Week 6 Instructional Reflections

This week's theme had to do with Instructional Design (ISD). A slew of instructional theories, models, strategies, and skills were touched on. We also gave feedback on the TWT course we are taking. I submitted a list of recommendations, mostly related to the organization of this course.

In addition to reflecting on the instruction of this course, I took particular notice of the use (or lack thereof) of technology instruction in the high school where I am observing classes. In one class, an AP-Physics course, the instructor introduced students to laptop computers they will be using for some labs. He readily acknowledged to the students that they are more likely to be familiar with the capabilities and problem solving on the laptops than he is. Oddly the classroom of these high achieving students does not so much as have an LCD projector in the room. Non-lab teaching is still all done with overhead transparencies, and a dry erase board. A world of simulations, animations, videos, and collaborative tools are not easily available for instruction.

In a class of non-regents general ed students, I noticed a far greater need for the audio visual, and interactive engagement that computer technology could be satisfying. These students need more than lecture and overhead transparencies to engage them. In an effort to lend a hand, I tried accessing physics simulations on the computer the teacher uses for computing grades. It turns out that I needed to put in a request for the building technical administrator to enable Java to run on the computer. I also learned that blogs and Wiki's are similarly off-limits on school computers. Apparently these restrictions are in place for security reasons.

I pressed on. I spoke to the department chairperson about putting in the request to enable Java. I also learned that for a "lesson using computers" teachers can make special arrangements to go to the "computer lab". Clearly, the school is not set up for pervasive use of technology in the classroom that is associated with higher LOTI levels. I'll hang in there a bit longer. I think that if we can get some simulations and videos in the non-regents classroom, the technology could take the students to a much higher level of engagement, interest, and understanding. It wouldn't be surprizing to see classroom management improve also, and along with it, the teacher's sense of satisfaction. Not even to mention assessments.

I also stumbled upon the district's 116 page Technology Implementation Plan. It was interesting to see that such a detailed 3 year plan is in place. It will be more interesting to see the extent to which it is executed.