School District Implementation- Digital Education
- 1. The Process of Implementation within a School District- A Digital Learning 1:1 Approach
- 2. Goals for 1:1 ProgramsEach district will develop its own goals during the planning process but some common goals for 1:1 programs are:To improve equity of access to technologyTo improve the quality of learningTo institute and support best practice in technology educationTo increase student engagement and comprehensionTo prepare students for the world of workTo improve the home-school connection(Technology & Learning, 2005)
- 3. What WorksEarly research shows that 1:1 computing produces impressive results. In several studies, researchers’ findings indicate that 1:1 computing provides greater access to resources, up-to-date information and instructional content for more students and families as well as increases student motivation, engagement, interest, organization, and self-directed learning.Educator benefits were found to increase professional productivity, encourage greater collaboration, and improve home-school communication.More recent 1:1 computing initiatives aim at improving student attendance, academic rigor, individualized instruction, cost savings, and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals.(Technology & Learning, 2005)
- 4. Taking the First StepAnalyzing a district’s current situation is an important first step. In order to address 21st century needs, schools have to engage in continuous renewal and improvement.There are a number of tools that schools can use to evaluate the existing situation. For example, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis can help highlight areas that need attention. An educational SWOT analysis would help planners decide where the organization stands and what it needs to do to reach its goals. District analysis should focus on successes and resources, note areas that need improvement and capitalize on new strategies.The Mindtools and Education World Web Sites provide more information referencing SWOT analysis.(Technology & Learning, 2005)
- 5. The Technology Planning ProcessTechnology policies and goals should be aligned with instructional objectives, standards, and assessments, and the results should lead to better student achievement. Combining the technology planning and instructional components will help to achieve district goals for student learning. See the Prezi Presentation for examples of factors to change for school districts- systems approach.With a systems approach, districts will integrate technology goals with goals for curriculum and instruction, student achievement, school governance and professional learning if they are to prepare students for the 21st century and global competition. (Technology & Learning, 2005)
- 6. Matrix FormattingTo meet goals and accomplish end results, district planners can create- user-friendly and practical formats such as a matrix to simply the process. A matrix format allows districts to clearly see (on a single page) where they want to be in upcoming years, and to visualize the steps they need to take to get there. In addition, a matrix can be set up to demonstrate alignment among all planning documents, resources, funding sources, and state and national requirements. Factors to consider for each goal include:Objectives, activities & benchmarks, monitoring & evaluation, timeline, person responsible, budget, and alignment to other planning documents.(Technology & Learning, 2005)
- 7. Monitoring and EvaluationIt is important to monitor any new program’s process and evaluation is critical to building success and replicating best practices. As part of the planning process, participants should identify an evaluation team that will determine what will be measured and how. Evaluators will look at such outcomes as teachers’ instructional techniques, students’ learning activities and degree of engagement, professional development needs, and impact on student achievement. Establishing measureable benchmarks prior to the program’s implementation allows for a stronger and clear pre and post evaluation. Both qualitative and quantitative measures are needed to determine success. In addition, evaluations of 1:1 programs can also include a Global Descriptive study that examines the implementation and outcomes.(Technology & Learning, 2005)