Element 3: Digital Age Learning Environment

I believe that technology is only as helpful as we make it. Using technology is not the same as transforming the learning experience with technology. It is also important to note that technology can never replace a quality teacher. However, I also believe that digital technology can be used by teachers to transform classrooms of all grade levels.  

An elementry classroom using digital technology has the capacity to break down the physical boundaries of the class and use the world to learn. Teachers might lead virtual field trips, or facilitate discussions with classrooms of the same grade across the world. Classrooms can keep track of current events as they follow what is trending, or share projects they've worked on with their family and friends through virtual showcases. With the use of tools like google forms teachers can ask the whole class a question and recieve instant feedback from even the most quiet student. With the help of digital technology students can lead their own learning and work at their own pace, allowing the teacher to meet one on one with students and provide assistance where needed. 

As I met with PLCs or individual teachers I would discuss their vision for their classroom. We might start by discussing some of the goals that the teachers had for their classrooms. What do they want their students to experience/ what are their objectives? We would review the tools they have and identify ways those tools could be used to transform their classroom experience, or look at other tools they have access to that they may not be using already.  

If there were teachers who felt they needed more support from me, I could meet to create a more in depth plan iwth them. We would identify the struggles they face and what digital tools might help them to overcome those hurdles. We would identify prossible problems that might occur when they try to implament the digital technology, and create a contigency plan or alternate path incase something fails to work. 

We would create a plan for what the students would do. We would need to identify prior knowlege and what knowlege was lacking to utilize those tools. If the teacher wanted me to come and teach her class a new skill we would schedule a time for me to come in. We would also plan for regularly scheduled time for her class to review age appropriate digital citizenship. After we met I would schedule a follow up appointment to discuss what went well and what the next steps might be. Durring our follow up meeting we would discuss what went well and if there were breakdowns. From there we would create a plan forward in how to move forward with the class. 

For teachers who felt confident about using technology but who wanted more ideas for their classroom I would direct them to Google Educator groups that they could join. These groups can be local or global and allow teachers to share and discuss the use of digital tools to meet their students needs. I would even be willing to create and facilitate a school group for teachers to discuss and share within our building community.