Preparing the Next PLT Generation to Use Technology Connections

1. Preparing the Next PLT Generation to Use Technology Connections by: Kris M. Irwin, Ph.D. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources The University of Georgia National PLT Coordinators Conference Deadwood, South Dakota May 16, 2012

2. Presentation Objectives What I will do: • Define technology use in the context of PLT • Describe barriers to technology implementation • Present data from national research • Provide interaction between you and the data What you will do: • Evaluate your own use of technology with PLT • Identify your barriers to implementation • Discuss ways to overcome barriers

3. What is Technology for PLT? • Cutting Edge EE • Address the need to develop technologically literate students (2011 PLT K-8 Guide, p. 6) • Justify Use of Technology • Support learning objectives • Artifact that demonstrates learning: Used for assessment • Motivation • Student-centered • Cooperative learning • Student/Teacher interaction • Technology for PLT (2011, PLT K-8 Guide, p. 9) • Skill development • Access to knowledge • Creativity

4. Technology Connections • Word Processing - writing • Spreadsheets – data • Presentation Software - report • Graphic Software - photos & video • Graphic Organizer - visual thinking • Digital/video camera – capture • Peripherals - other than computers • Internet Resources - resources

5. National PLT Survey Results • Conducted Summer/Fall 2010 • PLT Network invited to participate • Participation lower than anticipated • Educators (513) • Facilitators (211) • State Coordinators (43) • Results are relevant to EE and PLT • Revealed opportunities

6. guide used most and Audiance? • Over 72% reported using PLT most often with PreK-12 students • Only 7% reported using PLT with college students

7. Level of Confidence

8. Level of Importance

9. Level of familiarity Ave Level = 2.14 or “Somewhat familiar”

10. Level of Use

11. Characteristics of PLT technology user • Completed a PLT workshop after January 1, 2007 • A trained PLT educator • Uses technology tools and encourages student learning with technology • Tend to be less than 35 • Most likely live in Northeast, South, or West PLT region

12. Barriers to Implementation • Status Quo - The feeling that things could be better if something changes. • Knowledge & Skills - Those who will implement the innovation must have adequate knowledge and skills to operate the innovation. • Resources - Access to the materials and supplies to make the innovation work. • Time - Those implementing the innovation must have time to learn, adapt, integrate, and reflect on their use of the innovation. • Rewards & Incentives - Some type of reward, either intrinsic or extrinsic, must be present to provide a reason to change. • Participation - The innovator must be involved in the decision-making process or it is unlikely the innovation will be implemented. • Commitment - Support from administrators and managers must come directly to those who are implementing the innovation. • Leadership - Support for innovators from those considered to be the leaders. Source: Ely, D. P. (1990, 1999)

13. PLT vs. Other Groups aAdapted from Ensminger & Surry, 2008 bAdapted from Nawawi et al., 2005 cAdapted from Surry & Ensminger, 2002

14. What Do you think? • A simple survey • Use the “clickers” to respond

15. This is a test • Yes • No

16. I am confident in my ability to use technology tools when teaching with the PLT curriculum. • Strongly Disagree • Disagree • Somewhat Disagree • Neutral • Somewhat Agree • Agree • Strongly Agree

17. Rank your level of familiarity with technology Connection as presented in the k-8 Guide • Not familiar • Somewhat familiar • Familiar • Very familiar

18. Which technology do you use most? (Pick one only!) • Word processing • Spreadsheet • Presentation software • Graphic software • Graphic organizer • Digital/video cameras • Peripherals • Internet

19. It is important to incorporate technology Tools when it is recommended in the K-8 activity guide. • Strongly Disagree • Disagree • Somewhat Disagree • Neutral • Somewhat Agree • Agree • Strongly Agree

20. Barriers to Implementation • Status Quo - The feeling that things could be better if something changes. • Knowledge & Skills - Those who will implement the innovation must have adequate knowledge and skills to operate the innovation. • Resources - Access to the materials and supplies to make the innovation work. • Time - Those implementing the innovation must have time to learn, adapt, integrate, and reflect on their use of the innovation. • Rewards & Incentives - Some type of reward, either intrinsic or extrinsic, must be present to provide a reason to change. • Participation - The innovator must be involved in the decision-making process or it is unlikely the innovation will be implemented. • Commitment - Support from administrators and managers must come directly to those who are implementing the innovation. • Leadership - Support for innovators from those considered to be the leaders. Source: Ely, D. P. (1990, 1999)

21. What is your greatest barrier?(Pick the one that affects you most) • Status Quo - The feeling that things could be better if something changes. • Knowledge & Skills - Those who will implement the innovation must have adequate knowledge and skills to operate the innovation. • Resources - Access to the materials and supplies to make the innovation work. • Time - Those implementing the innovation must have time to learn, adapt, integrate, and reflect on their use of the innovation. • Rewards & Incentives - Some type of reward, either intrinsic or extrinsic, must be present to provide a reason to change. • Participation - The innovator must be involved in the decision-making process or it is unlikely the innovation will be implemented. • Commitment - Support from administrators and managers must come directly to those who are implementing the innovation. • Leadership - Support for innovators from those considered to be the leaders. 0% 47% 7% 40% 7% 0% 0% 0%

22. Suggested action • Build technological knowledge (TPACK) • Students & teachers • PLT educators, facilitators & state coordinators Technological Knowledge (TK) 3 2 4 1 Content Knowledge (CK) Pedagogical Knowledge (PK)

23. How to increase “tk” • What you can do • Learn to do it yourself • Collaborate with an instructional technologist • Pilot test; Seek facilitator who is interested • What National PLT can do • Next major revision of PreK-8 EE Activity Guide should have major revision of Technology Connections • Develop online tutorials • Make technology (skills & application) part of this conference

24. Can we Talk? • What do you need to increase the use of technology in your state? • Where would you seek assistance to help implement technology? • Other questions or ideas?

25. Thank you! Did you expect more from me?