Case+2+Maximizing+District+Investments+toward+Better+Teaching+and+Learning

Case #2 Title: Maximizing District Investments toward Better Teaching and Learning Alexandria City Public Schools, Virginia, USA

Case Description: Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is comprised of more than 11,000 students and 1,700 teachers. In the year 2005, the Alexandria City Public School district initiated the Technology Integration Program (TIP). The program provided all 9-12 students with laptop computers for school and home use. This further allows the district to integrate technology tools and ensures that the teachers and students are utilizing them. With necessary resources and proper structure, technology integration can greatly enhance interactive learning. In order for the district to receive the full benefits of TIP, certain tools needed to be assimilated into classroom instructional strategies. This is where Blackboard fit into the spectrum. “In 2005, ACPS implemented Blackboard software and services to maximize its use of e-Learning technology; to foster more and more efficient teacher collaboration; to improve both classroom and online instruction; and to further increase student achievement” (Maximizing District Investments toward Better Teaching and Learning, p.1)

ACPS is dedicated to proving a differentiated educational structure in their learning environments. They encourage lessons to be adjusted to meet the diverse needs of all the students. “Blackboard technology gives ACPS teachers a powerful tool to realize these goals through the use of the Adaptive Release feature” (Maximizing District Investments toward Better Teaching and Learning, p. 3).

Teachers noted that the laptops were not just used to technical-oriented courses, they were also used to deliver information. They conclude that Blackboard technology can supplement any classroom. Upon the introduction of the Blackboard suite, collaboration from teachers increased significantly, allowing them to communicate freely across district, give feedback, and share best practices. “They (teachers) were able to discuss instructional techniques and goals more frequently and do so with greater depth and complexity than they had in any context in the past; they couldn’t help but to talk about instructional best practices” (Maximizing District Investments toward Better Teaching and Learning, p. 2). Blackboard provides teachers with devices that help increased flexibility when it comes to creating and presenting lessons.

The overall findings showed that the integration was truly effective and relevant to 21st century classroom needs. “The results have been dramatic, changing the face of the district’s classrooms” (Maximizing District Investments toward Better Teaching and Learning, p. 1). After integration of TIP and Blackboard, student achievement and participation increased.

Case Evaluation: Overall, this integration was a phenomenal success. There is not much room for criticism for the parties are overly satisfies. Although there were great research methods and results, improvements could have been made in the initial stages of the web 2.0 integration. One noted weakness is that there was an initial decrease in usage of the laptops by all teachers, with the exception of the math and science teachers (because of familiarity with other technological methods) prior to the incorporation of Blackboard. Teachers were reluctant until the suite was installed and understood. It would have been more effective if the teachers and students were placed in training prior to getting the laptops, just to learn the fundamentals. Teachers and students would have benefited further if the Blackboard program was ready-to-use upon receiving the laptops. This would have lead to enhanced excitability among expecting participants. Engagement would have begun sooner and would have been more intense.

In the end, on fact remains, and this is that “Alexandria Public Schools needed a student-centered learning environment with flexibility, Blackboard Learn was the solution for them” (Maximizing District Investments toward Better Teaching and Learning, p.1).

Reference:

//Maximizing District Investment toward Better Teaching and Learning//. Blackboard+ Learn, 2009.