Scenario+Discussion

Just some thoughts from reading the scenario (pulling out some of the points made):

//"Willie Wonte inherited a school with a poor reputation and to turn things around he has had to introduce a number of changes. He has quickly gained a reputation for decisive leadership and carefully planned innovation - partly because of the way he introduced the new department structures."// Is this an example of top-down change - a leader on a white horse (where is the sustainablity in this) Fullan "Leading in a Culture of Change" **RJ**

//"He agreed to purchase one of these on the recommendation of Mike Rochip, the ICT Coordinator,"// ---don't use the ICT coordinator as a change agent (could find some references for this) **RJ**

David Lange Memorial College **- investing substantially in ICTs though not a wealthy school - competition for resources, poor uptake of existing resources** **//(looking for a silver bullet??)//** //RJ//

//issues Anna raises:// > > //"//Well, you need to see beyond the novelty value... and the advantages may be relatively short term. The technology can be motivating, but this kind of extrinsic motivation may eventually wear off." Anna says, "There is of course, the benefit that the innovation can get teachers to reflect on and rethink their whole approach to teaching... In this sense, the IWB does not have to be simply a technical innovation." "So what would you say is important to maximise the value of this?" you ask. "I think a good professional development programme is required. But the professional development must emphasize pedagogy as much as technology.... Otherwise some teachers may use the IWBs to merely reproduce their traditional subject notes. The question is whether all teachers will make good use of technology..."Anna tells you. "What are some things we might consider when using this technology?" you ask. "Well, I think we need to consider whether IWBs are better suited to some subjects than others. In the NCEA environment, there is a danger of teacher proofing the curriculum through the use of pre packaged learning materials. It is important to understand that the process of resource creation may be an important aspect of teacher development.... In this regard, the use of IWB could lead to greater standardisation and less flair and creativity in the classroom. Putting aside the need for adequate technical support, keeping up with technology is like running to catch a moving train and planning for the future is problematic. There are many other issues to consider and we still need to understand how IWBs reshape the learning experience and what the long term effects might be on the work of teachers - for better and for worse....""
 * The IWBs on their own are unlikely to improve pedagogy... The value really depends on how students and teachers use them
 * little point in using technology to do old things in new ways
 * consider the opportunity costs - what might teachers be doing if they had time and resources for other kinds of innovation
 * OK should summarise those points & find example - just copied & pasted so far... Rj**