It would be difficult to find a school district today not preoccupied with technology tools and digital learning. However, despite their best efforts, many school districts have fallen victim to botched rollouts and ineffective strategies that have wasted time and money — and hurt their reputations with students and parents. This guide from the Center for Digital Education looks at the key elements of a successful digital education transformation, focusing on the 3 Cs of conversion, curriculum and collaboration.
2. I
t would be difficult to find a school district not preoccupied with
technology tools and digital learning. According to a 2015 Center
for Digital Education (CDE) survey of nearly 300 education leaders,
more than half of IT decision-makers say the need to improve student
achievement is driving the adoption of classroom and instructional
technologies, while an overwhelming 94 percent say these
technologies are extremely or very important to learning. However,
despite their best efforts, many school districts have fallen victim to
botched rollouts and ineffective strategies that have wasted time and
money — and hurt their reputations with students and parents.
A hallmark of these failed technology implementations is siloed decision-
making — or decision-making that occurs when each department
operates independently without accounting for the needs and goals of
others. Evidence of mismanaged technology projects can be seen with
donated or grant-purchased software that never gets installed, digital
subscriptions that never get used and boxes of equipment that are
incompatible with existing infrastructure and systems.
Today’s education technology projects have what it takes to transform
learning and student achievement, but they require coordination and
buy-in from all parts of the organization. Planning around conversion,
curriculum and collaboration (the 3 Cs) is one key to success.
of IT decision-makers say
classroom and instructional
technologies are extremely or
very important to learning.
94%
CONVERSION
Mobile and cloud-based solutions are the baseline expectations for many
students and teachers. Converting legacy technology to mobile, cloud-
based solutions allows students and teachers to partake in anytime,
anywhere learning and flexible learning environments.
STEPS TO IMPLEMENTATION:
DEVELOP A SHARED VISION FOR THE CONVERSION
If a holistic plan does not yet exist, consider tapping a few classrooms to
pilot a cloud-based mobile environment and give teachers extra time to
experiment with new devices and technology. Generating school-specific
feedback from front-line users will help shape a plan to keep participants
energized from initial rollout through implementation.
ASSESS INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVICE ENVIRONMENT
Assess the existing environment to help determine gaps in infrastructure.
An inventory of wireless networks, existing devices and software will
provide the basis for a fresh start.
ESTABLISH TIMELINES AND ACCOUNT FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Aim for a timeline that is assertive without being unrealistic. One area
in which many projects fail is the time needed to work out unexpected
problems. Plan for unforeseen events to retain control over the conversion
and, if needed, the public relations narrative.
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK:
Is there a plan for continual, comprehensive professional
development that addresses pedagogy changes as well as
technology?
What are the timelines and rollout procedures?
What are the goals and vision for transforming the
learning environment?
What kind of technical, instructional and leadership expertise
is needed to make the transformation?
What are we trying to achieve with the devices?
Will schools provide the devices?
Who will manage the devices? Will students be allowed to take
them home?
Will every student be given a device?
Will the current network bandwidth be adequate?
3. COLLABORATION
Transitioning to project-based and team-oriented learning benefits
students by building real-world skills coveted by employers. Conflict
resolution, critical thinking and public speaking are just some of the
skills that develop when collaboration and active learning occurs in
the classroom. Teachers also benefit by collaborating with colleagues
across campuses.
STEPS TO IMPLEMENTATION:
PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Many teachers and administrators embrace the idea of project-based
learning, but often need professional development and mentor support
to get started. Develop a culture of experimentation by encouraging
teachers to test new strategies without fear of failure.
CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO GROUP WORK
Configure classrooms to support peer-to-peer learning and group
creation. This can include flexible furniture layouts, moving the
instructor to the middle of the room, and offering varied seating and
presentation options.
EQUIP STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WITH TOOLS FOR SUCCESS
Find solutions that facilitate group work and support multiple
devices. Students may be most comfortable with their own devices,
or schools may be more comfortable providing standardized devices
to all students. Technology should capture students’ creativity
instead of constraining it.
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK:
Can students capture and transfer their ideas using the
technology provided?
Do students and teachers have the tools to continue
classroom work at home or in virtual spaces?
Do students have access to physical and digital technology
that facilitates collaboration?
Can collaboration extend to other schools, countries and
learning environments to maximize academic growth?
CURRICULUM
Moving from print content to anytime, anywhere digital curriculum
is an important step for many schools and districts, and it
prepares students for the future. Students who move onto college
will most likely encounter a fully digital curriculum, textbooks and
other learning materials.
STEPS TO IMPLEMENTATION:
MAKE DEVICE AND CURRICULUM DECISIONS AT THE SAME TIME
In today’s exploding curriculum environment, options are not device
neutral. Save time by comparing digital curriculum that is offered or
supported by each device, and vice versa.
PREPARE THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND NETWORK FOR GROWTH
Wireless networks and infrastructure must be buttressed to support
digital curriculum, particularly at peak hours. Plan for increased
usage among students who may be offline during the initial
rollout. Expect the move to digital curriculum to continue into the
foreseeable future.
INCORPORATE DIGITAL AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Moving to digital curriculum involves cultural changes and different
expectations. While many parents take a lead in monitoring habits
and students’ digital footprint, teachers can also prepare students to
safely navigate their digital environments.
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK:
How is the digital content strategy aligned to student
outcomes?
How is existing digital content being leveraged to impact
student learning goals?
Should the curriculum be cloud-, device- or server-based?
Will devices be provided by the school or students?
How will the curriculum be delivered and is it compatible
with offered devices?
Who will manage the subscriptions, licensing and logins?
Will digital curriculum decisions make sense for all ages,
grades and abilities?
What supplementary technologies — such as digital
whiteboards, printers or e-readers — may be needed?
Who will offer ongoing training and support —
especially during after-school hours?
How will we assess student learning?
What professional development and training will
teachers receive?