Resource I: An Inside Job-
My district is currently implementing it's very first 1:1 technology initiative- utilizing Surface Pro's with all staff and students- starting at the high school level and transitioning to elementary in years to come. Teachers received their devices this past May, 2015, and upper-level high school students will be piloting them this coming August, 2015 and throughout the 2015-2016 school year.
Our district went back and forth in deciding which technology to implement- and it was between iPads and Surface Pro's. Having taken an iPad's in Education course and being well-versed in the world of Apple, I had the opportunity to sit on a technology board to try and "convince" administration and the school board that iPads were the way to go. They took our input with a grain of salt and ultimately went with the best option for our district- both financially and long-term.
They formed a technology committee in the months that followed- it was called "Bright Bytes". Bright Bytes was headed by our districts most well-versed technology endorsers, and implemented several surveys to staff, students, and parents throughout a 9-month+ process. Fast forward to May of 2015 when the decision was made to implement Surface Pro's.
Fast forward to July 2015 and we have had two professional development opportunities since receiving our Surface Pro's. Our district has also implemented a "help desk" online tutorial site on our server. Additionally, one of our district teachers big in the technology field is busy composing more professional development-for the staff, students, and families. His name is Phil Burrell, and he serves many roles within our district. I have asked him for his feedback and input in the 1:1 process thus far.
He is a very busy man.. but here is his insight, shared via email:
- Slow process to start
- Professional Development- behind schedule
- Rushed process
- Many students are open to the process
- Many teachers are also open to the process
- Liability/insurance contracts were signed by almost all parents
- Bright Bytes surveys have lead initiative
- Long process ahead but optimistic
- Currently experiencing a superintendent transfer.. will impact the technology initiative
- Identified tablet protectors to keep products in good condition
- Fact: more expensive than iPads
- Identified insurance policy for devices
- August: High school students will "roll out" devices
- Help desk in place (headed my Burrell)
- Help desk website in place with online tutorials on the server- accessible to teachers, students, and parents.. this will be lead by technology department
- 1 new technology position hired to troubleshoot problems with the roll out and help faciliate PD
Resource II: Twitter Chat- BYOD versus 1:1-
I stumbled upon a great website through exploring the hashtag #NE1:1 (New England 1:1). I was looking for more information on help desks, as your read earlier that this was a new endeavor for our district. Published this past April, 2015, Reading Memorial High School of New England created a help desk (Rockets Help Desk) and got the unique opportunity to collaborate with surrounding districts and discuss 1:1 implementation (which most districts around them were) versus BYOD (which is what they are).What makes Rocket Help Desk unique is the fact that it consists of BOTH teachers and students- that's right.. students helping students!
I chose this as my second resource because I was floored by how great the online help desk was working for them. The online help desk created tutorials, networked with other districts, and shared their results via social media and blogging efforts.
Our help desk is worlds behind theirs, and I can't wait to suggest to my district to encourage student involvement on our help desk. I was so intrigued about their help desk that I wanted to learn more- and so I posted a question. Or two.. I haven't heard back but will update if they respond!
Another issue that we are facing in the transition of implementing 1:1 devices in our school is a large presence of tech-resistant teachers.
I follow Edward Sheninger on Twitter- a NY-based award-winning principal, learner, best-selling author, and keynote speaker. Last night he tweeted THE most-perfect article- as if it was sent to me from afar. I asked Mr. Edward himself his thoughts about it.. and got this response:
Having been "dumped" the Surface Pro's on the teachers in our buildings.. it is no surprise that there are many reluctant users. In fact, I consider myself one of them, having hardly any experience on a windows platform. I sought my own PD and am writing to you now from my Surface Pro.. but I can assure you that the other reluctant teachers will need to dust theirs off when they return to school in August.
Coincidentally- August is the time that our district is hoping we arrive back at school well-versed with the Surface Pro.. but how can this happen with such minimal PD?
I read further into the article and found this piece of advice- one that I will SURELY share with my districts tech team-
"However, for organization wide change to occur, the late majority and laggards (I prefer to call them reluctant adopters) must be actively involved in the change. We cannot leave it to the innovators and early adopters."
I could not agree more. This process must take time, effort, discussion, understanding, and GENTLE persuasion. How can I transfer this knowledge to my district? West mentions a great visual piece- "5 stages in decision innovation process". See below!
Click here to find out and see the graphic below at a larger scale!