I was reminded the other day about our digital natives and really how they are digital naive when it comes to learning. We often make huge assumptions that our current students know how to use online resources in an educational environment. This is where we need to step back to rethink what students know how to do with online tools.
This past year, rolled out a 7-10 1:1 environment in our school district. We looked at different devices, the acceptable use policies, insurance, tech tools, teacher training, created a 3-5 year plan, did everything we could think of to cover all bases. It was not until the semester started we realized we forgot something, training for students.
Sure students had used Google Apps for Education, they had used laptops in the lab, they know their way around the internet, but the students had never experienced how to use these tools together within a non-lab environment, not to mention daily. We needed a bootcamp. We needed to step back and train students how to use and apply these tools. We needed not to push forward but to stop and educate students on this new educational method.
This past year, rolled out a 7-10 1:1 environment in our school district. We looked at different devices, the acceptable use policies, insurance, tech tools, teacher training, created a 3-5 year plan, did everything we could think of to cover all bases. It was not until the semester started we realized we forgot something, training for students.
Sure students had used Google Apps for Education, they had used laptops in the lab, they know their way around the internet, but the students had never experienced how to use these tools together within a non-lab environment, not to mention daily. We needed a bootcamp. We needed to step back and train students how to use and apply these tools. We needed not to push forward but to stop and educate students on this new educational method.
We are pushing forward and implementing more training now, but it is a little late to restart at this time. Next year will be different. Students will take the first couple of days of school to work with teachers on how to set up and manage folders and documents; how to submit work; how to appropriately collaborate; how to use the tools wisely to improve their own achievement.
What we did is succeeding, but in making a digital native assumption, we hit some bumps we could have avoided. Yes, students are getting more work turned in on time. Yes, we are seeing some tremendous improvements in grades. Yes, students are appreciative of the new tools we have, but next time, don't forget the students.