I believe disruption and change go hand in hand. When disruption, such as implementing tech devices into the hands of every student, there must be a clear goal on how to tackle it. Whether it is business, school, or institution a well thought out sustainable plan needs to be in place. Who will lead? Where will the funding come from? How will information reach everyone? In my experience when my district implemented 1-1 devices, their goal was to equip students with 21st-century skills and give them a chance at different opportunities. This was a great disruption but the change was not easy. Due to a lack of training, with students, staff, and parents. The distract answered the issues and began to set goals and created Tech cadres, which were groups of teachers & leaders that would meet to learn how to use i-pads and Mac Books, then quickly turn around and implement those apps with students. In order to for all to embrace this amazing disruption and change, we all had to see the benefits of these devices. We could enhance lessons, connect with others, travel to places. The next step the district implemented was Ipadpalooza which is now renamed, Technovate. This is a tech conference that is open to all educators. It empowers educators with lessons and ideas to prepare for the school year. McAllen ISD does cause disruption but I would like to say those are met with positive change in our classrooms for our students.
When Covid shut down our traditional classroom setting, I believe because of the past disruptions and change, we were better equipped and ready for many disruptions others across the Rio Grande Valley were facing. Of course, there were many issues that arose but again plans and goals were in place.
Blended Learning
When listening to Clay Christensen speak about how corporations have begun to insource people to teach employees what they need and when they need it is amazing. It would be ideal if top educational lawmakers would follow this approach. Listen to what is needed and start revolutionizing what school really needs to look like and the prescribed time students should complete per day. A standard-setting for all students Pre-K-12th is no longer what students need. This was evident when Covid set an unprecedented shift in education. I do not believe learning remotely worked for all students but many excelled and thus began the disruption. I want to learn about a Rotation Station Learning Model to bring that into my classroom. The program we are using is the beginning of a Blended Learning Model but it still needs some adjustments. I have also started thinking about students working on e-portfolios within the class. Reply Quote Edit
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