Facilitator+-+Deb+Kitchener

Assume that you are convinced that change is needed – what are the barriers and constraints that are keeping this change from happening? One of the things I see in my board is the problem that not everyone in the building is learning -it would be nice if we ourselves modeling ourselves as learners. The problem is we don’t really know what types of thinkers we want because we focus on the content or stuff rather than the thinking. If we want our children to be thinkers we have to be thinkers first. The biggest barriers are: unwilling teachers, policies that are not progressive, policy makers who are not in touch with student needs and a lack of student voice. Leaders who stifle innovation and quote policy while they are doing it. Student input is limited and is usually the input is sought from hand selected voices that will reflect the status quo rather than the change that is needed. I was going to add that one of the barriers is the difficulty we have helping teachers make the connection to how the technology can be connected to how it can be applied in real learning contexts. There is a lack of risk taking around new tools and the unwillingness to try out new tools in instruction. We don’t always see or know how the tools can fit within the curriculum or topic and we don’t seem willing to take the chance on it. There are also so many tools, honing in and finding one or two that fit for each teacher is an issue. We have to see how these tools can be used and understand how it would look in a classroom. If you are content-focussed then the adopting any new tools may not fit in your modes of instruction and often the coaching models and processes are not truly effective (ie: CRT, Itinerant Resource, etc…) There is a lack of trust in allowing students to use their technology (cell phones, netbooks) to access wireless connectivity within school sites. Policy makers and stakeholders (unions, administrators) are reluctant to open up to this reality. We struggle with uneven teacher responses to student needs (some engaging in online learning while others are not). We struggle with districts that turn resources and technological advances as a commodity and try to generate income from innovation. We see teachers who balk at change because they aren’t given tools (ie, laptops). We need leaders who know how to start the ball rolling with a push and then can follow up with support and pressure. We have to reframe what teachers perceive as professional learning and value the learning that teachers have in their everyday lives. There is a need for leaders who understand the importance of innovation and are prepared to make this a priority in their work locations. Brainstorm the solutions that can overcome these barriers:
 * Group Members: ** Neil Dyal, Linda Love, George Voumakis, Motti Anafi, Diana Scates, Brenda Sherry, Tassis Sgourimitis, Salim Jamal, Lora Greenglass, Real Pilon, Andrew Butler