Since I’m in a high school district that implemented one-on-one devices for students years ago, I’ve seen many changes in both myself and my colleagues regarding the ways in which technology is used within our lessons. It is true that in the beginning sometimes, one thinks they are offering a “blended experience” due to the implementation of the technology when that’s not the case at all. The teacher instead is simply giving students a digital worksheet instead of a printed copy.
I think that when technology is first introduced, it’s easy for everyone to get excited about the new tech and what it can do versus how the tech can help the user to achieve a level of learning that simply wasn’t possible before the tech was introduced. It’s important for all concerned to move past the initial excitement of having the tool and for all to consider how the tech will allow for learning opportunities that were previously not thought of.
At this time, I’m a teacher in an alternative high school where I use the Flex model. My students have individualized courses that match their needs and I assist students when they need help. In contrast, last year I taught English to two hundred twelfth grade students within five periods. I would try to offer lessons that afforded students choice in the delivery of content and always gave students choice in how they showcased their mastery; however, these elements are only a small part of the COVA model. As well, in the Flex courses I teach, students aren’t choosing what they’re working on. The material is there ready to go and students’ individual needs and motivations aren’t considered. I think that we could offer students more options and choices, but that would probably mean changing the program we use now.
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