experiment if they are reminded of this. The more time someone spends "playing" on the computer, the more proficient they will become. 6. In addition, if there's not a tech specalist on staff, another teacher who feels more confortable could partner up with the novice teacher. The novice teacher could see how their co-worker utilizes the technology for teaching in their classroom and implement some of the same ideas. If they have a problem or a question about a program, they know who to go to for answers. Over time the novice can come up with some of their own ideas. 4. Teachers who do not know how to use a certain program can be taught at the same time as students. As students learn how to navigate through a web site or simulation game, the teacher can learn as well. When it comes to technology, many of the students in the classroom are going to know more than the teacher. This should not scare the teacher. Hopefully they will see this as an opportunity to instill confidence in their student, as the student takes on the role of teacher. It also sets a good example of modeling what to do when you don't understand something. One option - find someone that does understand and have them explain it to you! || Sarah P-S ||
 * ==**5 Ways to Address Change**== || ==**Submitted by:**== ||
 * 1. **Classroom Walk Throughs** - As simple as this sounds, Kapp did refer to this in the book. Sometimes a teacher is stuck in a rut in terms of their classroom layout. By seeing other classes, they might get some ideas as to how to reorganize their classroom to help foster the Net Gen students' learning styles. Perhaps regrouping some of the desks/chairs, changing the location of resources/technologies that are used in the classroom, and something as simple as moving or totally eliminating the 'teacher's desk' could have an impact on the way our students learn.
 * 1. **Create a support system** – Have an informal group of teachers that are using technology in their classroom. This group would also be able to troubleshoot when problems come up.
 * **Involve parents, administrators and students in making changes in technology.**
 * Do not be afraid to experiment and make mistakes**.
 * Encourage information sharing – discussion groups – online – blogs and wikis. **
 * Learn from students – it empowers them. **
 * Change your mindset from being the dictator/teacher to a facilitator/coach. **
 * # **Create a support and knowledge community**-I believe it is important to share information and observe each other teaching with technology.
 * 1) **Provide lots of training opportunities**- Technology changes will be smoother if teachers have time to play/experiment with the technology. I would let them know that mistakes are okay.
 * 2) **Let them know that technology is a tool not another subject**- I would explain that technology integration should happen everywhere, not it isolation and that it is a supplement to the curriculum not THE curriculum.
 * 3) **Classroom management support**- I would like to employ a technology specialist, provide teachers with time to observe other teachers teaching with technology, and provide training for classroom tech management.
 * 4) **Involve the stakeholders**- I would have an open communication and build the technology program at the school together, with a shared vision among the stakeholders. || Michelle F. ||
 * 1. First of all, school administers, or whomever is suggesting (requesting) that teachers incorporate more technology, need to be specific with their ideas. They can't just say, "use more technology." Does the administration want students to utilize the Web for research? Do they want teachers to incorporate simulation games into the curriculum? This might need to be laid out in more detail - especially for teachers who are not as familiar with technology. They might not even know where to begin when asked to use more technology in the classroom
 * 1. **Creating Technology Webmasters in our school -** I know that one of the many complaints amongst many teachers when they do try to implement new technology into the classroom, is that we don't feel as if there is anyone designated that we can go to with our questions or concerns with different technology software in our classroom. Our computer teacher is great and tries but he still has classes to teach as well.

2. **Creating a Technology Committee -** Our school, as I am sure others are, is big on having committees for everything. I think it would be a great idea if there was a committee that was devoted to technolgoy. They could work on holding trainings for the technology in the school, investigate and discover new technologies that might be valuable to the school. Finding individual software programs that would help grade level specific units. It would be a place that people could go if they have questions or suggestions.

3. **Parent Technology nights throughout the quarters -** This would be one of the major tasks of the technology committee. These parent nights would be optional trainings that would introduce them to the technology that their students are using, it would provide basic training, tips and information on using technology at home that might help to support the students with additional class assignments. It would be a way to help educate the community of parents to help infuse technology at home as well.

4. **Have Technology center/class managing discussions -** This could be done per grade level and be a way to assist with ideas, techniques or strategies to incorporate and manage technology into centers so that it takes some of the pressure off the teacher to feel as if they have to know how to use all software. It would also help those teachers that are not willing to step forward and say they need help.

5. **More Training -** No matter how wonderful anyone is at using technology, it could never hurt to have more training opportunties. I would love to see training sessions that teach you the basics of the software followed up with training sessions where you get to collaborate to create lessons and activities with the software to actually use in the classroom. || Holly S. || for using technology, as well as show that the use of technology does not have to cause problems with classroom management. After observing, allow time for the teachers to debrief in order to ask and answer any questions. || Jared C. || 1. Require use of Web 2.0 resources for every teacher- Most teachers, regardless of age, have heard of some form of Web 2.0. With that familiarity, it might be easier to institute change and have some teachers champion the use of Wikis or podcasts. I would guess that there are a percentage of teachers at all schools, at least at the high school level, that already use these. This might be a bit much to tackle, depending on the make-up of the faculty! 2. Start out smaller and have every teacher be required to use the LCD projector at some point during each marking period. This would at least get all teachers, especially those most afraid of technology, to use some modern technology. They can be required to turn in the lesson plan that goes with the accompanying lesson. 3. Sponsor a faculty in-service day that deals with the implementation of technology. Focus on not only how it can be used, but also how easy it is to use. 4. Have Tech savvy faculty members serve as consultants to those teachers who are using newer technology in their rooms. As the video stated, mistakes are inevitable and training is the key to a successful implementation. 5. Make it a personal goal at the start of the school year to include some new technology in your classroom for that upcoming year. You can research what is available, ask colleagues and students for suggestions, and just explore the vast array of what the modern world has to offer! || Lou R. || 2. **Create teacher experts**- Teachers who are knowledgable and enthusiastic about using technology can be "go-to" people for teachers. These people should be volunteers, otherwise they may resent having to provide the help. 3. **Allow time for teachers to "play" with technology** - After the training is over, set aside time for teachers to actually try the technology out. 4. **Ask the students**- Many times students are more familiar with technology than the teachers. Instead of feeling flustered by this, embrace it. Use their knowledge. You'll learn more and they'll appreciate you asking for help. Students will also provide honest feedback about what they would like to see in the classroom, as far as technology goes. 5. **Ask for feedback** - After being trained on technology, send out an email asking everyone (or just a few colleagues) about their success or frustration with using it. This will give you more ideas about your own classroom. || Megan S. ||
 * * Encourage collaboration - expand the technological arsenal of the experienced users and hopefully allay some of the fears of the non-users by showing them successful activities.
 * Use available resources - FCPS has tech trainers assigned to each feeder pattern that are more than happy to come out and work with staff whenever it is convenient (in-service days, after school, mutual planning times...) and offer half-day workshops periodically that few teachers take advantage of.
 * Technology PLC - allow a group of teachers that are comfortable with technology (or even ones that are not but are curious) to work on shaping the direction the school is moving in. They could put together training, write grants,...
 * Allow students more freedom of choice with assignments - teachers could learn different tools from their students by allowing them to choose their own technology.
 * Incorporate technology goals into the school improvement plan - set achievable benchmarks for students and staff in terms of technology and make it part of the school's long-term planning. || Jessica M. ||
 * **Technology Team** - I would begin by establishing a group of teachers who were eager and interested in finding ways to integrate technology into daily lessons. The technology team would be on a volunteer basis, and would work to show the positive side of using technology; hopefully easing the fears of other teachers. The team could answer questions and work with other teachers to help plan for technology use. The team could also include a few student members to hear their opinions, and gain a different perspective.
 * Provide Training-** In order to make all teachers feel comfortable with new programs, websites, and forms of technology, ample training must be provided. Teachers need to opportunity to experiment and ask questions in order to feel comfortable using new resources. Training could be mandatory during staff meetings, or also be voluntary held briefly before or after school by the technology team.
 * Encourage Sharing-** Provide a few minutes during grade group meetings and whole school staff meetings to share out. Allow teachers to share what they have tried that has worked, or what challenges they faced. Encourage and praise all levels of buy in during this time, and allow time for suggestions/discussion among one another.
 * Provide Resources-** Create a folder that is accessible to the entire staff, possibly located on the school's shared network, where teachers can share websites, smartboard lessons, and educational games, and programs that have been used to integrate into the curriculum. A helpful list of resources that align with the content being taught could encourage teachers to see the benefit of incorporating technology into daily lessons.
 * Allow for Observations**- Some teachers may want to use technology but are not sure how to do so. Create a list of teachers who feel comfortable using technology and would allow for other teachers to observe their teaching. This would allow inexperienced teachers to learn various strategies
 * **Put time on your side**. Help teachers understand that technology should be integrated into the curriculum they are already teaching. It should be used as a tool for teaching. It is not a separate subject that requires more time and planning.
 * Share your technological testimony.** Teachers who have used technology successfully in the classroom should share what has worked for them and the impact it made on the students.
 * Share ideas**. Great websites and activities online should be used within a professional learning community.
 * Get students involved**. Teachers who are new to using technology will benefit greatly from letting their students share what they know. It may be a little outside the comfort zone, but kids have a lot to teach!
 * Allow for failure**. Teachers need to let themselves learn from trial and error. Concepts may take a while to sink in, but the best way to learn is from making mistakes. Also be flexible. || Emily H. ||
 * 4-A-2 Wiki Post: Five Ways to Think About Change
 * 1. **Provide training**- Use one faculty meeting to provide teachers with training on different Web 2.0 tools. Have them create a plan to use at least one in their classroom. Teachers can sign up to see presentations on technology that they are truly interested in using - if they get to choose, they'll be more willing to participate.
 * [|4 A 2 Five Ways to Think about Change.docx]

sorry about the link - my post kept undoing the table format || Ruth || 2. **Make lessons more trial and error** - while there may be only one correct answer, let students explore to find it. 3. **Make lessons research-based** - let student do more multitasking, research-based lessons. __//The School//__: 4. **AUP** - the AUP must be enforced; otherwise, what is the point of having one? The District does not permit students emailing while in class; however, when found emailing, absolutely nothing is done about it. Therefore, students do not feel they have to adhere to any of the other parts such as not cyberbullying or looking at porn sites or anything else that is prohibited. 5. **Have more input into the filter settings** - currently, the state is in charged of the filter settings. It would be helpful if teachers had more input as sometimes there are problems doing research given the current settings. 6. **More Professional Development** - recently, SmartBoards were finally installed in all the classrooms. As a group, we received one hour of how to use the boards and a handout. The district is offering training to become certified SmartBoard trainers to a few select people from each school so we will have trainers within the building to help. That really does not help when in the middle of a lesson something goes wrong. || Roann MC ||
 * __//My Classroom//__: 1. **Make lessons more interesting by adding more visual and/or auditory aspects** - there are now any number of things that can be added to lessons such United Streaming videos or interactive programs that will make the lesson more interesting.