The Digital Classroom

The Digital ClassroomFive years on.

Image source: http://www.wellington.govt.nz/projects/new/broadband/images/cs-edu-innovative-large.jpgNote:Feel free to interrupt at any timeI welcome your comments and discussionI would like this to be interactive as much as possibleWe have 40 minutes..

ENJOYThe Digital Classroom conceptIs it like building a plane while it is flying?

The Digital ClassroomWhat changes have occurred?What has influenced the changes?Examine the critical success factors.The digital classroom model: any changes?2004-2009Background:Original research for Master thesis: 2004The critical success factors in the implementation of a digital classroom in NZWide variety of digital classroom stylesSuccess classroom: driven by a motivated constructivist teacherThe teacher made the difference: not the technologyCritical Success FactorsDigital classroom conceptResourcesProfessional DevelopmentClass organisationPedagogyFunding and support

PupilsDevicesComputer Ratio>1 comp:5 studentCollaborativeActivitiesICT is used for the majority ofClassroom workTentative Digital Classroom Model 2004

Digital Classroom Definition by Teachers: 2004

Students definition of a Digital Classroom 2004Classroom environment where everyone is willing to learn.

Digital Classroom Model: 2005Digital Classroom Concept2004Its not about computers really.It is about the pedagogy of teaching.A digital classroom environment where the inquiry process is paramount.

Its not about computers really. Its is about the pedagogy of teaching.Digital Classroom 2004Digital Classroom ConceptFive years on2009An effective teaching and learning environment where the use of ICT is apparent and being used in different ways.It is about developing skills more in the inquiry process.Digital Classroom concept: Reflection on changePerception: that definition had not changed.Development of an effective teaching and learning environment is still paramount.Inquiry Process is still an important factor.Focus: still on learning rather than the digitalHardware Software needs200420 desktop computers and 8 laptops (1:1 ratio)Citrix dumb terminal setup (server based)Computers slowInternet slow and restrictiveAir conditionedThought and planning to set up classroomCentral group tables and computers on perimeterVideo camera, digital cameras etc..Hardware Software needs2009Computers now stand alone and fastChange in Computer ratio (1 comp : 3 students)Four servers and fibre optic cablingFast internet Access to computer peripheralsData projectorAdobe visual communicator and Moodle Changes to hardware software resourcesApplications now computer basedComputers faster and multimedia capableNetworking and broadband access improvedMoodle used as Learning Management SystemAdobe Visual Communicator used for school television daily broadcastProfessional Development2004School part of ICTPD clusterPD not responsive to teacher/school needsOpportunities to go to ICTPD conferencesPeer support from other teachers in clusterMixed bag of PD supportProfessional Development2009Teacher has leadership role in ICT integrationLeading a group of senior teachers in pedagogy change and School ICT policyDifficulty getting all teachers together for effective face to face professional development

Solution for Professional DevelopmentMoodle: Learning Management SystemOnline course setupProject: Enhancing student achievement through digital learningUse of discussion forums (to share and reflect)Use of wikis (to develop school policy)Unbelievably SUCCESSFUL!

Skills based Moodle ICTPDLack of effective use of PowerPoint in classroomsOnline forums setup to discuss use of PowerPointSuccessful uses sharedA move away from the use of PowerPoint just as a presentation toolIntegration with internet/Web 2.0 ToolsMoodle for Professional DevelopmentFits in with teachers busy workloadICT PD is not a add on to a staff meetingAllows for asynchronous learningFlow on effect to classroom useAllows for collaborative learningExcellent communicationSharing of ideasAllow integration of web 2.0 toolsLow cost open source software

Digital ClassroomOrganisation2004 9.00am 10.30amComputers used for core subjects in morningCentral tables used for group workStudents complete individual tasks on computers

Digital Classroom Organisation200410.30am 12.00pmTime with Technology Specialists1.00pm 3.00pmTopic based learning integrating the use of ICT where possible. A time for creative use and inquiry based learning using ICTs. Using multimedia, video, internet projectsDigital Classroom Organisation2009Integrated timetable where teachers have own classes moreFlow between subjects is smootherNo stopping for the bellIntegration of subjectsMore flexibility for use of ICTNegative: Afternoon creative fun time is goneNegative: No depth in use of ICT tools

Digital Classroom Changes:Positive:Integration of ICT into core subjectsFlow between subjects smootherFlexibility in timetableNegativeCreative time for using ICT has goneNo time to use ICT for pleasure/funNo in depth uses of ICT Tools

Digital Classroom Pedagogy2004Constructivist PedagogyDevelopment of independent lifelong learnersTeacher takes a facilitators roleEmpowerment of learnersGroup learning/individual learning mixStudents highly motivatedICT integrated into all aspects of learningDevelopment of thinking skills

Digital Classroom Pedagogy2009Constructivist PedagogyConnectivism increased in importanceIndependent online accessLearning style recognitionPersonalising learningBlurring the gap between home and schoolImportance of group/collaborative learningClassroom Pedagogy 2009Empowerment of learners to facilitate their OWN learningLearning structure/scaffolding set up onlineFacilitation available 24/7Learning style supportUse of Solo taxonomy Bloom taxonomyEmphasis on group work/collaborationFlexibility of learning (individualisation)

Assessment

No sign of a computer here? Summative?AssessmentSelf assessmentPeer assessmentRecord of learning is digitalSchool is looking at an ePortfolio system (probably NZ designed Mahara which integrates nicely into Moodle)Learners are more digital.Do we need to change our education system so it fits our learners?At the moment our learners are being molded to fit a system that does not meet their needs.Is teaching our digital kids like herding cats?Herding Cats?:You better believe it.

ConnectivismHow can we prepare children for jobs/knowledge that do not exist at the present time?Informal learning now plays a major roleLife time learning will involve making electronic/internet connectionsChildren are thinking differently using ICTShould they be learning differently?Project Natal: is this the future of leearning?

ConnectivismICT Tools if used appropriately can improve/support the thinking processThe KNOW WHAT and KNOW HOW are no longer importantThe KNOW WHERE has become importantThe learning management system such as Moodle, Knowledge NET can facilitate the learning of our digital learners.24/7 access is the future: think outside the box (classroom).It is all about the PEDAGOGY!ConnectivismPrinciples of connectivism:Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions.Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources.Learning may reside in non-human appliances.Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently knownNurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.

ConnectivismAbility to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill. (Inquiry learning)Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities. Decision-making is itself a learning process. Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. There is no right answer: it is all contextual.Source: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

Stakeholder Perception2004Strong support from:Students (selection process for classroom)Board of TrusteesPrincipalParentsWebpage used to communicate with stakeholdersNo charge for parentsStakeholder Perception2009Strong support from:Board of Trustees and PrincipalParents (although frustrated that classroom is no longer a pure digital classroom)Student support has weakened (no application process, students are placed in classroom, not as much buy in)

School Concept of a Digital ClassroomEvery class in school is now a digital classroomEven all classes are digital not all teachers are digitalUse of ICT equipment varies between classesHas the digital classroom concept morphed?Is the digital classroom dead? (tape-recorders, movie projectors)Five years on..changesConstructivism still a dominant pedagogyConnectivism a rising pedagogyEmphasis more on student and learningPersonalised learningConnections with LMS/internet/peopleHome/school connection strengthenedLearning style identification and choice of working partnersThe INTERNET is a domineering forceBiggest Change: MoodleStudents are very highly motivated to learn onlineStudent ownership of own learning spaceMoodle quizzes are marked immediately giving instant feedbackTeacher loads forums/discussions according to topic/subjectMuch student interaction occurring online both during and after school hoursThinking module: has graphic organisers that students can download and use

MoodleTopic Destination New ZealandAimWhy NZ is being promoted as an international tourist destinationStudent discussion forumsInternet linksGroup chatMoodle has been used for:ChatStudent Blogs/Reflective journals (between the student and the teacher)Forums (the most powerful learning tool, allows asynchronous learning) Current EventsInternet linksHomework resources/activities

Other uses of ICTAdobe Visual CommunicatorStudents plan and run a daily television broadcast shown to all the schoolPlanning the programmePresentation of:News, school notices, weather, sports reports, birthdays, interviewsPresentation of inquiry researchGroup work so students are rostered onDetails of how this work is outside of this case studyConclusionTeachers concept of a digital classroom has altered slightly: core components the sameHardware/Software has improved leading to faster more connected ICTsTeacher has become a leader of ICT PD using online learning with the teachers effectivelySchool timetable changes have led to a change in class organisation

ConclusionICT is now more integrated into the daily programmeTeacher feels the original digital classroom concept has been weakenedAfternoon sessions are more structured and there is no room for fun student led activitiesConclusionICT activities are not completed in any depthEvery classroom in the school is in theory digital which has effected the original digital class conceptPedagogy has evolved:Constructivist to ConnectivistPersonalised learningEmpowering lifelong learnersInquiry learning Focus on learning and teaching, not digitalEmpowering students to independent learning

Individual Classroom change is not enough:Teachers move onResourcing is difficult for one special classResistance/jealousy from other teachersOne year not enough time to change learnersLack of collegial support

There needs to be a school wide change and in the interests of NZ national change in the Schooling system.

ConclusionStakeholders support is unchangedStudent buy in has weakened as digital classrooms are in every classThe digital classroom has extended its borders beyond the class wallsLearning management system Moodle has become a key part of the class learningThe important factor in a digital classroom still is the Teacher

Teaching and Learning is ParamountInquiry ProcessTeaching and Learning EnvironmentFocus on Learning rather than DigitalPassion for infusing ICT into learningDigital Classroom2009 Moodle has meant learning is 24/7 and moved outside classroomDigital Classroom Model2009

Digital ClassroomConnectivismLearning Management System

Teacher as FacilitatorCollaborationGroupingInquiryPedagogyFreedom to learnLearning StylesPersonalisationProfessional Development24/7 accessHome/school linkLearning focus, not digital focusKnowledgeproducersLearningThroughICTDIGITAL CLASSROOM The Digital Classroom 2009Needs to be instituted school wideProfessional Development is a mustNeeds support from all stakeholdersLearning management systemePortfolio integrationFast broadbandClassroom redesignConnectivist pedagogyThe Digital School: UK experience