Page 16 - Lakeland Catholic Technology Plan

“A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS OPENING HEARTS MINDS AND DOORS....”
APPLE’S CHALLENGED BASED LEARNING
Access to technology, an integral part of challenge-based learning, can help teachers overcome some of the other constraints of problem-based learning. Ubiquitous Internet access in a one-to-one setting opens the door for students to use online tools for collabora- tion and communication, often the same tools that are used in the modern workplace. Stu- dents have access to a wider range of re- sources, including current news articles, re- search, and even experts around the world.
A key feature of challenge-based learning is that it appropriates the networking tools and media production techniques already being used in daily life by many 21st century learn- ers. In preparing the final products of their re- search — presentations of their chosen solu- tions — students draw upon photography, videography, audio recording, and writing skills that they may already be using as web content producers. If they are not already doing those things, challenge-based learning provides an engaging opportunity for them to hone these kinds of high-level communication skills.
- Research Report from New Media Consor- tium
In addition, support publications dealing with student assess- ment in this area are under development.
As all Alberta Learning curriculum is revised and updated,
the integration of student information and communication technology outcomes will be included in specific curriculum topics. Final release of the program of studies was an- nounced in May 2000, with provincial implementation com- mencing in September 2000 and full implemented by June 2003. The new draft, Classroom Assessment Tool Kits are:
Alberta Learning. Curriculum Standards Branch, May 2000. Classroom Assessment Tool Kit — Grades 3 and 6.
Alberta Learning. Curriculum Standards Branch, May 2000. Classroom Assessment Tool Kit — Grade 9.
Alberta Learning. Curriculum Standards Branch, May 2000. Classroom Assessment Tool Kit — Grade 11.
With respect to the number of computers required, Alberta Learning has a stated target for a students to computer ratio for Alberta schools of 5:1. At this time, there is no time line to achieve this target.
Best Practices studies relevant to this section include:
Making Technology Happen: Best Practices and Policies From Exemplary K - 12 Schools (Southern Technology Coun- cil, U.S., 1997);
On-line Learning (Alberta Learning, 1999);
Preparing to Implement Learner Outcomes in Technology (Alberta Learning, 1999); and
Professional Development for Teaching Technology Across the Curriculum (Alberta Learning, 1999).
Sub Goals and Actions
Building on the District experience and recent Alberta Learn- ing curriculum initiatives, six sub-goals and actions were identified to achieve Goal One: Student Learning.
The six sub-goal areas are:
Integration of Technology Outcomes
Enhance and Improve Student Learning Student Computer Access and Use Policies Special Education Services
Distance, Virtual and/or Independent Learning Integrated Use of the Internet and Use Policies
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