Page 33 - Technology Plan for School Years 2017 to 2021
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the form of the “content” changing, but the delivery, presentation, interaction, scope,
sequence and adaptability have transitioned too.
As the demand for new dynamic features and abilities have increased, traditional textbook
publishers have adapted their materials to provide viable
solutions to put their “proprietary digital curriculum and
content” in the hands of teachers and students. At the same
time, the proliferation of the Internet and an “Open
Educational Resources” OER movement has resulted in an
immense number and types of resources available for
consideration.
Image Source: https://www.oercommons.org/
We have now entered a time when educators can demand content that no longer changes
only when reprinted, but that can come in many formats and be updated in real time. Within
the next five years, instructional materials will become even more interactive and more
easily used to address individual student learning needs, by providing immediate feedback
to both the learner and the teacher. Additionally, adaptive learning technologies will
continue to improve. When combined with the explosive growth of virtual instructional
materials and online courses, the new capabilities will make it possible for students at every
level to enjoy the benefits of personalized instruction in ways never before possible. The
District will evaluate, pursue, adopt, and support these new enriched and enhanced
solutions at every opportunity.
Promoting Effective Assessments & Making Connections Using Data
Students and teachers in SDPBC are expected to demonstrate effectiveness and learning
gains in their classes and are provided with many forms of support and assessments to use
strategically throughout the year. Ultimately, students will demonstrate competency through
classwork, informal, formal and diagnostic assessments including Computer Based Testing
(CBT), career and industry certifications, and other project-based digital and multimedia
digital learning outcomes. Each method contributes to the overall picture of student success
and can provide valuable student data.
Individual student performance data is a major contributor to a truly personalized learning
experience and has become integral in effective planning and instruction for administrators,
teachers, and learners. SDPBC has invested heavily in tools and training to help educators
become increasingly aware of their students’ performance levels and to adapt their
instruction accordingly. Most recently, the addition of adaptive software solutions like iReady
for Elementary Math and Reading uses technology to directly help in developing
personalized learning paths for the students. In coming years, this investment will continue,
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