Summary of the 9th Digital Learning Environment Series in Minneapolis on May 6, 2010 by guest blogger and Adobe Education Leader, Ryan Visser.
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During a lull in my travels from Clemson, SC to Minneapolis, MN – this week’s host city for the Digital Learning Event, I decided to give my Grandmother a call. An education enthusiast, she was excited about the event and its implications. She was particularly interested in the state of education in Minneapolis. As it turns out, my Grandmother spent some time here back in 1939 and had exceptional things to say about education in MN. She was very curious to know if education in MN is still leading the charge as it was in ’39. I’m here to find out.
After the introductions concerning the great people at HP and Intel, the sponsors of the event, the stage was turned over to Dr. Robert M. Franchino, who delivered the keynote address. Dr. Franchino is the chief school administrator responsible for the technology integration project at one of the nation’s top high schools (as rated by both Newsweek and US News and World Report), Eastview High School. Isn’t it also relieving to know that Franchino was a teacher before moving into an administrative role, teaching technology and graduate courses?
The focus of Franchino’s keynote dealt not only with what makes technology effective for 21st Century learning, but what also keeps the efforts and results sustainable.
The first key to success is to be aware of just how big, time-consuming and financially burdensome a technology integration project can be. These obstacles, as well as others such as teacher resistance, obtaining parental and student buy-in, and getting genuine administrative support are monumental in nature, but absolutely necessary in order to achieve success. As Franchino stated on several occasions, acknowledgement of these hurdles must be made; there is no silver bullet that will ensure success.
Once this acknowledgement is made, plans must be made. The cart cannot be placed before the horse, Franchino argues. Does it make sense to buy 50 iPads, ask students and teachers to figure out how to use them, and then expect significant, positive learning outcomes? Of course not! It does not make sense to jump right into your initiative without first defining your needs, but that’s what many schools do. A plan is critical. Further, the plan needs to extend beyond answering questions like, how do we find the funding, or, who will train our teachers; the plan must be more profound. In essence, a substantial technology initiative needs to focus on creating a foundation and culture for this type of technology integration. In this effort, expectations and plans should be specific, detailed and doable. Perhaps my favorite part of Franchino’s talk was when he stated, “a good process creates a good product.”
Moreover, the plan should be a collective responsibility with input from administrators, staff members and teachers. Franchino suggests using a steering committee to lead the charge; one that is comprised of individuals that are elected by their peers. This can lead to greater ownership and followership. A seat on the steering committee will undoubtedly require a lot of work. Administrators should recognize this and compensate the committee for their efforts!
As I sat and listened to Franchino’s keynote, I frequently found myself nodding in agreement and saying (out loud) “yes” in response to the points that he was making. And, believe me…I was not in the minority. Developing a culture can be extremely difficult, changing an existing culture even more so. We all know this, but the way in which Franchino explicated the steps necessary to do so should provide a certain degree of concreteness and hope to those attempting a substantial technology integration initiative.
From what I understand, Dr. Franchino regularly consults with schools and districts in Minnesota, and probably outside the state as well. This is a good thing, folks, for his experience and expertise should benefit these schools, districts, and, ultimately, students achieve success. If the school administrators and teachers value educational leaders such as Dr. Franchino, then I’ll have no hesitation in ensuring my dear Grandmother that the state of education in Minnesota is currently in the same place as when she left it, back in 1939 – excellent!!!
