Churchville-Chili Central School District is in the sixth year of a technology plan to roll out 1:1 computer access to all students in grades K-12. Recently, the District’s 21st Century Technology Planning and Advisory Committee, a group of district administrators, teachers and librarians, reviewed the progress being made to ensure that instructional programs at all grade levels meet the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for learning in the digital age. 

 

“After reviewing examples of student work from over 300 teachers from all subjects and grade levels,” said BOCES 2 Instructional Technology Specialist Megan Hugg, who works closely with the Churchville-Chili district, “we are proud to say that our district has kept pace with the changing ISTE standards and is meeting or exceeding them. Our teachers are thoughtfully incorporating a wide range of technology into the curricula that engage students and empower them to take charge of their own learning."

 

”For example, fourth-grade students are studying local history and sharing their digital presentations via distance learning technology with fourth-graders in other parts of New York State. At the Ninth Grade Academy, students create mock Instagram posts with visuals and hashtags that demonstrate their understanding of plot, theme and literary techniques used in Hemingway’s classic, “The Old Man and the Sea.” "

 

“It’s really exciting to see how much our students can accomplish using the technology we’ve provided them with!” said Hugg.

 

ISTE standards have evolved since their introduction in 1998. Initially, they focused on ensuring that all students had access to digital tools and knew how to use them. Now, the goal is more ambitious: to leverage 1:1 access to internet-connected devices to transform student learning.

 

“This ties in exceptionally well with the district’s commitment to Learner-Centered Principles,” said Hugg. “Ensuring that students can leverage technology to take a more active role in achieving their own learning goals is central to district guiding principles and core beliefs."

 

”“Teachers are already doing a great job of using technology to enhance the learning experience at our schools,” said Hugg. “The challenge is to expand our incorporation of digital tools, actually embedding them into the learning experience. We are seeing more and more classrooms adding higher levels of collaboration with classmates, connecting to global experts, engaging in data collection and analysis, and showcasing learning in creative ways."

 

”“The Churchville-Chili district is committed to giving teachers the professional training and support they need to continue to adapt to new roles as expert guides and motivators. As we open doors for students to become more autonomous, self-directed and responsible learners, it is critical that teachers know how to leverage technology in designing authentic and engaging learning activities.”