The implementation of ActivBoards in classrooms at Calhoun Elementary closely follows Ely’s Conditions of Change model. The first of the eight conditions is demonstrated my stakeholders recognizing the need to update teaching methods to better prepare students for the 21st century. CES stakeholders came to a consensus that the two “student machines” supplied to each classroom was not enough to effectively implement technology into everyday instruction. Administrators and teachers collaboration resulted in their recognition that ActivBoards in the classroom were a necessity to instruct students using technology as a whole group.
The second condition in Ely’s model was demonstrated by the offering for teachers to attend summer training sessions in exchange for PLU credits. Teachers who received the first batch of ActivBoards attended training sessions to familiarize themselves with the Activ software. In order to get the ActivBoards, the CES administration made a proposal to the PTO to help fund them. PTO and the administration worked together to maximize PTO fundraising efforts with the sole purpose of purchasing ActivBoards for the school. Supplying classrooms with ActivBoards became a top priority not only for the PTO funds, but any other miscellaneous school funds. With this plan in action, the third of Ely’s conditions, resources are available, was demonstrated and every one of the 40 classrooms was supplied with a board within a three year time period.
For teachers to demonstrate the time factor discussed in Ely’s Conditions of Change model, continuous planning throughout the year took place. Each grade level at CES engages in Wonderful Working Wednesdays (WWW) monthly to have an extended time of uninterrupted collaborative planning time. Teachers used this time to address collaborative training sessions within their grade-level concerning tips, navigation, etc. of Activ software.
CES stakeholders share a common theme of promoting student achievement. Although, this sounds cliché, and a given in any school system, it is evident that teachers at CES truly do want to do what’s in the best interest of the students. The rewards condition is demonstrated at CES intrinsically with teachers’ knowledge that they are better preparing students to successfully live in a technologically advanced world. To add to this, teachers also enjoyed implementing the ActivBoard into their everyday instruction because students became more engaged. The ActivBoards made for fun and interesting lessons and also appealed to students’ background knowledge.
At CES, participation is always expected and encouraged, addressing Ely’s sixth condition of change. To ensure that teachers who received the first ActivBoard were teacher who planned to use them, the school set up an application process. The application process showed administrators which teachers were serious about using the new, advanced technology. They could feel confident that teachers who received the board would take the time to learn how to successfully use it in the classroom. Now that every classroom is supplied with an ActivBoard the system periodically conducts WOW walk-throughs that focus on the effective uses of technology in the classroom.
Administrators at CES have always been huge advocates of technology integration. They fully support teachers using technology, specifically, ActivBoards to enhance their lessons. The administration at Calhoun City Schools have always been a group of people that are not afraid to “get their hands dirty” to provide teachers with the support they need. In addition, leadership is evident, addressing Ely’s eighth and final condition of change, by the technology teams put in place to support teachers. The technology team is so sufficiently manned that one member is even housed at the elementary school to provide support. Leadership is also demonstrated among the teachers themselves. Teachers who have questions concerning Activ software have no trouble asking more seasoned ActivBoard users for help or any of the designated grade-level “techies.” I feel like Ely’s Conditions of Change model effectively shows how ActivBoards were successfully implemented at CES.
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Trying to implement change without the conditions that you describe would be very difficult. The fact that your school enjoys these conditions says a lot for its leadership. Once these conditions are established, then the benefits --- more engaged students, more enthusiastic teachers --- would seem to affirm the conditions and create a situation where "success breeds success." Two questions: 1. what is the average age of the teachers? (sounds like everyone readily embraces the technology, so I'm guessing that the teachers are fairly young --- an admitted stereotype . . . ); 2. Has the current economy been cause for lessening the number of tech specialists available to your school?
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