OCT Standards of Practice and Relationship to ICT Leaders

The Standards of Practice in the Teaching Profession are:

Commitment to Students and Student Learning
Members are dedicated in their care and commitment to students. They treat students equitably and with respect and are sensitive to factors that influence individual student learning. Members facilitate the development of students as contributing citizens of Canadian society.

Professional Knowledge
Members strive to be current in their professional knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. They understand and reflect on student development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice.

Professional Practice
Members apply professional knowledge and experience to promote student learning. They use appropriate pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in planning for and responding to the needs of individual students and learning communities. Members refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection.

Leadership in Learning Communities
Members promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. They recognize their shared responsibilities and their leadership roles in order to facilitate student success. Members maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities.

Ongoing Professional Learning
Members recognize that a commitment to ongoing professional learning is integral to effective practice and to student learning. Professional practice and self-directed learning are informed by experience, research, collaboration and knowledge.

(Taken from http://www.oct.ca/standards/standards_of_practice.aspx?lang=en-CA, 2006)



Relationship of ICT Leaders Practice to
Ontario College of Teachers Standards of Practice

Each ICT Leader investigated in this module clearly exhibits all of the above-mentioned Standards of Practice. They are committed individuals who strive for excellence in their fields. ICT Leaders are life-long learners, who collaborate in learning communities, and are committed to student learning. It is our responsibility, as Computer in the Classroom Specialists to strive to meet these standards of practice in our teaching. The benefits for our students will far outweigh the costs.

ICT Leaders: Conclusion, Observations and References

ICT Leaders: Conclusions, Observations and References

In completing this assignment, many commonalities between the ICT Leaders became apparent, thus the creation of the diagrams indicating what ICT leaders do, and roles they play. Although not all of the ICT leaders summarized shared exactly the same path, they all shared something: a love of ICT and Education.

One thing stood out to me besides the wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences of the people I investigated; that being the fact that the individuals are all from North America. I pondered on this thought, and myself now living in Europe wondered why none of the leading ICT people are from Europe or China for that matter. I did some further investigation only to find that it was very difficult to find information on ICT leaders in this area of the world. I did read about a European conference put on by Microsoft, where Bill Gates spoke of progress in technology in the EU. Further investigation lead me to find that in the EU, Denmark and Sweden are the ICT leaders. (http://www.oresundit.com/composite-1923.htm, 2005) Could the lack of information about individual ICT leaders here be reflective of the possibility that in the EU, groups or commissions are formed rather than having individuals rise as experts in the field as they do in North America? I am not sure what the answer to this question is, but I am curious to find out.

I know from living in the Netherlands and working in the school system here that ICT has not be a huge priority as it has been in North America. At the school I work at, there is no funding for specialized equipment for students with special needs at all. Parents or individuals would have to pay for equipment to support the investment for their child.
Teachers are just being introduced to methods of technology integration with the curriculum. In contrast, Britain has spent double the amount on ICT this year compared to book purchases. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4746438.stm, 2006) I gather that each country is going at its own pace in terms of ICT and its development in education.

In conclusion, I enjoyed reading about how each leader started at the bottom of their fields, most of them being teachers first. It has inspired me to continue my personal love of ICT. Who knows where it might bring me in the future?



References

http://www.oresundit.com/composite-1923.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4746438.stm

http://www.2learn.ca/Projects/Together/judi.htmlurces

http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/bdodge/Professional.html


http://www.fno.org/JM/aboutauthor.html

http://www.novemberlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=179

http://school.discovery.com/edtechconnect/kathyschrock/bio.html

http://www.tcpd.org/Thornburg/Bio.html

http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/chat/chat015.shtml

http://www.blogger.com/profile/37149

http://kathyschrock.net/blog/

http://nlcommunities.com/communities/alannovember/default.aspx

http://www.fno.org/

http://www.officeport.com/jharris/

http://teacherline.pbs.org/teacherline/resources/bio_thornburg.cfm

Roles of ICT Leaders

What ICT Leaders Do

Kathy Schrock Summary

ICT Leader: Kathy Schrock
Location: Cape Cod, MA, USA.


Description of Work

Kathy Schrock holds a Masters degree in Library Studies. She is currently the Administrator for Technology for Nauset Public Schools. She used to be a library media specialist. Kathy is a member of the ISTE Board of Directors. She is an author, who wrote many books, and has had many articles published. She maintains several websites which I have found very helpful as an educator.

Leadership Qualities

Although Kathy is not as far along in her field as some of the other ICT leaders we are investigating, she continues to forge on with her hand in many pots. She has taken a personal area of interest for herself and provided support for educators around the world.
Kathy openly shares her knowledge with others via her publications and websites.

Philosophy of Learning

Kathy’s focus is on infusing technology into all areas of the curriculum at all grade levels. Her personal areas of interest include using technology to support instruction, search strategies, the evaluation of internet information, and copyright issues.


How I Can Apply this To My Role

I, like Kathy, try my utmost to infuse technology into my teaching wherever I can manage it. In my role this next school year, I will try and model this type of teaching to the staff I am working with so that they can see the importance and value of doing so. Hopefully, we will be able to work cooperatively to enhance the instruction and promote the success of all students at my school.

Judi Harris Summary

ICT Leader: Judi Harris
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA


Description of Work

Judi Harris holds a Ph. D. and is currently a Professor and Chair of Educational Technology Program at the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is the author of many books and articles on the subject of ICT. Throughout her career, Judi has had many diverse experiences. She acted as a consultant, conducted many experiments, and taught at the University of Texas as an Associate Professor. She currently models best practices through teaching and modeling, conducts research, speaks and writes about ICT topics. Her current focus is on telementoring, tools for an internet supported classroom, and incorporating educational technology into teaching and learning.

Leadership Qualities

Judi actively shares her knowledge and experiences with others. She is active in the field. Judi also applies her knowledge creatively by writing many articles and books. Throughout her career, Judi has explored many uses of programs such as Logo, and their integration in the classroom. She has a strong vision and is committed to ICT development.

Philosophy of Learning

Although this point was not made directly in the research I found, I would have to infer that Judi is a teacher at heart. Learning and the acquisition of new ideas is her foundation. ICT is her vehicle. In one article I read, she makes a comment that “I will first and foremost be- and elementary school teacher.” (http://www.2learn.ca/Projects/Together/judi.htmlurces) That tells me that she is committed to the grassroots of our educational system, even at the most simple level. Her focus appears to be on making educational technology workable at the most basic stage.

How I Can Apply This to My Role

The point from reading about Judi that shone out for me was the statement that she madeabout being a teacher first. Ultimately, this is how we all started out (students currently in this AQ course), but it may not be where we all end up. I think it is important to reflect on why we are doing what we are doing so that we can keep perspective about where we are going. Otherwise, our work may be without proper focus. I appreciate that Judi made this point, as being in touch with reality can make all the difference in our lives, not just our work.

Jamie McKenzie Summary

ICT Leader: Jamie McKenzie
Location: Eastern Seaboard, USA


Description of Work

Jamie McKenzie holds a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers. He started his career as an elementary school teacher, spent time as a Vice Principal, Principal, Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher. Presently, Jamie is the editor of ‘From Now On’, an Educational Technology Journal. He is the publisher of the FNO Press. He advocates, speaks at workshops, and acts as a consultant in the area of ICT. In the past, Jamie held the position of the Director of Libraries, Media, and Technology for the Bellingham P.S. system. He supports technology and information literacy around the world. He has also added to his credits the development of websites and online learning modules. His particular interests lie in the areas of networking, information technologies, and how they transform classrooms to support student-centred, engaged learning.

Leadership Qualities

Jamie holds many broad interests in the field of ICT. He is active, and is not reluctant to address issues in the field via his writing and speaking engagements. Jamie shares his knowledge and experience with others openly. He applies his knowledge creatively, spanning from writing, to designing webpages, and developing learning modules for staff development.

Philosophy of Learning

Jamie’s foundation of learning focuses upon student-centred learning. His vehicle is also ICT. He attempts to address the most pressing issues that schools face regarding ICT. His focus is strong, and long-lasting. Jamie, like Bernie Dodge is committed to making ICT available to all. We see evidence of this via his life’s span of broad work in the field.

How I Can Apply This to My Role

Jamie, like me, has worked his way up through the ranks to be able to now do his life’s work. I am not quite there yet, but can use his life and accomplishments as an example for myself. He started out as teacher, and then moved up through administration, and on to Doctorate studies. I am pursuing my Master’s degree this fall, and I am not sure what will happen after that. Who knows what the future will bring.

David Thornburg Summary

ICT Leader: David Thornburg
Location: based in the USA, but also works in Brazil


Description of Work

David Thornburg has a PhD. He is a public speaker on how emerging technologies impact learning. He is an author and consultant. David has his own business called The Thornburg Centre. His business conducts research and provides staff development in education, multimedia, and communications. Mr. Thornburg is involved at the Federal level in developing policy in the US. David also serves on several non-profit boards.

Leadership Qualities

David has a strong vision for his work. He possesses all around talent that is evident in his life’s work. He remains active in his field and pursues many interests. David willingly shares his knowledge with others through his many speaking engagements throughout the world. He is an industry leader who applies his knowledge creatively.

Philosophy of Learning

Mr. Thornburg is a constructivist at heart, and is very much a futurist / visionary. He has placed a large focus on learning styles, and dominant intelligences of students in his work. He is famous for the following quote: “We must prepare our students for their future, not our past.”

How I Can Apply this To My Role

I share some of the same beliefs as Mr. Thornburg, being that the ideas of learning styles and dominant intelligences affect how students should be taught and ultimately how they learn. It is interesting to read his articles about how technology will impact our teaching and student learning in the future. I plan on continuing to read Mr. Thornburg’s articles on the PBS website he writes a column for. As an ICT leader in my school, I plan on developing a resource library for teachers to be able to refer to when they have questions or need a resource to assist them in their teaching. I am sure David’s work will be part of that culmination.

Alan November Summary

ICT Leader: Alan November
Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA.


Description of Work

Alan November possesses a Masters degree in Education. He is considered one of the industry’s foremost leaders in educational technology. He began his career as a teacher of Oceanography and Algebra. He continued through experiences such as counselor, computer coordinator, Director of an alternative high school, a technology consultant, and university lecturer. As a practitioner, designer, and author, Alan guides schools, government agencies, and industry leaders to improve the quality of their ICT programs. He has spoken around the world. He has written many articles that have been published regarding ICT. Alan also has his own business called November Learning, Inc.

Leadership Qualities

Alan, like other leaders in the field of ICT, holds many interests. In my research, I read that he integrates humour and wit into his work to in his work to inspire others. He remains active in the field, sharing his knowledge with others via various speaking engagements throughout the world.

Philosophy of Learning

Alan has culminated his life experiences to get him to the point to which he is at today. Alan is a life-long learner who has many areas of expertise. By using his humour and wit, he is able to reach audiences from around the world. The focus of Alan’s work is that of applying technology to improve learning. Through the many branches of his life’s work, Alan attempts to help others in their quest to conquer ICT issues.

How I Can Apply this To My Role

I am a life-long learner who has had many previous life experiences. I share the same philosophy as Alan, of how technology can improve learning. I can use Alan’s example of persistence in life to achieve my personal and professional goals as he has. The most important facet of research I discovered about Alan was to use humour. I guess it is true that you can reach many more people when you are light hearted and positive, rather than being difficult and critical. A motto to live by.

Bernie Dodge Summary

ICT Leader: Bernie Dodge
Location: San Diego, California, USA


Description of Work

Bernie Dodge has been an ICT leader for many years. He has held and continues to hold many diverse roles and positions in the field throughout his career. He holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Design. He was originally trained as a teacher, and spent some time in Sierra Leone practicing. Bernie participated in projects in Washington to try to humanize technologists. He currently teaches doctoral classes, co-ordinates the EdTec programs for preservice teachers in San Diego, and helps to guide curriculum development. In the past, he developed several software titles. Bernie has also done workshops and written many articles on the topic of ICT. Some of his workshops have brought him to Brazil.

Leadership Qualities

As you can see from the summation of Bernie’s experiences in the field of ICT, he holds many interests. One item to note from my research is that he uses humour in his approach. This is a great asset when the going gets tough. Bernie remains active in the field, and shares openly his knowledge with others. His vision is strong and he applies his knowledge creatively. This is done through software development, writing articles, and giving workshops on specific subjects.

Philosophy of Learning

Bernie has a fundamental belief about ICT- that he is committed to connecting people with technology. From his early days, Bernie tried to make technologists more human,
develop user-friendly software for ‘mortals’, and conducted summer workshops at a private school for many years running.

Bernie’s sense of humour is apparent in his personal webpage, where he has a section called ‘Where’s Bernie’, similar to the well known- ‘Where’s Waldo’ series, where the user can see where Bernie will be presenting his workshops later in the year. He jokes about the fact that he was given awards for achievements he made, and that there must be a misunderstanding about it that he was awarded the honour.

How I Can Apply this To My Role

I too hold many interests in the field of ICT and am currently active in the field. I think Bernie can lend me though a bit of his use of humour. Sometimes I tend to be quite serious about what I am trying to accomplish and am sure that I could use humour along the way. I can appreciate that it would be necessary too, due to the fact that with ICT, not everything always goes as planned.

ICT Leaders