iPads and the Failure of Technology

Right then ... where was I?
Oh, that's right.  I was over 6 months behind schedule!

A Quick Catch-Up

I am now working at the Antwerp International School as the Director of IT.  Part of my portfolio is to develop a better integration of IT into and across the curriculum.  Already, I have unashamedly piggy-backed onto some great ideas by Kim Cofino.  Her blog has really inspired me to 'do a better job'.

iPads

So, back to iPads.
I am skipping over some aspects of the school and getting straight to our new project: iPads in the Classroom.

I am new to the school but not new to the concept of:

• "I have a good idea.  Let's do [fill in the gap here]!"
• [Person waits, tapping foot]
• "I'm waiting" they say

You get the idea.

So, I have inherited a budget that allows for, in the first place, the purchase of a healthy class-sized set of iPads for the Elementary School.

People

People will define the success of this project, not technology.  In this case, teachers will play a pivotal role is determining how learning can be enhanced through the thoughtful integration of iPads into identified elements of the curriculum.  The iPad is a tool.  It is not a panacea.

I completely understand how excitement can play a part in leading a project like this.  And that is great - after all, that helps with the change process.  However, the motivation must be about improving learning, not establishing a rich IT-based inventory.

We are about to begin the process of introducing iPads, but it starts with People.  And talking.  Lots of talking.

Another instalment soon...