This week we organized and synthesized all the information collected from the discovery phase. We conducted three interviews (two with teacher leaders and one expert), an observation and surveyed teachers. Each one of us either interviewed or observed someone and we collaboratively worked to create the survey to send out to teachers. We worked to collect as much information as we could about our topic to decide what our final design thinking question was going to be. Our group worked really well together to get these pieces finished. Once we had all our information and data collected we created mind maps for each of the pieces to provide visuals for each piece of data. From here, we collaboratively came up with one synthesized mind map of all the data collected. This allowed us to see what problems teachers were facing as well as the viewpoints of teacher leaders and experts on the same topic. With this information we can plan what our next steps should be in the ideation phase. We decided that our question was still a valid one and many of the end users have the same question. Our group then came up with a plan on how we would present our synthesized information in iMovie. We divided the tasks for the movie and came up with a timeline to ensure that we complete our assignment by the due date.
My individual contribution this week was to create a mind map of my interview and to summarize the information collected from the surveys. I then worked with my group to synthesize the information and I was the one who created the final mind map while my other team members told me what pieces I should add. We did this using google hangouts and I shared my screen. We got a lot done! When we discussed how we were going to divide up the tasks for the video I offered to take the information we collected and put it together on iMovie. My team members said they would find the images (that had appropriate copyright permissions) and edit the phrasing of the presentation and I would put it all together into iMovie. Then I would send it to another team member to add music and upload it to YouTube.
Some of the challenges we faced this week were being able to include everyone in all the decisions. This is a continuation from our challenges from last week but it is difficult to find time to meet and collaborate with everyone’s busy schedules. I have had to give up quite a few things this week in order to finish my assignments and make time to meet with my group. These are going to be challenges I face as an administrator as well so I need to work to use my time wisely.
I really liked the process of synthesizing the data we collected this week. Organizing it using a mind map ended up being a positive and interesting process because themes emerged that I was unaware of before. I didn’t realize how many teachers valued 21st century skills, but 100% of the teachers surveyed thought students should learn 21st century skills in their schooling. I also liked the idea of creating a presentation of the information gathered and synthesized in the interpretation phase. It’s a great way for the group to present their findings. I can see this being used with students or colleagues at my site. The interpretation phase is a good check-in point for groups. It allows them to collect information to see if their design thinking question needs adjustments and it allows groups to narrow their focus if needed. Using a presentation would be a great way for groups of students or teachers to present their findings and allow their peers to ask questions to further support their learning process.
Emily Pilloton's Project in Bertie County inspired me. I liked that her team uses Design Thinking to design solutions with other people, not for them. They allowed students to use design thinking to create actual solutions to community issues. It’s real-world learning for students and their team shows how far you can take design thinking within schools. If I could teach the class they created I would feel so fulfilled as a teacher knowing my students were getting that type of learning experience. Her story gave me an example of how design thinking can be used in schools. I’m still unsure how it would be used in elementary schools, because their plan is for high school students, but I’d love to find out and attempt to bring it to my school.
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope you are ready for a new school year! We are extremely excited to have your child at our school and can’t wait for all the learning to begin. One way we can support your child this year is by having them use technology. We are lucky enough to have 1:1 devices for each student. Each student will have a chromebook to use on a daily basis. Children love using technology in the classroom. Technology allows us to meet your child’s individual needs while also giving them a unique learning experience. It allows students to practice 21st century skills like collaborating, communicating and being creative which will keep them actively engaged in learning and will prepare them for college and careers by the end of their schooling.
An additional 21st century skill students will practice when using technology is critical thinking. Critical thinking is the core skill for the 21st century. Critical thinking is when students analyze and evaluate information to make good decisions. Technology allows students to practice critical thinking because they can gather information through research, summarize the information without preconceived assumptions and then come to an unbiased conclusion. Students will practice discipline of mind, open mindedness, deferring judgement, metacognitive thinking, empathy, humility, asking questions, reflection and healthy skepticism when researching online. They will have to determine whether information is biased or credible and critically think about whether they are making judgements when gathering information or if they are practicing humility and empathy and seeing the point of view of others. These skills will prepare students for college or their careers and technology will help them practice these skills because they will have an infinite amount of information at their fingertips that they can evaluate.
In order for your child to have the best experience with technology, we need to ensure they are safe and know to how use the technology appropriately. Our teachers have set aside time to teach students about digital citizenship to keep everyone safe while online. Your child will learn about netiquette (online etiquette), cyberbullying, copyright infringement, crediting online sources, privacy, reporting inappropriate online behavior, and digital footprints. Please go over the following guidelines with your child to ensure they understand their responsibility when using technology:
- Be respectful with anyone you are communicating with online.
- Only sign up for websites or apps after getting permission from your parents or your teachers.
- Be careful what type of information you share with people online.
- Remember that pictures and posts can be saved forever online.
- Have a positive online presence.
- Share all passwords with your parents.
- If you use images or ideas from websites always give proper credit.
- Always tell an adult if someone is being inappropriate online.
Below are some resources that can be used to go over digital citizenship with your child at home. The more information your child knows, the safer they will be.
Appropriate and inappropriate online behavior
Family tip sheet for digital citizenship
Etiquette on what to share online
Digital Citizenship Pledge
Digital Etiquette Video
Thank you for taking the time to look over this information and share it with your child. We believe that parents can support student achievement just as much as teachers can. With your help we will prepare your children with 21st century skills by using technology safely and appropriately. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school.
Sincerely,
Andrea Jacobs
Principal