21 Steps to 21st Century Learning
In implementing 1-to-1 learning programs, all that matters is what the experience becomes for students. If we lose our way in implementing such initiatives, if we are distracted by technology or if we are stalled by bureaucracy, we do our students a grave disservice. However, if we get these initiatives right, we will have a profound impact on learning for all young people - not only now, but also for a long time to come. Therefore, we need to be clear about our purpose, focus, and our strategy to make it happen.
In order to assist schools and districts in implementing 1-to-1 programs, the Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation has developed the 21 Steps to 21st Century Learning framework. This framework is described in the links listed below. This is not a mere checklist nor are these steps by any means comprehensive. Rather, they are intended as catalysts, as guidelines for a much larger discussion. The information included here is merely a brief description, a framework, of what gets covered in the actual institutes. Because each school implementation varies, the steps included here are to be understood as outlines.
The first phase of the framework is focused on school leadership. Ideally, this includes school and district leadership in public schools and principal and deputy in private schools.The discussion centers on vision, philosophy, and the need to build a shared belief in the objective of your 1-to-1 initiative.
The next phase includes a briefing piece around several areas focused on equity for the business or chief financial officer (CFO) of the school or district. Ideally, schools want to open participation to all students in a school or district. But this is possible only if the business manager is fully engaged in the project from the outset.
Further steps outline the major considerations that the school or district technology director or chief information officer need to understand. These considerations range from the more obvious ones related to the laptop itself, to issues about connectivity, school and district infrastructure, and the options for comprehensive and accountable technical support in a technology-rich learning environment.
The final steps cover the critical factors that pedagogical leaders or curriculum directors must consider in a 1-to-1 program, where the richness of access to technology can significantly change the learning dynamic--and on which the success or failure of an initiative rests. In the past, too much emphasis has been placed on being able to use the technology, rather than on the critical pedagogical foundations that must underpin a program.
21 Steps to 21st Century Learning Institutes
The 21 Steps to 21st Century Learning Institutes are designed for superintendents, principals, board members, and other school leaders who have made the decision to initiate or expand their 1-to-1 student laptop initiative. Participants leave with a clear understanding of where to start and how to develop their student laptop program. Institutes are available in a variety of formats, from seven 1-hour a week online sessions to 2-day intensive institutes that can be scheduled for individual schools or districts.
Upcoming Online Institutes are announced in the Events page on the AALF web site. If you would like more detailed information about our online format, please click here.
If you would like more information about scheduling a customized Institute in your district, click here.
PHASE 1: Planning
PHASE 2: Preparation
PHASE 3: Implementation
PHASE 4: Review
Important Note: The copyright for the following materials is held by the Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation and Education Queensland, 2009. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, the content published by AALF, including all the following materials, is published under a Creative Commons License. Please refer to this link for more information.
21 Steps to 21st Century Learning is a registered trademark of AALF.
