Last August was a proud moment at Lake Park High School. For the first time, an incoming class, the Class of 2020, entered our building fully 1:1. It was an exciting and powerful moment, yet it was also an altogether quiet moment, and it is that quiet that we are most proud of. Why? Simply put, the focus remained on what matters most; great teaching and learning, not technology.
Shortly after that, I posted about our First Week 1:1, where I echoed many of these sentiments. Today, we are six months into our 1:1 program, and certainly, we are always looking to grow, iterate and learn. However, we are doing great things in and out of the classroom and believe in what our teachers are doing. We believe in creating a culture where innovation and engagement drives great teaching and learning.
We also believe in the power of collaboration and sharing, and know that we couldn’t be where we are today without the help and support of many others. As we reflect upon of first semester 1:1, I want to share some of the steps we have taken since August to help ensure our version of 1:1 has been successful. Here are some key factors around our 1:1 program we believe continue to drive engaged and innovative teaching and learning at Lake Park:
Lake Park Ignite! Program
We knew there was a need to ensure that all of our students receiving Chromebooks had the opportunity to learn about the device, practices in the classroom, school vision, as well as digital citizenship, to name a few. However, we also knew that students would come to us with various levels of experience and knowledge of using technology to support their learning. As such, we landed on the creation of our Lake Park Ignite! 1:1 Program. Students take part in a series of four modules, presented over four days in various classes covering these topics and more, aimed at providing a blended experience ensuring all of our students obtain key information. These modules are also available to transfer students, families and teachers throughout the District.
Evolution of our “Tech Committee” into the Learning Innovators Team
Our focus on technology had greatly shifted from the “tool” to innovation and engagement in learning. With that, we took the opportunity to shift the focus of our Technology Committee into our inaugural Learning Innovators Team, with a simple vision; less meetings, more time spent providing coaching, resources and guidance to our teachers. Each member of the L.I.T. commits to continue their own learning and working with members of their own department to do just that.
Classroom Visits & Discussions
It’s impossible to overstate the importance and value of this. Once you are up and running, you must get into classrooms and have discussions with teachers and students. Otherwise, it is difficult to know what is happening, the great teaching and learning that is taking place as well as areas of support that are needed. We learn more from popping in and out of classrooms than from anything else.
Ongoing Professional Development
Along with our 1:1 rollout, it was imperative that we had a well articulated and thought out professional development plan for the current school year and beyond. It is important that teachers know they are supported and can continue to learn throughout the process. After an intense past school year and summer of offerings, we created a plan that offered multiple learning opportunities per month, both during and outside of school hours, in addition to our upcoming Institute Day, incorporating "Ed Camp" style sessions on instructional technology.
Moreover, we were proud to introduce our instructional technology professional development cohorts, designed around “101” and “201” levels. These three-part offerings, designed for veterans and new teachers alike, engage teachers who are looking to grow and challenge their practices and beliefs. What’s more, we were able to integrate our District strands of professional development, assessment literacy and differentiated instruction, to design our “201” program around how instructional technology supports these practices.
Information Collection & Analysis
In order to continue iterating, it’s important to assess where you are, collect information and data, analyze it and continue to grow. During the first week of classes, we collected baseline data and information from students, teachers and parents, centered around both engagement and usage, but more importantly the 4 C's: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. If our 1:1 program allows students and teachers to communicate, collaborate, think critically and be more creative, we are on the right track. We collected this same information at the start of this semester, and will continue to assess our program as we continue to grow.
There is always work to do, and we are always looking to improve. We are proud, though, of the incredible teaching and learning that is taking place. Teachers are engaging their students, pushing them to collaborate, think critically and be creative, while taking risks, and challenging their own practice. Isn’t that what we strive for?
