CTA: SYNTHESIS

Chris Harris
2017 Fall EL 601 Technology for Educational Leaders
University of Mount Union
 Conclusion

My conclusion includes several overarching ideas that were constant themes

throughout my CTA project, these include:
Internet Safety
Education and Training for Teachers, Administrators, and Students
Frequent Technology use versus Effective Technology Use
21st Century Skills The 4 Cs
 Internet Safety and Cyberbullying

Documentation exists that briefly outlines what Cyberbullying is.

APS Anti-Bullying Policy has a very small section that touches upon cyber bullying.
It defines electronic act as an act committed through the use of a cellular
telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device or other electronic
communication device.
Through the informal interviews I conducted, I was able to get a greater sense of
what the thoughts were on cyberbullying. Although it is not very prevalent, it does
happen.
Reporting cyberbullying can be difficult to do if it happens off site, which most cases
do. Clear and easily accessible procedural steps for students and staff would help.
 Education and Training for Teachers,
Administrators, and Students
All members of the school district community are provided with appropriate training
related to the implementation of the policies and accompanying administrative
guidelines.
Students in grades seven through twelve receive age-appropriate instruction in
dating violence prevention education, but they do not receive education on
preventing cyber bullying.
With the creation of the 1:World initiative, substantial education is provided to
teachers, administrators, and students on the care of technology, and the proper
and responsible use of technology,
 Frequent Technology Use VS Effective
Technology Use
In order for technology integration to be effective, technology should be a
fundamental part of the classroom, allowing students to be able to select technology
resources to help them to obtain information in a timely manner, analyze and
synthesize information, and present it professionally (Hamilton, 2007, p. 3).
Not only are teachers responsible for instruction in their respective fields of study,
but they are also expected to conduct exercises with students in the proper use of
the technology that they are afforded. Teachers take a definite hands on role when it
comes to the implementation of technology.
Through my research, I discovered the 4 Cs of 21st Century Skills, which I believe
APS utilizes at all times, especially in the implementation of the 1:World initiative.
They include: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
 21st Century Skills The 4 Cs

Communication Sharing thoughts, questions, ideas and solutions.

Working together to reach a goal. Putting talent,

Collaboration expertise, and smarts to work.

Looking at problems in a new way and linking

Critical Thinking learning across subjects and disciplines.

Trying new approaches to get things done equals

Creativity innovation and invention.
 Recommendations

1. A greater focus on cyberbullying training for students that is clear and outlined
procedures that students have immediate access to in order to report incidents.
2. Integration of 1:World program into the mission and vision of APS, as well as in the
visuals displayed on the APS website.
3. Creation of a technology plan that would help to organize important technological
documents into one easily accessible document for quick review and reference,
including the components that were required for the Technology Plan Analysis.
4. Integration of the 21st Century Skills 4 Cs in the Technology plan and in the
educational materials for staff and students alike.
 References

Hamilton, B. (2007). Its elementary! Technology integration in the primary grades.

Retrieved from the International Society for Technology Education website:
http://www.iste.org/images/excerperts/ITSELE-excerpt.pdf
Singer, N. (2017, May 14). How Google Conquered the American Classroom. New
York Times, p. A1 (L). Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.mt.opal-
libaries.org/apps/doc/A491636338/OVIC?u=muc_main&xid=5b1e1904
Papert, S., & Caperton, G. (1999). Vision for Education: The Caperton-Papert
Platform. Retrieved from: http://www.papert.org/articles/Vision_for_education.html
Harris, C.J. (2016). The effective integration of technology into schools curriculum.
Distance Learning, 13(2), 27-37.
 Professional Reflection
The two in-service professionals that I had the pleasure of showing my CTA project
with was a guidance counselor and an administrator with a college readiness
program.
It was important for me to get input on my work from two individuals who could offer
a different perspective, and who interact with students in different ways from a
teacher or principal.
Both individuals spoke very highly of the 1:World Initiative that is currently being
rolled out, citing how it is giving students greater access to technology, access to
their teachers, and stepping the school into the 21st century.
The guidance counselor made it very clear that technology is an important part of
teaching students in 2017, and mentioned that she would like to see more done
with the 21st Century Skills that I added in my presentation.
I will also be submitting my project to Karen Gegick, Director of Teaching and
Learning per her request.