I really enjoyed reading this article since it integrated so many aspects of transformations in education that are interrelated but not always seen as such. While all key points listed in the article were relevant, I found these three above connected well beyond simply computational thinking and technology to all aspects of learning. Making learning authentic is a cornerstone of successful language learning, and it was great to see this as one of the ten themes related to technology in education. Connecting learning opportunities to real-world problems in one’s community really help students to see the relevance of their learning. Approaches such as project-based learning work great for language learning, and it’s exciting to hear that these are also approaches that can be integrated with digital literacy. I also loved the idea that teachers will not be replaced- our roles are just evolving. This is echoed in innovative language teaching practices, where teachers are essential but must find creative ways to help kids become social agents in their own learning, and support them every step of the way as they develop new skills and the language that corresponds.
It was interesting looking at the key trends in Technology Adoption. While many of these trends are present and in progress in some schools, it really seems to depend on the school culture. If the school culture is less innovative, other elements such as redesigning learning and integrating digital literacy do not seem to be present. Having worked in many schools, it often feels like advancing cultures of innovation requires a critical mass of community members. This is likely why it is in the long-term category, as it takes time to change teaching approaches and school cultures.
As far as a five year horizon for my “Library Learning Commons”, I again would rather think of my current role as language coordinator. When I think of solvable challenges, I can see how I can support authentic learning experiences in French Immersion and Core French by continuing to build on the translated digital libraries. These help students connect authentically to francophone voices, identities, and perspectives through blogs, videos, interactive news sites, etc. I can also continue to support teacher and student use of apps and tools that support language learning, such as Flipgrid, voice and video recordings on the ipad, and others. Many language teachers think of innovative and authentic learning experiences for their students and simply need a hand with how best to integrate language learning. I hope to support teachers in this way.
While I am interested in supporting computational thinking in French, I see this as more difficult partly due to my comfort with it. That said, I have many ideas for how to support the language component of ADST, so perhaps it will be achievable, especially if I partner with TLs and teachers who are more experienced with computation thinking but may be keen to have added language support.
Lastly, I do not see sustaining innovation through leadership changes as a wicked challenge personally. I have worked in many schools where leadership has changed. As long as the school community as a whole adopts a growth mindset and openness to innovative practices, they can weather changes in administration. I can support French Immersion school communities in this way by finding ways to further support teacher collaboration. This will ensure that schools can continue to innovate despite leadership changes.
If you are a TL, how might someone in my role better support your LLC with Technology Adaptation, specifically as it relates to Core French or French Immersion?
If you are a teacher, what supports would you like to see from someone in my role or another curriculum support role at the district to help you and your school community move towards a culture of innovation?
Sources
Freeman, A., Adams Becker, S., Cummins, M., Davis, A., and Hall Giesinger, C. (2017). NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: 2017 K–12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.
Technology in the language learning classroom and library 