Admin High Tech Academy: Immersion for Understanding

Angela Elkordy

Overview

RationaleProblem statementsResearch questionsRelated research and disciplines Immersive learning environments …

create unique learning experiencesFor more information

Rationale

Today’s students must compete, in a very real sense, for positions in a global workplace

In many countries, this means students must be able to effectively use communicate, create and produce using a wide range of technologies

K-12 educators must advocate and facilitate thoughtfully applied and appropriate integration of instructional technologies in the classroom

Administrators have a critical role for shaping how, when, where and if technologies are used in the K-12 environment

Rationale

Administrators have limited time for ongoing professional development

Online learning opportunities have potential as a platform for professional development

Virtual worlds, as immersive environments incorporating simulation elements and strong collaborative components, may be useful for K-12 administrators’ professional development

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy

Problem Statement

A knowledge gap exists in K-12 administrators’ knowledge of effective pedagogies and instructional practices in technology integration

A gap in understanding also exists regarding the impact of the specific effective leadership behaviors, perceptions and practices on K-12 technology integration

These gaps must be ameliorated so that K-12 administrators have the visionary leadership essential for change and innovation

Administrators need ongoing professional development in these areas that is timely, relevant, convenient, and collaborative

Problem Statement

How can the possibilities of emerging and existing technologies be adequately conveyed to K-12 administrators?

What are effective leadership behaviors and strategies that support (or detract) technology infusion in a district?

What are effective ways to increase awareness of instructional technologies as well as the critical role of administrative practices needed to effectively implement them in K-12 education?

Research Questions

How do school administrators’ perceive their role and influence in technology integration?

What are administrators’ attitudes regarding the importance or possibilities of teaching with technology (pre and post)

How knowledgeable are administrators about best practices of teacher training models for successful integration of technology?

Research Questions

Are immersive, online learning environments effective in teaching the content? (leadership skills for max. tech. integration and emerging technologies in the curriculum)

are Virtual Worlds (specifically Second Life) effective learning spaces for professional development for K-12 school administrators?

Immersive Learning Environments …facilitate unique learning experiences

Aireyanna on Info Island, Aladdin Literature learning environment

Immersive Learning Environments …create unique learning experiences

Aireyanna At The Blue Mosque, Turkey (Replica)

Immersive Learning Environments …create unique learning experiences

Aireyanna in the Mythological Library, Info Island

Relevant Research & Disciplines

Organizational Theories Learning in organizations Innovation diffusion models Leadership behaviors and strategies for

effective technology integrationCognitive Sciences and Learning

Theories constructivist and social constructivist frameworks adult learning

Relevant Research & Disclipines

Emerging research and theories: educational games and simulations Experiential learning persistent virtual worlds and education immersive learning environments social discourse, Activity Theory (tools

and cultural artifacts) & others Simulation “engines” and methodologies

Relevant Research & Disciplines

Professional development for technology integration models: Cognitive apprenticeship Mentoring models

Digital Equity 21st century skills Meaningful access of technology

(including resources and trained educators)

For more information:

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy http://

edorigami.wikispaces.com/Bloom's+Digital+Taxonomy

Educational Uses of Second Life (Video: Mary Ann Mengel) http://scottsecondlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/

educational-uses-of-second-life-video.html RezEd: The Hub For Virtual Worlds

http://www.rezed.org/group/grantssecondlife Second Life Grid:

http://secondlifegrid.net/slfe/education-use-virtual-world

Second Life in Education: http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses