A real revolution

You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
all right, all right  - John Lennon

How do those who advocate for junking education as we know it for some new system guarantee more children will be well-served as a result? I don't have the self-assurance (ego?, arrogance?) to make such promises.

And I'm pretty tired of pundits pointing to little "pockets of wow" and then extrapolating that such efforts when replacing traditional educational practices can improve education without any research supporting the change.

Let's all lead the revolution by suggesting less "wow" and more realistic, proven strategies in the classroom that all teachers can and should be expected to use. I've gotten pretty much zip in the way of responses to the tech additions to the traditional Danielson model over the first few days. Nor was I expecting much - the work is not really sexy, stirring or revolutionary. But consider this...

What if the real educational revolution was every teacher (and I mean every teacher) each year using technology in small but significant ways to improve learning?

What if next year, EVERY teacher, not just the technophiles, did just one of these things:

• Opened an electronic commucation channel with their students?
• Regularly posted all assignments, assessments and student progress online for both parents and students to access in real time?
• Implemented good design and presentation practices when using a slideshow?
• Used online collaboration tools like GoogleDocs to help kids do peer editing?
• Created a list of online games for students to use that reinforce classroom instruction?
• Encouraged the productive use of student-owned technologies in the their classrooms?

or how about ...

• Begin each week by challenging the class with one genuine question or problem that asks for a little research 

Imagine selecting just one of these practices and working to make sure EVERY teacher adopts it? Now that's a revolution.

Real revolutions are a crap shoot. You don't know if you'll wind up with a Washington or with a Robespierre. A Gandhi or an Kohmeini. 

Remember - it's the education on MY grandsons your messing with. 

Danielson's Framework and Tech: Domain 4

Charlotte Danielson in her book Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching organizes effective teaching practices into four domains each with several sub-domains. I've added below some possible areas regarding teacher technology use as it impacts and improves teacher performance in each area. (See Framework for Teaching  - and Technology)

Domain 1:  Planning and Preparation

Domain 2:  The Classroom Environment

Domain 3:  Instruction

Domain 4:  Professional Responsibilities

• Reflecting on Teaching
• Maintaining Accurate Records 
• Communicating with Families
• Participating in a Professional Community
• Growing and Developing Professionally
• Showing Professionalism  

Technology-related competencies in this area.

1. Teacher uses online grading and reporting system to maintain information on student completion rates and shares this information through student and parent portals in real time.
2. Teacher uses online grading system to inform students and parents of upcoming assignments, projects and assessments.
3. Teacher uses the district website to provide a wide range of current information to students and parents. 
4. Teacher uses online communication tools such as e-mail, blogging and social networking to keep students and parents informed on a regular basis. Teacher engagement with students and parents online is frequent and successful.
5. Teacher uses collaborative online tools to communicate and work with colleagues. 
6. Teacher volunteers to share effective uses of technology at staff meetings and inservices; through professional writings and presentations; and through demonstrations to parent-teacher and community organizations.
7. Teacher participates in both organized and personal learning opportunities online.
8. Teacher honors and learns from students who have technology competencies and knowledge. 
9. Teacher keeps an open but critical mind about technology uses.

What's missing? What doesn't fit? 

Danielson's Framework and Tech: Domain 3

Charlotte Danielson in her book Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching organizes effective teaching practices into four domains each with several sub-domains. I've added below some possible areas regarding teacher technology use as it impacts and improves teacher performance in each area. (See Framework for Teaching  - and Technology)

Domain 1:  Planning and Preparation

Domain 2:  The Classroom Environment

Domain 3:  Instruction

• Communicating With Students
• Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
• Engaging Students in Learning 
• Using Assessment in Instruction
• Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness

Technology-related competencies in this area.

1. Teacher gives students alternate means of discussion and asking question using online communication tools to bring out the ideas of all students. 
2. Teacher allows students to initiate discussions in online forums such as classroom blogs, discussion lists and social networking tools.
3. Teacher expects and reinforces appropriate student interaction when using online tools.
4. Teacher uses technology to create and project visual images that help explain content and concepts.
5. Teacher uses technologies such as interactive white boards, student response systems and computer games to engage students.
6. Teacher encourages students to use online resources to answer questions and explore concepts during class and teaches search and information evaluation strategies.
7. Teacher uses technology in ways that make students productive and meet the instructional goals of the lesson.
8. Teacher uses adaptive and adoptive technologies with students with special needs and to differentiate instruction for all students.

What's missing? What doesn't fit?