Admin High Tech Academy: Immersion for Understanding Angela Elkordy
Admin High Tech Academy: Immersion for Understanding
Angela Elkordy
Overview
RationaleProblem statementsResearch questionsRelated research and disciplines Immersive learning environments …
create unique learning experiencesFor more information
Rationale
Today’s students must compete, in a very real sense, for positions in a global workplace
In many countries, this means students must be able to effectively use communicate, create and produce using a wide range of technologies
K-12 educators must advocate and facilitate thoughtfully applied and appropriate integration of instructional technologies in the classroom
Administrators have a critical role for shaping how, when, where and if technologies are used in the K-12 environment
Rationale
Administrators have limited time for ongoing professional development
Online learning opportunities have potential as a platform for professional development
Virtual worlds, as immersive environments incorporating simulation elements and strong collaborative components, may be useful for K-12 administrators’ professional development
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy
Problem Statement
A knowledge gap exists in K-12 administrators’ knowledge of effective pedagogies and instructional practices in technology integration
A gap in understanding also exists regarding the impact of the specific effective leadership behaviors, perceptions and practices on K-12 technology integration
These gaps must be ameliorated so that K-12 administrators have the visionary leadership essential for change and innovation
Administrators need ongoing professional development in these areas that is timely, relevant, convenient, and collaborative
Problem Statement
How can the possibilities of emerging and existing technologies be adequately conveyed to K-12 administrators?
What are effective leadership behaviors and strategies that support (or detract) technology infusion in a district?
What are effective ways to increase awareness of instructional technologies as well as the critical role of administrative practices needed to effectively implement them in K-12 education?
Research Questions
How do school administrators’ perceive their role and influence in technology integration?
What are administrators’ attitudes regarding the importance or possibilities of teaching with technology (pre and post)
How knowledgeable are administrators about best practices of teacher training models for successful integration of technology?
Research Questions
Are immersive, online learning environments effective in teaching the content? (leadership skills for max. tech. integration and emerging technologies in the curriculum)
are Virtual Worlds (specifically Second Life) effective learning spaces for professional development for K-12 school administrators?
Immersive Learning Environments …facilitate unique learning experiences
Aireyanna on Info Island, Aladdin Literature learning environment
Immersive Learning Environments …create unique learning experiences
Aireyanna At The Blue Mosque, Turkey (Replica)
Immersive Learning Environments …create unique learning experiences
Aireyanna in the Mythological Library, Info Island
Relevant Research & Disciplines
Organizational Theories Learning in organizations Innovation diffusion models Leadership behaviors and strategies for
effective technology integrationCognitive Sciences and Learning
Theories constructivist and social constructivist frameworks adult learning
Relevant Research & Disclipines
Emerging research and theories: educational games and simulations Experiential learning persistent virtual worlds and education immersive learning environments social discourse, Activity Theory (tools
and cultural artifacts) & others Simulation “engines” and methodologies
Relevant Research & Disciplines
Professional development for technology integration models: Cognitive apprenticeship Mentoring models
Digital Equity 21st century skills Meaningful access of technology
(including resources and trained educators)
For more information:
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy http://
edorigami.wikispaces.com/Bloom's+Digital+Taxonomy
Educational Uses of Second Life (Video: Mary Ann Mengel) http://scottsecondlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/
educational-uses-of-second-life-video.html RezEd: The Hub For Virtual Worlds
http://www.rezed.org/group/grantssecondlife Second Life Grid:
http://secondlifegrid.net/slfe/education-use-virtual-world
Second Life in Education: http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses