Journal 1 NETS 3

I read an analyzed an article relating to technology in education, and I provided a summary/response to it, along with proposed questions and answers.

Green, T, Donovan, L, & Bass, K. (2010). Taking laptops schoolwide: a professional learning community approach. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved from https://acrobat.com/#d=7rIs4heRCXPhOZp7l-otEg

Summary:
Tech implementation researchers studied how laptop use has progressed in schools. They found two very different situations: Some schools implemented laptops perfectly into their curriculum, and others didn't at all. So what made some schools so successful? Mainly, a clear outline of how students will use the laptops, as well as teacher collaboration.
Teacher collaboration can be very helpful in providing quality education to students. This can be done in many different ways. One way, for example, is for teachers in adjoining grade levels to communicate what computer skills they are going to teach. This is beneficial because students will be able to learn new skills every year and the information will act as building blocks. Also, teachers in the same grade level may want to speak with each other to share what does and doesn't work.
The researchers shared how one district used collaboration by implementing "Richard Dufour's Professional Learning Community (PLC) approach to planning: a focus on learning rather than teaching, working collaboratively, and holding one's self accountable for results" (Green, Donovan, & Bass, 2010). Through this, the team of teachers collaborated and came up with how they would assign their students certain websites to visit if they were having trouble with the material.
Four things must be considered when starting a collaborative approach: school climate, communication, collaboration, and progression of use. A good school climate consists of a team of teachers, through the support of their administrators and community, who can integrate laptops into the classroom. Open communication helps gain support of the program. The benefit of collaboration was discussed earlier. Progression of use can be decided when teachers in different grades communicate what will be taught.

Q1: How would I collaborate with other teachers about successfully incorporating technology into the classroom?

A1: Since using laptops in the curriculum is somewhat new at my school, a small group of us teachers who are familiar with laptops will meeting the beginning of the year, and then once a week. Together we will discuss our plans. To educate other teachers, seminars will be held. The plan is to involve all teachers along with the community. I will discuss techniques with teachers in my same grade to share stories. I will also let teachers in the grade after me know what skills I will be teaching.

Q2: If giving students computer assignments to complete out of the class, how can I be sensitive to the fact that some do not have computers at home?

A2: I will provide students with information on school and public library hours. Students will have access to the class computer after school. Any online assignments will be due by midnight on due date. I will also offer some class time to do extra computer exercises if the student is needing more help.