by: Dom Lisi

Several years ago I had the opportunity to co-speak on the “Wonders of Instructional Technology and Moving Toward 1:1” along with Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District and honored guest at this years Fulton City School Districts Technology Summit. I was struck by the fact that we as educators often tend to complicate the simple while knowing it's our inherent responsibility to help simplify the complicated. Just in reflection of my own answers to audience questions during the Ithaca City School district Google Summit Q&A session back in 2014, I could easily see how we all fall into the trap of over complicating virtually everything. As Dr. Brown and I began to take questions, one of the ICSD teachers walked up to the auditorium microphone and proceeded to read a typed, page-long question that centered around having the time, resources, training, professional development and expertise to carry on such an enormous task. This was in addition to preparing for students who will now have a mobile device with them in every class. As I began to formulate a response, which I am thankful was interrupted, Dr. Brown interjected and simply suggested that the teacher (and perhaps others in attendance) “Google It”. My first reaction was that perhaps I should exit the building quietly. Quite frankly, I felt the response was a gross oversimplification that provided little to no direction. However, as Dr. Brown continued, he explained that we as educators must model for our students 21st Century Learning skills that we hope they’ll adopt and embody.

First, if we follow that philosophy, collaboration and communication (both identified as a 21st century skills) challenge us to reach out to others that have already successfully taught in a 1:1 environment. A quick Google search of 1:1 districts yields a wealth of information regarding teachers and school districts who have been through the process and are now successfully helping children learn with their mobile devices. It’s likely they’d share their experiences, or perhaps agree to collaborate on a future 1:1 project.

The goal of instilling and modeling 21st century learning skills also inspires us to think critically. So as we dive into the “Google it” world and begin to sift through all the thousands of resources available, we as educators must begin to refine, assess and implement strategies using the instructional methods and tools that best fit our style of teaching. In doing so, we begin to meet both current and future needs of our students. The last “C” in the four “C’s” of 21st Century skills is to create. No greater challenge exists than to...create. To an educator this means creating new and immersive lessons, objectives, and transformational learning opportunities for our students. This, above all others, encourages us to search for projects, activities and lessons that serve to engage and motivate our young learners and to inspire them to succeed.

So as we begin this journey, our first objective is to simply..... “Google it”...

Your Questions, Our Answers (FAQ)

G-Suite & Chrome Highlights

Instructional Technology Support