Summary-week+1+discussion

=Week 1: Value conflicts in ET =

=Moderators: Cheryl Anderson, Greg Woitas, Ian Hecht =

Cheryl summed up the week with: "There was a trend in the posts, usually coming back to the resistance in learning or becoming involved in new technologies, or new learning strategies, sometimes due to lack of time, training or involvement in planning. Once the new technologies were in use, the benefit was recognized, but it did take some hard work, time, effort, leaps of face, or pushing to get the idea implemented. Either way, it usually seemed to be worth it... or, in some situations, a new technology came along and it began all over again."

It is clear that the value conflicts in educational technology is evident and goes hand in hand with any potential change, whether a rubric or ipad adoption. It may not be technology that initiates the conflict in education but possibly the change itself. Teachers and school communities have not been known for their flexibility and welcoming with open arms of new ideas. There will always be a division of ideas and instructional design as we create a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Connecting students with learning still has its feature on solid understanding by design but technology needs to be in place to provide a roadway for some of the learning to occur. When it comes to evolving educational technology you may be leaving yourself behind in the professional dust if you fail to change and adapt.

__**Assessment Practices**__ - Stacey Rubric vs Mark - Teachers' resistance using this type of technology; parents also show resistance, until given an explanation of the theory

__**Use of technology**__ - Lianne We have technology, but need the PD to know how to use it properly - video shows kids using technology, if you give the kids technology and opportunity to investigate, they'll freely explore and love their experience

__**Flipped Classroom**__ - Elenna When new technologies are introduces is their research to show that it works, so when teachers show resistance to jump on board this can allow time to be sure it works; Whack a Mole! New technology, is it used right and will it work for all students?

__**To blog or not to blog**__ - Rebekah Blog idea was not working, possibly due to public eye or fear of unknown? Great way to connect with students from home, but possible that teachers fear putting themselves out there for everyone to read/see.

__**Databases: the greatest thing since sliced bread**__ - Michelle Data base addition to school library a positive addition to libraries? Books and data bases are both important; libraries are closing in some areas; some are redesigning as learning centres, they are used differently to support all types of technological learning

__**discussion week one**__ - Sarah When proposing the desire for technology, be sure to be prepared for why you need it, not just because it's new; technology should be used to assist in the journey of learning, not just because it's there.

__**What I'm doing now works!**__ - Randall Trying to convince colleagues of the benefits of using a tablet PC, but only received resistance. Too much work and what I'm doing now works? Stuck with it and eventually some bought in. There is always resistance to the unknown.

__**The Chicken or the Egg?**__ - Kris Ipads were purchased without a plan for use: a purpose and plan needs to be in place prior to purchasing technology, with a focus on making sure that they actually will work when put into use

__**Piloting a new Progress Report**__ - Roxanne Implementing a new progress report without informing/including staff in the process equals many frustrations, questions, tears, lack of understanding as to why changes were being made. Reporting is difficult and stressful to begin with, let alone having to jump on the "new reporting" band wagon before glitches are worked out; involve teachers in the creating of changes so it makes sense

__**Google Drive...Really?**__ - Beige Teachers resist using Google Drive - it's a great tool to assess learning while learning is going on; more work for teachers but great support for students; more fear of the unknown

__**Mark Reporting Software**__ - Rick Markbook vs ConnectED; privacy of marks on teacher's computer vs parents ability to see marks on website; clouds are the way of the future, storing date on web; teachers may feel intimidated having to have "open books", but parent involvement s what we hope for

__**Data Collection - Friend or Foe?**__ - Marilyn Data drives instruction and assessment; teachers have resistance due to just wanting to teach kids. Data Collection could be considered punishment of extra work, but rather it becomes a way to providing feedback and guiding instruction in order to improve learning and identify needs; would teachers be monitored and change assessments to suit data?

__**What warrants change?**__ - Jonathan If you want people to change how they're doing something, you need to show that the results will be enough of a benefit to them that the effort of changing will be warranted.

__**Here Comes Facebook**__ - David A misunderstanding or lack of experience with a technology can lead to a negative first reaction. Positive experiences can show the value of social media outreach. Students are moving to online experiences that allow them privacy from parents/teachers/adults.

__**Uh oh... I'm the bad guy - SMART Lightraise**__ - Karen Even those familiar with technology can have initial resistance to implementation if it's presented suddenly and without consultation.

__**Comprehension Strategy Instruction**__ - Corky Challenging perceptions can be a difficult transition for teachers who have invested in a previous way of doing things. However, challenges can lead to growth if directed properly.

__**Powerschool**__ - Robert Another story about a new implementation that was not thought through completely before being realized. However, with support, teachers came around to the new way of doing things.

__**change**__ - Janine Even students can be resistant to new technology. Sometimes they're even right :)