When it comes to developing content specific curriculum, teachers, coaches and administrators look to common core, national curriculum, and state standards. These standards are introduced to future teachers before completing their education training. It’s drilled into us during curriculum professional development. And it is looked for on teacher lesson plans.
What many educators are not aware of is that there is a specific set of standards to be used when bringing technology into the classroom. That resource is published by ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education. ISTE goes so far as to provide separate sets of standards for students, educators, administrators, and technology coaches. As people and technology evolve through the 21st century, educators need to rethink education: resources and environments. The ISTE standards guide educators and administrators along the path to implementation in this digital age of learning.
Administrators and technology coaches both share a responsibility in leading teachers and providing them with the necessary tools to successfully use technology in their classrooms. Administrators are the leaders of the vision who empower their teachers. Coaches are the leaders of implementation who prepare their teachers. But both are actively involved in creating a vision, providing access to students while meeting diverse needs, and staying current.
The first similarity between these two sets of standards is the creation of a shared vision and accompanying strategic plan. These are then communicated and advocated for with all stakeholders. Lastly, both parties need to be involved with evaluating progress as well as new concepts so that necessary changes can be made.
The second similarity is the emphasis on providing equal access to all students, regardless of the diverse needs with which our students come to us. School initiated 1:1 device programs ensure all students have a laptop or tablet regardless of their financial situation. Coaches assist with teaching strategies to differentiate, as well as provide a variety of resources to meet varied student needs. Equitable access for all students then allows for local and global awareness and the ability of students to positively contribute to society.
The last similarity I would like to address is staying connected, as in the adults staying current on technology and engaging in continual learning. The computers in the classroom today look very different from those that entered classrooms in the 1980s. Electronic devices are now evolving at an ever quickening pace. Apple marketed their first mass-produced home computer in 1977; OS X software was created in 2001; Apple launched the iPhone in 2007; the Apple Watch was launched in 2015. (Daily News) And well, isn’t being a lifelong learner the model we want to be for our kids anyways?
Regardless of your role in education, reflection and continual learning is vital. Personally, I participate in PLN, chat groups on Twitter. I'll leave you today with a shout-out to #sunchat!
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