Digital Strategy
A Digital Strategy comprises three areas:
- Digital Technology Infrastructure
- Digital Literacy and Capacity and
- Digital Leadership
Click here to see the digital strategy for Lawrence T. Gay Memorial
https://donnahblog.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-digital-strategy-lawrence-t-gay.html
Digital Technology Infrastructure
Digital Technology Infrastructure
involves the procurement and maintenance of digital devices and other
technology resources, adequate internet connectivity, digital safety, digital
security, data security, online safety and technical support.
At my school, there is no clear, written policy with respect to the
use of devices by students and teachers. There is however an I.T. Team which
comprises the ITC and they deal with these matters which includes distribution
and collection of these devices. The safety of students and teachers data is of
paramount importance in light of the Data Protection Act. As
a result, most of
this data is stored in the cloud and can only be accessed by authorised individuals.
Unfortunately, there is no functioning computer lab. Hardware and
software upgrades are needed along with major improvements in the internet
infrastructure.
Although each classroom has a network point,
both the internet bandwidth and Wifi distribution are inadequate. At our
institution, there are tablets and laptops for students as well as laptops assigned to
each member of the teaching staff. Our existing hardware
includes four (4) network switches distributed across the school, Cat 5 cabling
to each classroom and Windows 2008 server. The internet access is insufficient
being 20 mb downstream or upstream. Currently, the software utilized is Google
suite, Microsoft Office, Open EMIS, G-mail and we have recently acquired Teachermade.
The electrical supply at our school is suitable and there is no new wiring.
In encompassing this digital strategy, better internet infrastructure must be put
in place to ensure that technology can be used effectively in the classroom. To ensure that the measures put in place will mean that data is secure and reliable, encryption of all data as well as password management practices must be upheld. To mitigate corruption from viruses and malware, sufficient
antivirus software will be installed on all devices as well as the education of all users in the importance of not clicking on malicious links and opening files from unknown sources. To ensure data is properly stored, easily retrieved and updated, the storage medium which will be utilized will be the cloud as its
ease of access is beneficial.
New up to date hardware and
software will be required to support efficiency of the workload of teachers,
administrators and leaders. These devices will be safely stored in the MIS Room
which will be secured by a security gate, system and cabinets. Hardware and
software will be procured through the Ministry of Education, Technological and
Vocational Training, online and through donations from the P.T.A, corporate
Barbados, charities and past students.
A computer lab is definitely
needed to modify the existing plant. However there are only a few greenspaces
available in which to do this as the plant is quite small. Perhaps building
upward on the existing building may be the solution. A U-shaped design or
layout could be a suitable option for the lab. Modems and extenders will also
be used in suitable locations to assist.
Digital Literacy and Capacity
Digital
Literacy and capacity is the current state of digital knowledge and capacity of
the stakeholders at an instituition. First ,we must assess what is known and
seek to improve on it. All stakeholders must be involved in the establishment
of the digital strategy if it is to be a success as most persons do not like
change. Effective communication must be used in order for this to be a smooth
transition. Obtaining the buy in of the stakeholders will be essential. Identifying
the least technically competent teachers and getting their buy in with this
digital strategy will be essential. If the weaker teachers become trained, then
more tech savvy teachers may even seek to improve themselves more but must be
encouraged to help where needed.
These stakeholders, students,
teachers, administrators, leaders, parents and non-teaching staff should be
offered the opportunity to be trained and hence be skilled in digital literacy
and capacity. After school training can be offered to non-teaching staff and
parents whereas frequent Professional Development, development of Professional Learning
Communities and Professional Learning Networks must be put in place for all
teaching staff. This will ensure that teaching staff will have the confidence
to implement their skills learnt to incorporate existing and not be afraid to
embrace new technologies which enhance learning outcomes and pedagogy.
According
to Foley and McNally (2021), “it is important
for teachers, with the necessary support, to develop their own competence in
this area in line with emerging trends and requirements, in order to fully
realise the potential of digital technologies to support and enhance teaching,
learning and assessment practices and to provide the most up to date learning
experiences for learners.”
This ensures teachers have adequate digital skills
and competencies. We ensure through this digital strategy, students receive adequate
training in digital technology and that they all have the much needed skills
which will enable them to survive in this changing world. As stated by Foley
and McNally (2021), “This Strategy will
complement and support the development of the new Literacy, Numeracy and
Digital Literacy Strategy for all learners from early years, primary and post primary
levels, which aims to fulfil the Government’s determination that all young
people will leave school with the digital skills required for everyday life and
further studies. “
Digital Leadership
Digital Leadership is that which allows the leader to adequately implement and communicate the digital strategy to all stakeholders, thus ensuring their buy in. This strategy must be stated clearly and all persons allowed time to get used to the idea. An effective leader would state the pros and cons, ask the relevant questions of all stakeholders, conduct a survey and ensure, support continuous professional development and do all in his or her power to ensure the vision agreed upon by all is implemented.
The following must
be established: Implementation, Adequate Data Management software, Tracking of Student Progress, staying current with new and emerging
technologies in education, supporting
CPD (Continuing Professional Development), communicating with all stakeholders,
comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of
the entire process.
In conclusion, The Digital Strategy for Lawrence T. Gay Memorial School has been formulated and is as follows:
- Robust Internet Infrastructure and Systems
- Adequate Data Protection (Data Encryption and password management)
- Efficient Antivirus Software
- Cloud Storage
- Up to Date Hardware and software
- Interoperability and interoperable systems
- Professional Development, PLC's (Professional Development Communities), PLN's (Professional Learning Communities)
- Efficient Tracking of Student Progress and Ensuring Online Safety
Click below to watch a video on Digital Strategy of Schools to 2027 - Ireland and
https://donnahblog.blogspot.com/2022/12/digital-strategy-for-schools-to-2027.html
Comments
Post a Comment