- Communication is key...communicate with administration, parents, students and utilize multiple forms of communication!
- Give it time to see real transformation of the learning environment to occur...This was key for me because I tend to want everything to happen yesterday!
- When evaluating the transformation or disruption of the learning environment, realize that without effective edtech support, true TRANSFORMATION of the learning environment won't occur...What he meant here was, introducing iPads into the classroom does substitute the tools of pen and paper and it definitely augments the learning environment because the very nature of these tools is engaging; however, the teacher is still the dispenser of all knowledge. True transformation won't occur until the learning environment becomes student-centered and prescriptive or individualized to meet the needs of each learner. Effective teacher support systems must be in place to achieve the upper levels of the SAMR model as shown above. This is why districts without these resources tend to see programs plateau and never completely achieve true transformation.
- To achieve maximum benefit, teachers need to remember these tools can empower the students and teachers need to make sure they get out of the way and allow that dynamic to occur. An example he provided was this student-led project that produced this music video:
This was an excellent session that provided a great deal of valuable information, but more importantly, a great deal of inspiration and ideas for truly transforming the learning environment...stay tuned for reports of progress made!
