The+Haverford+School+Team+2

﻿WELCOME TO THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL TEAM 2

 **Action Research Project** Jay Brown, Dean of Students, Team Leader Ron Duska, Head of Lower School Carol Ann Luongo, Director of Student Learning Cheryl Joloza, LS Science Deb Gavin, 2nd grade Sarah Barton, 4th grade

**Abstract ( //an understatement// )**
//The Haverford Lower School team discussed in September how our goal was to "think WAY outside the box" by using technology in completely new ways to support learning. We all had high hopes for "pie in the sky" support, but what we encountered were many roadblocks to access and funding that we assumed would be available.// //During the school year we attempted to use 21st century technology with some success, and a fair amount of frustration.// //In the end, we developed some ideas around "How can 21st century technology tools help us be a more effective learners?" This effort was based on our team's dreams for the future.//

=
//Our team wanted access to fully-functional 21st century technology tools so that we could begin our journey with students. The outcomes include everything a PLP team member might expect, such as productive use of video, voice, Skype, Wiki, blogs, and more to improve thinking skills in reading, writing, math, art, music, speaking, collaboration, and other real-time, real-world applications.// =====

=
**//"Didn't"//** - //Our team found an empty computer lab with a Mac laptop cart that had no Office tools, and required training for permission to use. Our divisional technology coordinator left the school in August - which left us without a point-person for support.// =====

[[image:IMG_0890.jpg width="385" height="288"]] //﻿//
Students reading a book in a lab previously filled with 20 desktop computers.

=
** Our science teacher ** - //Cheryl Joloza// spent time teaching all 5th graders how to make a Prezi, and exploring Garage Band with meaningful voice recordings. Cheryl also led a lower school team of teachers to the annual EduCon conference in January.=====

=
**Our Dean of Students** - //Jay Brown// used a Blog to allow students to generate "Change the World" ideas. Three school-wide service projects were developed based on thoughts posted by students - Miniature Golf Charity event; National No Name-Calling Week; Abitibi Paper Recycling.=====

Our 2nd grade teacher- Deb Gavin taught her students how to use a flip camera to document interviews for a reading initiative, "We've Flipped Over Reading", The initiative is based on research that illuminates the positive impact male role models have on boys and reading.

=
Our team did not develop a specific "project" in the sense that we were focused on one initiative. Our team works with students at different developmental stages of learning, with different learning objectives and outcomes, so our "aims" were different based on grade-level, and subject area.=====



Essentially, we want to use 21st century technology tools to enhance the learning, and assessment of students.

**//And how will you know you've been successful in implementation?//**
We will know if we've been successful if our students are actually using the tools in a meaningful way, and if our teachers are using the tools to assess learning.

**//Lessons learned and takeaways. How did it turn out? Where are you now in the project?//**
Our roller coaster ride is highlighted in the PLP journey document below.

=
//*Please share any and all materials developed throughout the project. Artifacts can include videos, meeting notes, surveys used, presentations, pictures, supporting documents, URLs, slide sets, etc.*// =====

** //Team member examples of 21st century technology used during the school year// **

//http://brownjay.edublogs.org/// //http://advisoryresearch.wikispaces.com///

Jay's slides for May 2011 PLP: