Understanding Gen Z = global communication, need to be connected, connecting via social media, gaming, etc.

 

The emphasis on technology within this learning shift goes without saying.  I was particularly intrigued by Ms. Sturchio’s story and her use of Google tools to propel her classroom instruction. The physical shift and curricular modifications were one thing but without the technology and technological infrastructure, this new space could have easily become like any other school building with a typical curriculum and fancy furniture. The technology and ability for students to remain connected through a classroom Google Site allowed for the flexible seating and student choice to become all the more meaningful and purposeful.  In terms of my building, it does have some aspects of 21^st century learning – large windows for sunlight, wide classrooms, varying size classrooms, colorful hallways, school spirit reminders and a decent technology infrastructure, but it could use a further technology enhancement and major curriculum reboot. We also need a more flexible time schedule with larger time blocks. On a small scale, I think the emphasis of rebooting curriculum to infuse it with some 21^st century learning opportunities is doable. I think following Sturchio’s example can really lift the spirits and mindset of any educator in executing this work. “Sturchio blended traditional curriculum with global skills and tied her 21^st century teaching elements together with technology”. We need to work on this transition within my school building.

 

P.S.62 opened in 2015 and we are equipped with strong technology advantages to support 21^st Century learning. We have Promethean boards and ActiView document cameras in each classroom and MacBook Air’s for each student along with iPads and interactive learning nodes that can be used amongst all classrooms. Our staff utilizes interactive platforms (such as GSuite) to support learning experiences and integrate assistive technology to accommodate learning needs. As a net-zero school our infrastructure was created to conserve energy and operate more sustainability (i.e., solar panels, heating and cooling systems powered by underground geothermal wells and other clean-energy features). With many components of the DIIT 2015 – 2020 Strategic Plan within our school, we can focus more on increasing the development of the knowledge and skills in computer science and other STEM disciplines. This can support incorporating skills for the global economy for students and better apply P.S.62’s technology advances. 

 

Since our school community does have access and availability of technology and various platforms, we need to begin moving into more global collaboration and embracing collaborative communication that can be modeled by our grade 3 students. Constructing a learning process that students can engage in small group collaboration, project-based activities and real-world applications that can be accessed inside and outside the classroom can support social learners being active members of the educational journey. Having our students connect with other students within our community, district and the world can support the development of relationship building skills and cultural understanding that is necessary for student to be successful in their everyday lives. 

Fortunately my elementary school has a vast amount of technology from PreK-Grade 5.  Every classroom is equipped with a Smart Board.  Each floor has a full class set of laptops for each grade to share.  There are many classrooms with 1:1 laptops or IPADS as well.  So every student has access to devices throughout the day.  

How comfortable do you think others in your building are with change?
Fortunately, so many of my colleagues are comfortable with change but the change can't seem like more work for them.  The administration at my school does a great job in rolling out new ideas and change slowly.  We are good at taking baby steps and there is alot of flexibility and understanding in setting aside time to allow for discussions and planning around any new initiatives.  Teams of teachers get together often and have strong opinions that are discussed and worked through meaningfully. I can relate to the idea of creating spaces and environments that include teams of educators and community members.  I can really relate to the idea of Making the Space a Group Effort.  No matter the space or the initiative, a group effort should include students.  "We must seek constant feedback from our students in all that we do in schools, especially in this time of rapid change as we seek to catch up with their learning styles and with their demands.  Students can provide valuable feedback on how they like to learn, what they find interesting, and what they want to see in a new learning space."  There are many ways students and teachers can be a part of the effort to initiate a comfortableness with change.  Teachers are in this profession for the students so, in my opinion, when the students initiate the change, the teachers are more likely to be on board.

I haven't personally asked my students about the spaces around them and how they feel or like them.  I will definitely survey my students and see how the spaces around them connect to their learning style and comfortableness in being a part of these neighborhood spaces.  I think I will create a Padlet so they have choices in how they respond.

I think we can push our students to be global communicators by first become global communicators ourselves. Lead with a positive view of social media and how to use the power of the Internet to build PLN's. In the section of Part 3 titled "Embrace Social Media," the authors state that a good place to start BEFORE the redesign process is to " identify key people in the organizations who have a strong social media presence, who can provide advice and help to disseminate the information via their followers and online friends." Another important point that they write about in this section is that "In today's social media world, the absence of official information invites noninformed individuals to spread inaccurate information, and once this happens it becomes difficult to clarify the misconception." I have connected with so many amazing educators and have gotten so many ideas using Social Media, especially Twitter, so I would definitely continue to embrace Social Media as a source for information

Staff members are very excited about his and looking forward to the shifts in instruction that will come along with the new tech. I have been creating and placing in each staff member’s mailbox a monthly edtech newsletter highlighting some staff “spotlight stories” where teachers are integrating tech into their instruction and rethinking their learning tasks. I also include some resources for new apps to try, SAMR notes, and Google Educator training information. I think now my staff members are more comfortable than ever to experiment with edtech and transform their practices. 
     The Global skills piece is essential. I believe we can better integrate this standard into our work in my school building but lately I have seen more attempts than ever including a PreK class skyping with students with Greece. The work is absolutely possible, but teachers need substantial planning time to really put it into action.

 

There’s no doubt always going to be a focus on testing to some degree but we need to be mindful that global skills and competencies must be nurtured in our students to prepare them for the global society and workforce as we know it. The way we do this work is by resigning our learning tasks, bringing the world into our classrooms and working with others in new communities, states, countries, etc in long term experiential learning projects. There has to be a new focus on partnerships and using new tools to communicate and create. ISTE is easily integrated into the CCLS world. We can teach and engage students in writing , reading and mathematics skills through using tech in the classroom to create, inspire, communicate, empower and explore. The connection is a no brainer.

 

We are definitely making progress in how we teach and engage Gen Z, but its a work in progress and we're not fully there yet. I'm not sure if we ever will be until Gen Z becomes the leaders of education 30-40 years from now.