New Blog

Moving to a new URL...thanks for reading/following my blog these past years.  This summer I started a new job and that means a new blog!  This blog was my experiment to learn about blogging and it was definitely a learning endeavor, helping me to define an online presence.  I hope you all continue to follow as I start my journey as an instructional coach.  My new blog is here...http://tiedyedteacher.blogspot.com/...same name, new URL.  Have a wonderful summer!!

Shifting to a 1:1 Environment

The past year, I have had the opportunity to work on two 1:1 research committees, from contrasting school districts.  The first district, a suburb with a large student body, multiple schools, and a very large infrastructure to manage.  The second district, a small rural school, multiple buildings, and a much smaller infrastructure to mange, in comparison to the first.  Both schools have a dubious task ahead of them, whether or not to jump into the new world of a 1:1 school environment.

Even though both school districts have the same goal, they are approaching the goal with distinctively different actions.  The suburban school district is taking the slow approach, making sure they have all their "ducks in a row" before proceeding to a full 1:1 environment.  They are researching sustainability options, types of devices, visiting other 1:1 districts, planning for professional development, etc..  The rural school district is jumping right to choosing the device, making the purchase, and "jumping in with both feet" to make the 1:1 initiative happen.  Professional development is still a priority, but it is more an after the fact and centered on learning the device.  Looking at the two districts, it is very obvious why each is taking the specific approach they have chosen to take.  The larger school district has been operating pretty efficiently under a BYOD environment and has been working the past few years to get up-to-date equipment in all classrooms.  Even if they did not choose to go to a 1:1 environment, the students would not find their education lacking.  In contrast, the rural school, is struggling to support a 21st century education with outdated equipment and a large percentage of students not able to supply their own devices.  The staff, pushed by their desire to provide a quality education to their students, desperately wants to provide each student with a device.

Is there a right approach to transitioning to a 1:1 environment?  That, I cannot answer.  From both of these experiences, I can say that no matter what, teachers need support.  Teachers, in the trenches, creating the daily lesson plans, need guidance and intensive training maneuvering this new world of 21st century teaching.  They are so busy teaching, they do not have time to go out and find the newest program or device.  It is also not fair to ask them what they need to know, they do not know what they do not know!  They only know that they want to provide the highest quality of education for their students and will do anything to make that happen.