Transform Pedagogy with Compelling Learning Environments

Action Steps for Superintendents and District Leadership Teams

Collaborate as a leadership team to prioritize your district's goals for transforming pedagogy, learning environments and 21st century skills outcomes, and investigate the ways in which technology can support these goals.
Conduct a needs assessment and a gap analysis of the technology infrastructure and technology use in your district. (Where are you now? Where do you want to be?)
Determine what your district needs to do to create a comprehensive, coherent, aligned system for using technology effectively to achieve your goals.
Revise your district's technology plan, including projected infrastructure needs to accommodate planned technology growth.
Develop and implement engaging curricula that include interdisciplinary studies, problem-based learning and the like.
Provide professional development that enables teachers to move from traditional classroom management structures to compelling learning environments.
Model compelling pedagogy in face-to-face and electronic learning environments.

Getting Up To Speed

Bosco, J. “Web 2.0 in Education: Policy, Practice and Progress.” (Executive Summary). CoSN Compendium, 2009.

CoSN EdTechNext Reports (cosn.org/etnreports):

“3G and Beyond: Smart, Mobile Devices and E-Readers.” Spring 2010.

“Cloud Computing: A Billowing Infrastructure for Services—and Savings.” Fall 2009.

“Social Networking: Personalized Content, Conversations & Communities.” Summer 2009.

Lenhart, A., Purcell, K., Smith A., and Zickuhr, K. Social Media & Mobile Internet Use Among Teens and Young Adults. Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2010.

Manzo, K.K. “Digital Tools Expand Options for Personalized Learning.” Education Week, Jan. 29, 2010.

Reimagining Learning in the 21st Century. MacArthur Foundation, 2010.

Thomas, W.R. Overcoming Doubts About Online Learning. Southern Regional Education Board, 2009.

Wise, B., & Rothman, R. The Online Learning Imperative: A Solution to Three Looming Crises in Education. Alliance for Excellent Education Issue Brief, 2010.

Going Deeper

Willingham, D. T. Why Don’t Students Like School? A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom. Jossey-Bass, 2009.

Wilson, L. Best Practices for Using Games & Simulations in the Classroom: Guidelines for K–12 Educators. Software & Information Industry Association, 2009.

Leading with Web 2.0

Did you know that Web 2.0 could help you transform pedagogy and make learning environments more engaging? Web 2.0 applications and tools can help you manage many of your top educational priorities:

· Keeping students interested and engaged in school

· Improving the relevance of schoolwork

· Developing communications, collaboration and critical thinking skills—and many other valuable skills

· Meeting the needs of different kinds of learners

· Extending learning beyond the school day

· Building a sense of community and a culture of learning

This CoSN leadership initiative will help administrators develop the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for effective educational leadership. Get started today. Visit www.cosn.org/web20.