Using a learning management system to automate processes such as multiple logins and time-consuming searches for online resources can help districts change the “book” paradigm through technology.
“We have to make time for great teaching,” Gorman said. “We need to improve educator effectiveness and this outweighs any other school program or policy.”
Gorman said efficient districts have:
1. One district-wide, end-to-end digital platform
2. One log-in for content, curriculum, PD, instruction, communication, collaboration and assessment
3. An ability to integrate different systems and platforms
4. High user adoption
5. An ability to modernize pedagogical methods such as UDL and one-to-one technology implementations
6. Lower costs
7. Teachers who are able to spend more time on instruction and less time on curriculum and lesson planning
8. Less teacher turnover–teachers are more satisfied with their careers
9. Actionable data for teachers to measure mastery of standards
Technology supports these characteristics by streamlining curriculum, focusing on learning objectives one child at a time, improving outcomes, and giving students ownership of their learning, Gorman said.
South Carolina’s Spartanburg County School District 6 is putting Gorman’s suggestions into practice with a focus on teachers and leveraging technology to support teaching and learning goals.
“Our teachers are the backbone of our district,” Gardner said.
Spartanburg officials tackled infrastructure and professional development to create the backbone that would allow the district to manage BYOD and an influx of student devices.
Part of that process included creating a community and a one-stop shop for teachers.
To learn more about how Spartanburg streamlined processes and focused on teacher efficiency, watch the archived webinar.
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