When Worlds Collide -- How Can We Do Better?
This week I have been knee-deep in the real-world application of Kayla’s dilemma of integrating technology and not wanting to repeat the same expensive mistakes of integrating technology that is not used and learners find irrelevant (Kang, 2021). We are looking to replace Smartboards that are aging out with flat panels. The issue is that the Smartboards were barely used beyond the substitution level on the SAMR model (Hilton, 2016). It is so frustrating that so much money has been spent attempting to integrate technology to have such a low return on investment.
I was fascinated (and agree) with the
advice to use the admin take on of “try not to react to but lead digital
transformation” (Kang, 2021) as this is what is needed for sure. We are reacting to the aging out of
technology. We are taking small steps to
improve in that we have surveyed staff to learn their needs and wishes and are
planning a much more extensive roll-out of professional development. We are working to make it job-embedded and
relevant while listening to learner needs (Learning Forward, 2021).
However, this is not leading the digital
transformation. It is still
reacting. To lead the digital
transformation we need to keep purpose at the front of everything – student learning. We are asking students to learn and process
information and technology should be a tool to help this—not a shiny object that
becomes an expensive paperweight. This
is very hard. On the one hand, we need
staff that is watching emerging trends and then thinking about how that
technology might fundamentally change the way we teach students.
I think we are doing fairly well when we
consider using technology to deliver lessons and to communicate and collaborate
with each other. Where I see us lacking
is interacting with content through technology and using technology to allow us
to reach higher levels. For example,
with all the technology that we have, why are students still learning to solve
complex mathematical equations without technology?
The challenge is how to keep up. Teachers at all levels (I am a teacher of
adults who teach students) are very busy and are challenged with meeting student
needs and technology becomes an add-on.
I agree with all of the advice that says to talk to the learners!
This is where the UTAUT model is so powerful. By looking at the learners’ and teachers’
perspectives of performance, effort, social influence, and facilitating
conditions an administrator can make some decisions (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003). In our case, we found that we did not have
enough belief that it is important to use Smartboards and also that we didn’t
have the infrastructure for professional development to maintain use and enthusiasm
for Smartboard integration. No wonder we
failed!! Using the UTAUT model we were able
to get a better handle to do better! How
exciting!
Hilton, J. T. (2016). A Case Study of the
Application of SAMR and TPACK for Reflection on
Technology Integration into Two Social Studies Classrooms. Social Studies,
107(2),
68–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377996.2015.1124376
Kang, H.
(2021). Successful Technology Integration - Admin'sTake-Ons. Kansas State University | EDACE 765 | Week 7 Study Guide (2021Fall).
Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://k-state.instructure.com/courses/114982/pages/week-7-study-guide-2021fall?module_item_id=3213779
Forward, L. (n.d.). Standards For Professional Learning | Learning Forward. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://learningforward.org/standards-for-professional-learning/
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425-478. https://k-state.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01KSU_INST/1260r8r/cdi_gale_infotracacademiconefile_A108912880
So I guess this begs the question - do we always HAVE to use technology, or have the latest/greatest in our classrooms? I think we get so caught up in the "21st century" skills and tech hype that we think technology is the answer to every question. But I think we've all shown it doesn't have to be. Why do you have to replace the SMART boards? Why not look at new furniture that allows for the classroom to be configured according to the needs of the class or activity? Why not look at just a good, solid projector that allows for mobile connections so you don't have to be tethered to the front of the room? Why do we always go searching for the silver bullet when we have some golden options already out there that could enhance the classroom without breaking the bank!
ReplyDeleteJust thinking out loud....
kiera
Your thinking is exactly my thinking--but not everyone shares our thinking. ;-) I think it was interesting about a position that is dedicated to emerging technologies. It feels like that is just an impossible mission for K-12, but sooo needed. I often think that we would be best served by sticking to some tech basics and reinvisioning education through that lens. So many that makes me sound like a dinosaur.
DeleteNo, it doesn't....I laugh at the term "emerging technology" in education all the time! Because by the time that the technology gets to education, it's almost on its way out the door in the business world!! We want to be 'cutting edge', but that isn't fiscally sound in our world - I don't know an educational system that can continuously shell out the dollars every time Apple reinvents the iPad or MacBook Pro.
DeleteI remember a few years ago we spent thousands and thousands of dollars to put digital signage TV's at every building in the district. I spent weeks and months learning the networking behind the product and before the project was even complete, the company we purchased the digital media players (box on back of TV that we could control) from announced that they were end-of-life. They were brand, spanking new to us, but end-of-life in their world, meaning no more product updates and supports. Talk about a kick in the teeth. But that's how it works...by the time the "emerging tech" gets down to education, the rest of the world has already discarded it and moved on to something else.
I think you're exactly right in what you said - stick to the basics and reinvent ourselves with what we have.
I think this is a pretty familiar story with your SMART boards. When I started at my position, I received a tour from a long-time co-worker. He showed my their high tech classroom with huddle pods. He mentioned how cool they were, but how little they were used. Because of that, they're phasing them out. Right now, the college is investing a lot in HOT (here or there) classrooms. They sound really nifty, and I know some faculty will use them. However, I am still worried they will suffer the same low-adoption rate. I do have some hope though with the threats of low enrollment and now having a dedicated office to training faculty to use these. There is such high burnout right now though from the pandemic, it still worries me.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. That is another issue we face -- burnout. One of the things that really stressed out teachers was using new technologies in ways that they never had -- literally overnight. Many are still catching up. Professional development must be MUCH bigger than the roll out. Unfortunately, most of the money is spent in hardware and software.
DeleteYour opening statement says a lot. It is hard to start with realizing that a mistake was made. So often because of the cost, that acknowledgment does not happen. That is a big step to cut the losses and turn a different direction. I think you have the right mindset and are making the right steps moving forward. I am curious what direction you will take next after collaborating with students and teachers; you made a great point that all perspectives should be considered. You also focused on leading digital transformation. I think that is the take-on that I would be completely lost trying to make happen. I wouldn’t even know how to start being ahead of that curve. Do you have faculty that are responsible for watching the emerging trends in technology?
ReplyDeleteWe do not have staff dedicated to watching emerging trends. We have AMAZING folks in our tech department and they are not educators. They look to me for that but it is a very small part of my very large position. For this initiative, I have assigned another person to work with the tech department to establish professional development. That person is excited, but doesn't know how to use it either. However, she is a master facilitator and I am excited to see how she leads a small group to learn and then share. It is a lot for sure!
DeleteSo the question that comes to mind given your post is about the necessity of the technology. Maybe if the new and shiny has a good chance of becoming the paperweight you describe, we are failing as a team to implement in the first place? Or maybe it is the culture? Consensus or consent culture can many times make even logical adaptations illogical. You elude to trying to stay ahead of the technology curve. As part of our weekly staff meetings, we discuss new and emerging technologies Anything people see, experience or could be beneficial to the group. If the group finds merit, we explore deeper (unless it is a mandatory drive by the college). I have found this approach helpful in at least the buy-in phase of the technology. I agree- no one wants wasted times, resources or future paperweights!
ReplyDelete