School 2.0

Wow, School 2.0 is very overwhelming. That is really what stuck me most initially. Looking at the map and website and just deciding where to start was very overwhelming. I would imagine a school district might feel the same way when they first decide to undertake adopting this type of renovation. Not only is there so much technology out there that could be integrated into our schools, but the implications for management, staff, administration was a lot to take in. I feel the cost in terms of both materials and staff training for such an undertaking would be enormous and is probably one of the greatest barriers for schools. On a more positive note, I was struck by the level of connectedness that School 2.0 affords. Not only for students and teacher, but for the community as a whole. 

There are many aspects of the School 2.o map that I would like to see kept. I think at the most basic level is that communication piece. One of the media displays discussed communication through multiple means, which I think is critical. As school staff we are becoming much better about using technology to communicate. However, not all of our students' families are so tech savvy. I think that using multiple means of communication is a good way not to alienate families that don't use email or that don't even have computers. In the same way that we can communicate through multiple modes, we can teach through multiple modalities as well. In my position we talk a lot about students learning styles and how to utilize their strengths. Using technology is a great way to do that. I can provide students with both visual and auditory information separately or at the same time. It may also allow for easier differentiation which as the model said would allow students to learn at their own pace. Again, as a school psychologist one of the parts that I was most drawn to was the capabilities of such a model to collect data and encourage data based decision making. This would be much easier with all the data available at the push of a button. If I look at the big picture, overall I think the most important aspect of a School 2.0 model is that is provides students with 21st century skills. We've heard a lot about that over the course of the last few lessons and this model really speaks to that. To make our students competitive in the 21st century job market we need to provide them with 21st century skills. Reading a text book and word processing an essay are not those skills. Learning multiple foreign languages and how to communicate with people on the other side of the world are.

I can't say that there is anything specific that I would like to see changed in the School 2.0 model, but I do have a few concerns. I do worry about loosing personal connections with too much technology. It is a great way to communicate and learn but there is also some special about getting a pat on the back or a high five when you've done a good job, that you can't get through a smart board or hand held device. I think that so much of what our students grow up to become is a product of the people that have taught and inspired them though a personal connection. I would hate to see that lost.