Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
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With more and more schools approaching successful 1:1 digital device implementation goals, the focus has shifted from lack of access to lack of skills. Recent (post-COVID-19) polls show that student engagement is down and troubleshooting technology problems is up—way up. In fact, a staggering 87% of teachers report that they are spending more time troubleshooting problems with technology than they did before schools closed (Herold & Kurtz, 2020). This is an incredible number and it's very likely that technology challenges directly contribute to a decline in student engagement.
At Highlands Community Charter School (HCCTS), we have introduced a new position called Digital Navigator to directly address these issues. Our view is that by removing the technology-based barriers that our students face—especially our lower literacy learners—in their L1, they will be better equipped to engage online and receive high-quality learning opportunities every day.
Under the direction of the Instructional Technologist, the Digital Navigator provides individualized or small group assistance to instructional staff and students who need internet service, internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills in order to become effective digital learners. This assistance is provided primarily in-person but may also include Zoom, telephone, email, text, video chat, and other communication methods that work for the learner. The Digital Navigator’s work is part of HCCTS’ efforts to achieve and maintain a 1:1 digital device environment, to elevate digital literacy agency wide, reach instructional technology objectives, and provide equitable internet access and support for every student.
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When educational agencies around the world transitioned to remote learning due to COVID-19, it was not surprising that gaps appeared in many areas. While many teachers were able to connect with students via Zoom and other videoconferencing platforms, there was also a disconnect happening between the old, physical classroom and the new, virtual one. Enter the remote learning studio.
The Instructional Technology department has designed a remote learning studio equipped with all the tools teachers need to livestream, record, and produce high-quality instructional videos. In fact, this setup is so streamlined that you can be your own audio engineer, camera operator, director, and on-screen talent!
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Image by Benjamin Hartwich from Pixabay
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Essential ReadingBlended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools
The Blended Workbook:
Learning to Design the Schools of our Future |
LinksStart Here
Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Flex
A La Carte
Enriched Virtual
Technology Integration
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TEDx Talks, 2014
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New EdTech Classroom, 2020
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CEV Multimedia, 2020
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Teachings in Education, 2017
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Edutopia, 2014
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Lodge McCammon, 2011
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