Integrating the Teacher Digital Competency Framework at Epic: Blog 2 Educ 5373
In this week's blog, we are looking at how we can integrate technology into our school. Additionally, we spent some time looking at models of digital leadership that could be used to help with the integration. The digital leadership model that would work well at Epic is the Teacher Digital Competency (TDC) Framework, discussed by Falloon. In his work, Falloon states that the frameworks, models, and literacies that the teacher digital competency framework is built upon, generally focus on:
- Advancing students’ skills in using ‘educational’ applications
- Using digitally-sourced information
- Understanding effective blends of pedagogical, content, and technological knowledge is seen as supporting the integration of digital resources into teaching to enhance subject-learning outcomes. (Falloon, 2020)
Who are the stakeholders that you would reach out to first to develop a technology integration plan?
Stakeholders: Parents and Students, Teachers, and Administration
My focus is on administration, and my two colleagues are tackling the other two areas. Since I am focusing on administration, I will be reaching out to the following types of administrators: The Family Engagement team, our Curriculum and Instruction Director and her team lead, a Managing Director of Instruction, a principal, an assistant principal, RTI Director, Child Study Coordinator, a Teacher Development Specialist, the Managing Director of Study Services, and the Deputy Superintendant of School Support. This group is diverse, but it also encompasses many who would need to be a part of the plan.
How might technology integration be aligned with current projects or goals in your school?
The plan I wrote last semester dealt with training admin and teachers and incorporating technology skills into the curriculum. Our school has five aspirations, so we can align our integration plan with those. Specifically, here's how the Teacher Digital Competency (TDC) framework from Falloon (2020) can incorporate the five aspirations of Epic Charter Schools:
1. The Atom: Epic graduates are future-ready and in demand
TDC Framework Connection: The TDC framework emphasizes the development of digital capabilities that go beyond basic technical skills. It focuses on preparing teachers to equip students with the complex skills needed for future success (Falloon, 2020).
2. The Globe: 100% of Epic students are provided a holistic education that meets their individual needs
TDC Framework Connection: The TDC framework supports personalized and inclusive learning environments by promoting differentiated instruction through technology, assistive technologies, and flexible learning environments.
3. The Tree: Epic is the world leader in caregiver empowerment and engagement.
TDC Framework Connection: The TDC framework can facilitate stronger connections between teachers, students, and caregivers through digital communication tools, online collaboration platforms, and access to learning resources available through technology.
4. The Mountain: Building and supporting the community is overtly evident in all aspects of Epic.
TDC Framework Connection: The TDC framework encourages using technology to build and support learning communities by connecting learners using digital tools, creating community engagement, and developing digital citizenship.
5. The Torch: Epic leads in innovation and workplace satisfaction.
TDC Framework Connection: The TDC framework promotes innovation and supports a positive work environment for teachers by encouraging creativity and empowering them to explore new technologies. It also provides professional development that helps them grow and develop digital competencies. It also focuses on using technology to improve efficiencies, giving time back to teachers.
How would you structure opportunities or take advantage of current practices to learn together and build capacity to implement the plan?
Epic already has a training platform called the ELC (Epic Learning Community). This platform could be utilized to create learning opportunities for teachers AND administrators. Since my current focus is admin, I would plan on developing training for them on how to use the TDC framework and how it would also ensure we were hitting those five aspirations previously mentioned. This platform would also house training for teachers. Finally, we would have in-person training, and principals would be expected to create a portfolio or work samples showing they understand the competencies and could help teachers when needed. The plan for students would be to incorporate the technologies aligned with ISTE standards into our in-house curriculum, Epic Ed.
What outcomes might you focus on to provide input/feedback for your plan?
The outcomes I would specifically focus on would be ensuring teacher and admin competence in the student ISTE Standards and that students could also meet or exceed the standards. With the Needs Assessment we will conduct, we should be able to determine what we need to do to make this happen.
Choose a model for change from the readings that resonates with you and briefly discuss application of this model to your community.
As mentioned above, I chose the Teacher Digital Competency (TDC) framework. This would be applied at Epic Charter Schools to create a shift towards comprehensive digital competency, moving beyond basic technology use to transform teaching and learning. It involves empowering teachers and leaders to design new and creative learning experiences, use data for informed decisions, and develop inclusive digital environments. For teachers, TDC offers structured professional development focused on effective technology integration, encouraging a move from content delivery to student-centered, inquiry-based learning and supporting differentiated, personalized instruction for all students. For students, TDC ensures the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital citizenship skills alongside technical abilities, promoting learning experiences that prepare them to be active with technology, not just passive consumers. Ultimately, for the Epic community, TDC strengthens connections between school, students, and families through enhanced communication, collaboration, and engagement, creating a shared understanding of digital citizenship and online safety and a cohesive and practical approach to digital learning.
Resources:
Epic Charter Schools. (n.d.). About Epic Charter Schools. Epic Charter Schools. https://www.epiccharterschools.org/about
Falloon, G. (2020). From digital literacy to digital competence: the teacher digital competency (TDC) framework. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68, 2449-2472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09767-4
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (n.d.). Standards. ISTE. https://iste.org/standards
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ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth, I think you have a strong plan. The TDC framework guides teachers to use digital technologies critically, creatively, and ethically for teaching and learning. It goes way beyond basic skills and could definitely enhance pedagogy, content delivery, and student engagement. IIf the plan is implemented effectively, it sounds like it will enhance differentiated instruction, student-centered learning and personalized instruction for all students. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth- I too choose the TDC. I liked that it was helpful to all teachers regardless of the subject or grade level and how it will increase not only digital skills, but digital competencies as well. I think you have a great plan moving forward on how to build on the current practices you have in place.
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed out using the ISTE standards to help you measure the success. I do not know why I didn't think of picking a few that I wanted to measure, but I think I will look through the standards and pick out a few to focus on when working on my tech plan. Thank you for your insight on this topic.
ReplyDelete-Samantha Kissko