What do we mean by a 'Technology Rich Environment'?
Quite simply this is an environment where there is appropriate access to the right types of technology, it is used effectively for learning and a culture exists where digital skills can be nutured and allowed to flourish. It is important to note that a Tech Rich Environment is not about flooding a school with 'kit'. It is an environment that will take time to mature with the right support and mindset. It is an environment that has removed as many barriers as possible to accessing appropriate technology for all learners.
Why do we need this type of environment?
The way children and young people learn today has changed, the provision of information from a teacher has moved to instant ubiquitous access to information through the internet. Skills to be able to curate, collate and understand this information are vital now and for the future. Through access to technology the ways in which we socialise, make transations, work, shop, has transformed our lives, many people today are in a constant state of connectedness. As educators, ensuring children and young people can use technology safely and responsibly through learning is a key part of the culture of a Technology Rich Environment.
The future world of work for many young people will be entirely different, different jobs requiring different skills, more contract project based jobs as opposed to a lifelong profession. Young people today will absolutely need the skills to be participate in the global digital marketplace. For example many job interviews are now conducted using Skype and workers are remote working. Skills for communicating through digital methods and collaborating are considered essential by employers. Developing a positive digital impression as opposed to a negative digital footprint is also a relatively new concept, but is increasing evidenced as desirable for future work and life.
It is pretty much accepted that technology can and does engage young people, however the provision of technology alone does not equal engagement in learning. Hence the Technology Rich Environment brings together the very best opportunities for learning. Learning with technology makes learning relevant as digital participation and engagment is the youth culture of today.
Being more efficient and effective with the use of our resources.
Economic benefits of a Technology Rich Environment can be evidenced, certainly there are savings that can be made from using the tools themselves and the way the environment is established and matures. We have begun to identify a few key savings that can be made:
Time, the most precious resource of all of our teachers and learners. Teachers using apps such as Google Classroom have found it saves their time, chasing up homework. Creating homework tasks and duplicated personalised copies of documents for each student. This is done automatically with the options when an assignment is created.
Expensive software requiring installation has become much less of a need and relied upon. There are free apps such as 'Duolingo' which are subject specific, but also collaborative tools such as the Google Docs which negate the need for licensed products. We fortunately have access on online MS Office Apps through the use of Glow.
Time and Travel can be replaced with the use of better, easier and free online conferencing tools such as Google Hangouts.
Reduction of Printing and Photocopying by having access to digital copies by way of the 1-1 device. The chosen device also has a touchscreen saving printing costs for Visually Impaired learners. Pupils are becoming less reliant on printed copies as the online version becomes the Master version.
Service Management Costs, annual service charges can be minimised or uncessary as the devices themselves require no heavy end management or separate Active Directory Logons.
Server Storage. Onsite servers which can be costly are no longer required for curriculum materials. Using cloud servers and unlimited storage with Google Drive, pupils can save images, voice recordings, clips and video edits. These may include large files for project work that have not suitable to be stored on smaller size limited local servers.
Text Books available as online or e-books, these not only save purchasing costs but can also reduce the weight of the pupil's school bag.
As the distance learning model grows the opportunity for more course choices for our Highland learners. The thinking behind this can be demonstrated here at United Classrooms.
Reduced storage requirements for Outlook Mailboxes. Rather than attaching files (for files that are not personal or sensitive information) a link can be sent to the file stored in the Google Drive.
Google Forms are a really easy way of creating online surveys, they have built in analysis tools and are simple to use. This saves subscription costs to online survey tools.
Google Docs now have built in Voice Typing, this is a new sophisticated core part of the doc as opposed to an 'Extension', This saves addition licence costs for dictation tools.
Using a Chromebox with a plasma screen can be used as an information screen by having a scrolling collaborative Google Slide deck. This can save associated costs with an expensive digital signage system reliant on a separate server.
What does it look like in terms of devices and technology?
Adequate networks, connectivity and filtering supporting:
Devices with specific software (teacher devices, computing science, technologies, graphic communication, music, industry standard e.g High Spec and Macs)
1-1 Provision - we are proposing chromebooks. This is the most inclusive approach and the device meets Teachers stipulated requirements
Ability to use a personal device as a companion device where approved and appropriate
Technologies that encourage curiosity and construction skills - coding , app development and making
A range of devices suitable for very young learners, may include touchscreen tablets and simple recording equipment
Screen share and projection tools
Technologies that are right for learners depending on any additional support needs.
Technologies that are right for future developments e.g 3D printers.
Opportunities to try new technologies in a safe environment
A common platform or 'glue' that knits it all together, supporting anywhere, anytime access, irrespective of what type device is being used.
What else needs to be in place?
A clear training strategy to support teachers in the use of technology for learning. For Highland we can offer local support but encourage the use of online tools ourselves. The training centre offered by Google also provides routes for profession certification which contributes to the General Teaching Council of Scotland's Professional Update. The Google training is very much focused on the use of technology in the classroom as opposed to just the tools themselves.
As well as having the right infrastructure and technology in place it is really important to establish a clear vision for each school ideally co-created with all in the school community. A good example is Lundavra, a new primary school in Fort William, they have created their own vision, helped by the Local Authorities Vision. The Lundavra example can be found here.