Phase V: Changing Instruction/Support

Schools and Districts

Research and experience are clear: technology alone is no solution to the problems facing schools today. However, in the hands of amazing teachers, technology have tremendous power to transform learning. So how does a school or district go about training teachers how to use technology? There are a few guiding principles that may help you out.

Communicate the End Goal

You will need to ensure that your teachers and principals understand the sentiment above. Consider how you will message this vision for teaching and learning with technology. I suggest incorporating a few frameworks that will help teachers and principals conceptualize the goal. My favorites are TPACK and Aurora Institute's Blended Learning Competencies.

Plan Your Measurement for Success

Beyond a clear end goal, teachers, principals, and other leaders need a way to measure success. This measurement tool should be aligned to the frameworks you use but does not need to be directly related. If your district is pursuing accreditation through an organization like Cognia, consider using Environment G of the ELEOT tool. Tools like SAMR and PIC-RAT are also good ways to see if the technology use in your classroom is measuring up. You may also look to develop your own rubric that simply assesses the ways teachers and students are using technology in the classroom and at home.

Consider a System of PD

Having a plan for professional development is crucial beyond your vision and measurement tool. This is also a great opportunity to model effective technology integration for your teachers. By creating a "class" in your Learning Management System, you are giving your teachers the same resource you expect from them as teachers. This also will help you as the leader from not forgetting your plan. This system will help lead to intentional PD support for your teachers in alignment with your vision. This leads to a purpose for the Access we have been striving for all along.

• Large-scale PD: Having a structure like the Google for Education certifications is a great start. If you are looking to support your teachers along the path, consider planning a Boot Camp or Certification Pathway (Fellow #LAX18 Innovator!). This large-scale system will help teacher buy into the process and give all stakeholders a path to success.
• Small-scale PD: Lunch and Learns, Stand-Alone Trainings, and Mini Lessons are great ways to incorporate tool specific training into existing school plans. Consider ways you can speak to technology integration as you talk about any initiative in your school. This modeling will go a long way with your teachers.