Digital Access at WVSS:

Our New Initiative/Our New Normal

- Impacting learning and instruction -

Presentation Outline1. Our story2. Our plan3. The elementary experience – Cari Wilson4. On-line safety and citizenship5. The Google environment – Gary Kern6. What device?7. Parental support8. Questions

What we hear from students

“Learning becomes more interesting when you have more learning options”

Our Readiness 5 year conversation Many individual and group efforts Motivated staff Lots of staff-led ProD Library support We have never said no to an idea

In most classrooms

Students use their devices to go broader and deeper with their learning

What we hear from LSP Digital access will level the

learning playing field for our students

Will support many IEP accommodations

Our students are more engaged in a digital environment where they are typically more successful

In most classrooms

Students use their devices in a responsible way

What we see in classrooms Robust interactive teacher web

presence Increased communication with students

and parents Podcasts Flipped Classroom Edmodo Google Docs / Apps for Education Noodle Tools ELMO projectors

In Mr. Richardson’s classroomHe uses his website to support and engage his students in their learning anytime, anywhere

In Mr. Richardson’s classroomHe regularly creates, shares, and collaborates with his students using videos they have both made to deepen their learning

In most classroomsStudents can walk away from their devices when needed in order to engage in different ways

What we hear from students“broadens the bank of knowledge”

“gives teachers more options”

“Google Translate in French class is helpful”

“currently varies from classroom to classroom”

In most classrooms

Students choose the right tool for the right job, without being told

What we hear from ELL Formative Assessment advantages

of using audio feedback Advantages of providing new

instructional opportunities Language instruction has a visual

component that technology can increase engagement

In our library

Students self-regulate their behaviour, and usage of their devices

Teachers’ biggest concern? Q: What does appropriate use

look like and how will we support and address it?

A: We have developed common language that is aligned with our feeder schools and good practice

In our cafeteria

Students collaborate anywhere, anytime, as their needs arise

Shifting our thinking From “controlling” student use to

“managing” or “facilitating” it From “device” to “digital access” A device is no different from a

pencil; if we want our students to focus elsewhere we ask them to put their “pencils” down . . .

And we worry that smartphones will make us anti-social . . .

c. 1952

The PlanEffective September 2014:

- Students entering grades 8 and 9 are requested to bring a device to school daily

- Students entering grades 10 through 12 are encouraged to bring a device to school daily

The Plan Facilitating digital access for students in a 1:1 environment makes a significant difference to learning and instruction

Our students will be better prepared to make informed and intelligent decisions in a digital environment as they transition through school, post-secondary, and life

Why Digital Access?It is highly likely that our children will have to utilize technology in their work and private lives both now and in their future

Employers are expecting a level of competency with technology in the workplace

We want to leverage digital access to continue to provide optimal learning opportunities for our students

The elementary experience K-3 iPads, 4-7 laptops BYOD spreading rapidly in intermediate

grades Digital environment -> supports inquiry,

personalized learning, world-at-fingertips

Teachers able to teach digital citizenship at optimum ages and in safe environment

“you would be blown away!”

In Mrs. Schultz’s classroomHer students are seen using Google Docs to share their essay with her while they work on it. They are all receiving instant feedback using their Google Drive accounts

What will be different?Students will use their devices in a wide range of ways; some common, some unique – personalized learning

Students will be continually guided to engage in ways that are safe, responsible, and appropriate

Teaching Above the Line

On-line safety and citizenship Create a positive digital footprint (tattoo) Build positive relationships Pause before posting and recording Protect your privacy Create, share, and publish Report inappropriate use Cite your sources Stay organized

The Google environment Google offers a suite of web based tools

(Google Apps for Education or GAFE) accessible on any device using any browser

Google Drive is the document library for students and you can create documents, presentations, spreadsheets or forms from the library

Google allows us to configure the deployment to match our educational needs and philosophy.

Using Google opens up the possibility of ChromeBooks

What device?Minimum criteria:

Internet connectivity, tactile keyboardEg: Samsung ChromeBook ($259)

Additional considerations:word processing, slideshow creation, spreadsheet function, multimedia

Eg: Netbook, laptop, MacBook, iPad ($?)

Tips for security at school- Physically lock your device in your school locker when not in use- Bring extra lock for PE change rooms- Use a screensaver and system password - Record your device serial number- Never leave your device unattended- Protect your device with a case- Download a tracking app if appropriate

OptionsDevices on loan for the day from library and south campus office if needed

Device cart will be available for staff to use in classrooms if necessary to supplement

Financial hardship: contact Principal, school will assign a device to student for the year

Parental support – we are on the same team: your child’s- Ensure a balance of time on the device at home- Work in a visible and open space at home- Have an open dialogue about what they are doing- Reminders regarding illegal downloading- Social networks are personal – school correspondence will be restricted to those grounded in an educational nature

We share the same values and goals as your familyDevelop healthy digital citizens in a 1:1 digital access learning environment to prepare students for the 21st century

Develop a caring and compassionate community that focuses on balance, social and emotional learning, and a positive school experience

Thank you!Questions:

Steve Rauh – Principal WVSS

Gary Kern – Director of Instruction IT SD45

Cari Wilson – District Digital Support SD45

Garth Thomson – Grade 8/9 Vice Principal WVSS