Week 3 Innovative Leadership
Week 3
According to Crompton (2023), two best practices to support student learning that are tied to the ISTE Educator Standards are personalized learning and digital collaboration. The ISTE Educator Standards advocate for technology that improves differentiated instruction and empowers students to take ownership of their learning, as seen in Standards 2.5 (Designer) and 2.6 (Facilitator). According to Crompton (2023), "Considering learner variability is important to highlight in the standard as a reminder to educators to consider the needs of all types of students." This shows that we need to personalize learning experiences for students, and technology can aid us. In accordance with ISTE Standard 2.4 (Collaboration), digital collaboration can also be used to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Crompton (2023) emphasizes the role digital tools play in facilitating peer interactions, global exchanges, and real-world learning experiences. This information can help me create a Technology Vision for my district, focusing on the design divide, because it supports the idea that educators need to be aware of how to increase meaningful technology use in their classrooms. Through the use of technology, we can increase collaboration and personalized learning for students, creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. This can be achieved by creating a Technology Vision that focuses on professional learning for teachers to implement the ISTE Standards.
Gonzales (2019) highlights the challenges faced in a 1:1 initiative, such as device management, teacher training, funding, digital equity, and sustainability. These challenges can be addressed by a strong Technology Vision because my vision will prioritize equity, funding, and training. All students in our district already have 1:1 devices and internet access inside and outside of school due to procedures in place. Honoring these in the new Technology Vision will ensure equity for students. Communicating with stakeholders will ensure funding for devices and teacher training. The ISTE Standards will provide guidance by fostering a shared vision and advocating for professional learning.
The ISTE Standards for Students, Educators, and Education Leaders serve as a roadmap for creating inclusive digital learning environments. These standards can guide my creation of a Technology Vision to address the design divide by ensuring teachers are trained on technology tools so students have equitable access to and meaningful use of digital resources. When collaborating with stakeholders, I can leverage Students as Empowered Learners because the standards emphasize personalized, student-driven learning. Implementing technology that supports this can bridge gaps in access and engagement. Educators as Designers and Facilitators will also be included in my Vision, as educators should be trained on how to integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in their classrooms. When collaborating with stakeholders, I will ensure we have the necessary resources so teachers are supported in this area. Lastly, for Educational Leaders, it is important to have a strategic plan during the process of creating the Vision. By engaging stakeholders, leaders can ensure buy-in, funding, and sustainability of the effort. All of this ties back to the ISTE Essential Conditions. If I focus on equitable access, ongoing professional learning, and student-centered learning, this Vision can address the design divide in the district.
Crompton, H. (2023). Evidence of the ISTE standards for educators leading to learning gains. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 39(4), 201-219.
Gonzales, M. M. (2020). School technology leadership vision and challenges: Perspectives from American school administrators. International Journal of Educational Management, 34(4), 697-708.
Claire, I really like how you connected the ISTE Standards to building a Technology Vision for your district. I totally agree with your point about personalized learning and digital collaboration being key to helping students succeed. I also think your focus on equity, teacher training, and getting stakeholders involved is perfect, especially when facing challenges like funding and device management. Good job!
ReplyDeleteWe are in line with our visions of better personalization and more meaningful engagement opportunities. I am still struggling with the notion of how this actually works in a classroom, where state testing is the end goal. Our district has spent untold manhours developing pacing guides for the district adopted curriculum, narrowing it down to the most essential standards our students need to know. Diving deep into authentic learning opportunities takes time away from the pacing guides and has an unknown outcome on the coveted state exams, where we are facing real consequences for failure. I still think it's valuable work, I just don't see how it's accomplished in the current climate.
ReplyDeleteClaire,
ReplyDeleteNice concise analysis of the importance of ISTE standards. I particularly resonated with the focus "on the design divide, because it supports the idea that educators need to be aware of how to increase meaningful technology use in their classrooms." While my situation relates to staff training (University RAs) and not a traditional classroom, this is the major challenge for us. Given the excess of responsibilities that educators in all environments have these days, the cost of staff training time (especially if it requires paid presenters or conference/workshops) can be as much of a financial burden as the devices. I liked the way you were able to tie the two articles in with the standards. Good job!