Over the past several months, I have spent more time than I have in the last 25 years, considering policy and professional obligations for the job I have in teaching. One of the topics I've revisited a few times is our board's view and their decisions about safe and appropriate use of online tools. While I was able to access the WRDSB Responsible Use Procedures online, I also found the opportunity to question one of our technology leaders. I contacted Elaine MacKenzie who is one of 4 Digital Literacy Support Teachers in our system. Elaine spends her year working tirelessly in schools dealing with social media issues, curriculum, literacy research, and anything associated with technology. She connects with individual teachers, admin, whole staffs, and parent groups. I'm thrilled to share our online chat about social media.
1) Question: How are policies created?
Answer: There is a Technology Steering Committee comprised of Senior Admin, Admin, I.T., Learning Services, Business Services, and I.T. consultants.
2) Question: In what way are teachers supported regarding safe and appropriate use of online tools?
Answer: There is a Responsible Use Procedure. Mark Carbone (Chief Information Officer) addresses this at WREA meetings with principals and at meetings with Computer Contacts for each school. It is put into System Memos in our board email system. We have 4 Digital Literacy Support Teachers and a Technology Support Teacher who can meet with staff or individual teachers.
3) Question: What are the barriers for use of social media and online tools?
Answer: Fear. OCT and ETFO share scenarios which have discouraged and scare some teachers. Admin don't use or understand social media therefore don't allow teachers to. We don't have enough System Leaders who use social media well. There is also a Self-Imposed Barrier- many teachers feel that they don't have "time" to use social media. Often they feel that it is an extra amount of learning/work that they would be unable to learn or keep up with.
4) Question: How are policies changed?
4) Question: How are policies changed?
Answer: Ideas are brought to the Steering Committee and discussed.
Our conversation could have gone on and on, these questions only lead to more, especially number three. Elaine will have a busy year again with that one. Thanks for your time @ecmackenzie, we are lucky to have you in this role at WRDSB...now back to summer!
It is interesting, that often the policies and rules at the district or school level are often changed or disrupted because of pioneer teachers like yourself (and many of those in our networks) that are pushing for change. There was a time when Twitter wasn't allowed in my board, or Blogging, or Skype and now, the very people that enforced such rules, are using these tools themselves. That is why we need to continue to push, innovate, ask questions and disrupt. -Zoe
ReplyDelete