Technology + DSBN Policy

As it is the summer, I had to do some behind-the-scenes work to find the information needed for this blog post.  Again, a special thank you to Lee Martin for his assistance with DSBN contacts!

Current policies regarding technology and the DSBN:

Digital Technology Use by Students

Digital Technology Use by Staff

Click to enlarge

DSBN policies are created in an attempt to ensure that the board is complying with standardized procedures.  The policies are created by a team of consultants, and are regularly updated.  Specifically, each policy has a Review Date whereby it will be examined and revisions will be made to address any new procedures that may need to be added, removed, or modified.

Keeping Teachers Safe Online:

The opening line of policy E-5 reads "It is the policy of the District School Board of Niagara to provide safe and secure digital technology in support of education, research and Board business in a manner consistent with the Board’s Mission, Vision and Values."  This is accompanied by a responsibility to use technology appropriately, and the policy is clear about teachers being held accountable for online actions if technology is not used in a respectful and lawful manner.  

Here are a couple of ideas about how teachers can keep themselves safe online:

1. Use password protection
2. Keep professional and personal life separate
3. Do a Google search of yourself regularly
4. Use common sense - trust your gut
5. Keep a record of emails/online contact with others

Purchasing Technology

So you want to buy some new software? Purchase a licensed website? Acquire a new resource? Take a look at the image above to find out some information!
*Click the photo to enlarge

Web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 ...

I must admit, I had not heard of Web 3.0 so I had to do some research.  Here is what I have found :)

Web 1.0 (think of it as a library)
-Web of information
-one-way use (go online to obtain info)
-internet as a means of information retrieval
-technology is for the "computer lab" period in school

Web 2.0 (think of it as a big group of friends)
-Web of people and social information
-internet is socially constructed
-technology is cautiously integrated into the classroom
-two-way use (go online to retrieve info and manipulate/add your own)

Web 3.0 (think of it as a personal information service)
-Semantic web of knowledge
-contextually reinvented
-technology is everywhere (the classroom is not a building but rather infused into society)
-personalized to the individual

So what does this mean for education?

The Learning Process
First and foremost, students are engaged and active in their learning!  Here are some other changes that may result from Web 3.0:
-an increased use of video learning (Google+ Hangout, podcasts, YouTube, tutorials) that caters to the needs of the student
-personalized learning (geared towards the students abilities and areas of need - every student would have an IEP!)
-a "flipped" classroom approach (students would watch the lesson/lecture at home and then experience the hands-on learning portion in class)
-students can co-produce course materials (similar to the new FDK curriculum which is driven by student interest)
-more project-based learning (emphasis on critical thinking, questioning, inquiry, and the communication of results/learning)

The Assessment Process
With learning taking on a whole new form, you can be sure that assessment will have to follow suit.  One of the main differences that I envision would be the lack of an end to learning.  Consequently, it is hard to give a grade when the learning is constantly ongoing and projects don't have a determined end or due date.  Instead, learning would be a process that occurs not only throughout a school year, but constantly throughout the student's entire life.  How do we as educators assess this?  To be honest, I do not know.  That being said, I cannot wait and see what the future will hold!

Peer Leaders and Fair Use

As you may know, this blog is a collaboration of my work over three Technology AQ courses.  When I look back at the start of my Part 1 journey to now (Specialist), I see significant growth in my own thoughts and opinions as a tech-loving teacher.  Consequently, I am greatly looking forward to becoming a peer leader in my school.  Here are a few thoughts regarding both peer leadership and fair use.

What is the role of peer leaders?

1. Provide encouragement - Sometimes all it takes is a kind word, part of a prep period, or a few minutes after school to sit down with a teacher to get them started on the "techie track."  Don't forget to follow up the next day, week, month ...
2. Offer guidance/support - Be available to answer questions, give advice, and applaud progress once others give technology a try.
3. "Walk the Walk" - Don't forget to keep going on your own journey.  Don't stop tweeting, neglect your class website, ignore your notifications, attending PD workshops etc.
4. Create new leaders - I can only imagine the satisfaction of having others who I have invested in become future leaders...
5. Keep learning - Your journey is never over!  Technology is always evolving and changing and we need to model what life-long learning looks like.

2.  How can peer leaders model Fair Use?

By now, I think most people have heard about the experiments where teachers post a picture of themselves holding a sign saying "I'm talking to my ___ grade class about internet safety and how quickly a information can get shared around the world. Please "like" and "share." The picture then gets posted around on various social media networks and ends up with thousands of views. However, I think that it is important for peer leaders to continue to remind colleagues of the importance of privacy laws and fair use of content. Last month, I had a teacher provide me with pictures that had copyright symbols all over them and I chose not to use them and instead make my own. I also followed up and let her know that the images belonged to someone else and that she needed prior permission to use them. She was shocked and apologetic and thanked me for letting her know. Sometimes we all just need a reminder about what we can and cannot use :)

3. How many people are familiar with Creative Commons Tools?

There are 2 answers to this. None, and six. When I asked the question "how familiar are you with creative commons," each person responded with a version of "I have no clue what you are talking about." However, when I asked "what do you know about protecting your online photos/videos/information etc," six of the fifteen people I asked had an idea about online privacy and being able to use and share their own material and access that of others. What surprised me was the opinion of "well I posted it online so I guess everyone gets to have/see/use it." I then asked them if they thought that anyone should be allowed to use my soccer ball if I brought it to a public park. The overwhelming response was along the lines of "no, it's your ball." My response? Same goes for technology. It's still my picture, even though it's in a public space.

Social Media at Central

As I mentioned in my last post, Central Public School now has an active Twitter account.  While there is no current obligation for leaders in my school/board to use social media, there does seem to be a slow shift for admin, consultants, and teacher leaders to come over to the "dark side" of technology.  However, when you think that Twitter has been around for nearly 10 years (founded March 21 2016), it is quite surprising that there are so few members in leadership roles who are regular, active members given that it can be used as  an invaluable social media tool (Top 5 Reasons for using social media).

A couple shout outs to my fellow Twitter users in the DSBN:

Province Level
OntarioEDU

Board Level
DSBN

Schools/Admin
Central Public School
Paulette Alcox

Consultants
Kelly Pisek
Julie Stapleton

Teachers
Mme A-H
M. Martin
M. Slavin

Why Tweet?

As a teacher at a new French Immersion school, I am often blown away by the talent of my fellow staff members.  I have peers who have an incredible knowledge of science, math, French literacy, English literacy, phys ed and more.  I also count myself fortunate to be on a team with several staff members who enjoy using social media and take a tremendous amount of leadership in the world of technology.  So why are "techie teachers" not seen as something as valuable as someone with a strong background in teaching social studies?  Or library?  Or health?  This, in my opinion, needs to change.

Fortunately, I have begun seeing these changes happen slowly over time.  First, some teachers started using D2L to build class websites and communicate with parents.  Second, Central's parent council stared a Facebook page.  Third, teachers started using Twitter to post updates about events happening in their classrooms.  And finally, in June, a wonderful thing occurred ... @FIecoleCentral

That's right - Central now has an active Twitter account!  This account is regularly updated and is posted right on the homepage of Central's website.  Why is this so important?  Twitter is a great way for schools to send messages out to the community to share in both daily occurrences and special events with parents, students, board members, and more.  As a teacher who strives to incorporate technology, I can see the benefit of Twitter and other social networking tools as it helps support parents, students, and even other staff members. Providing current information in only 140 characters also allows for clear and concise messages to be conveyed which is important in our fast-paced world.  Consequently, when teachers are providing leadership to others, or when board employees are wanting updates, or when principals interview teachers for job opportunities, the question needs to shift from "do you use technology" to "how do you use technology?"

Social Networking and Leadership

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, Tumblr ... the list goes on and on and on and on.  So what role do social networking tools play with regards to teacher leadership?

Using social networking tools in a leadership role
There are countless benefits to using social networking tools as teacher leaders, coaches, consultants etc.  Here are my "top 5" reasons for why these skills should be used at the leadership level.

5.  Cut down on costs
Social networking is FREE!  In a time where money is tight, budgets are small, and teacher release time can be limited, social networking provides opportunities for professional development without cost.  It is also a great way to "go green" by communicating in a paperless fashion and cuts down on printing/distribution costs.

4.  Easy way to learn about audience (other teachers, parents, students etc)
The majority of people are already connected to multiple social networking platforms.  Consequently, teacher leaders can use the information already available online to gain a better understanding of their audience.  They can learn about possible needs, preferences, and future opportunities just by "plugging in."

3.  Increased exposure
The more active leaders are on social media, the more likely it is that they will be noticed by the community.  As a result, leaders can effectively communicate messages, share their learning, provide challenges to other teachers, and much more just by creating an active online presence.

2.  Instant feedback
Information on the web can spread like wildfire!  What better way to get feedback than to ask a question on Facebook, make a poll on Blogger, or post a picture on Instagram to hear thoughts and opinions directly from your target audience.  This information can then be used to identify next steps that will help you as a teacher best support your peers. 

1.  More opportunities to connect
Social networking tools are invaluable for teachers who want to connect and provide leadership to peers all over the country and around the world.  Networking is so important in the 21st century and the ability to teach and learn from others is essential.  As lifelong learners, we all have the opportunity and responsibility to engage with others and help each other learn as we navigate the crazy world of social media!