Page 8 - Technology Plan ICT Review

Where are we now?
The IPC has developed a “Project Model” for implementing ICT and CTS outcomes. In this model the teacher plans and teaches a unit of instruc- tion that incorporates ICT outcomes. The IPC has been using the Telus 2Learn project funding model as a means to indicate the number of success- ful ICT instructional outcomes for each school. However, not all schools have embraced this model as a criteria for evaluation.
So if a staff member is not doing a Telus 2Learn project does this mean they are not implementing ICT into their existing curriculum? According to the Lakeland Technology Plan (page 61 1.1.1 – 1.1.5) final implementation of the ICT outcomes is to take place by June 2003.
1.1 Integration of Technology Outcomes
As a minimum expectation, the Alberta Learning Student Information and Communication Technology Outcomes will be the standard for all District Schools,
K - 12.
1.1.1 Begin the implementation of the Alberta Learning student Information and Communication Technology program outcomes. (By Sept. 2000)
1.1.2 The District will conduct a survey to determine the extent of implementation
of the student Information and Communications program outcomes. (By Dec. 2000)
1.1.3 Based upon the survey results, the schools and District will develop strategies and actions to assist schools with the implementation of the Alberta
Learning student Information and Communication Technology program outcomes. (By Jan. 2001)
1.1.4 Annual monitoring and reporting on implementation of the Alberta Learning student Information and Communication Technology program outcomes. (By June 2001)
1.1.5 Final implementation of the Alberta Learning student Information and Communication Technology outcomes (By June 2003)
By June 2003
It is almost impossible to assign a completion date to such a changing proc- ess but it is important to determine the expectations for ICT across the dis- trict. The District Education Plan (section 4.2.2) clearly outlines the expecta- tion that each staff member incorporates ICT outcomes into long range and/ or unit plans.
4.2 Continue to support staff and student use of technology to facilitate teaching and learning by:
4.2.1 Using project design to identify specific curriculum outcomes.
4.2.2 Integrating ICT outcomes into teachers’ long range and unit plans.
Given the above it is expected that all schools have a clear and consistent vision for ensuring the completion of ICT outcomes. “Currently this is not the case.”
Until this year none of the schools have completed and maintained an ICT or CTS scope and sequence, which is focusing on the use of technology. Given this the delivery of ICT and CTS outcomes becomes a hit and miss ap- proach or an artificial evaluation procedure. Essentially we have a district wide ICT education goal that is being implemented without a school specific plan or vision. Without common ICT expectations, how can the district en- sure ICT and CTS outcomes are being successfully implemented? Clearly identified Alberta Learning ICT division outcomes and district wide educa- tional goals do not provide the necessary guidance to ensure that this proc- ess is consistently taking place and will continue to grow in the future. This now becomes the responsibility of school administration in collaboration with the Director of Technology to ensure ICT and CTS outcomes are successfully implemented in the years to come.
Ultimately the importance of a clear direction for ICT implementation is to ensure the highest quality of instruction for the students in the Lakeland Catholic Schools. In order to accomplish this we must provide the founda- tion for identifying the training issues for the instructional staff. If we have the expectation that teachers are to integrate technology into their existing teach- ing practices then we must provide the necessary resources to make this pos- sible.
Go with whichever option you think will provide the greatest positive impact on enhancing our teachers abilities to provide ICT experiences for the kids. I also am thankful for all the support. I think our expertise and our service delivery model is probably the best in the province.
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