Scoping Out Policy & 21st Century Learning | Principal Neale

Policy development. ?Might sound a tad boring, somewhat seemingly mired in long arduous meetings, and possibly not so much connected to 21st century learning. Not the case from where I sit these days, not at all. It?s been very interesting research and shifted my thinking about how authentic real-world learning and working needs to be woven into how a policy is written and eventually implemented. ?No question, there is a policy development lag as it relates to learning and working in the 21st century in the K-12 education world. ?I along with other HWDSB staff have been doing a significant amount of research on policy development as it relates to: social media, acceptable use, BYOD, internet safety and more. ?Here is our diigo collection for your reference on one of our key areas of focus: Digital Citizenship & Ethics.

What I found is that most policies only contend with what one might call operations or directives of 21st century learning and working not the vision of what it means to learn and work in the 21st century.

In HWDSB, there is a Policy Development Process?and here a screenshot:

As I share with you, the Scoping Report stage of the HWDSB 21st Century Learning and Technology Policy is finalized. ?This Scoping report includes:

• Purpose
• Why is this Policy needed?
• Intended Outcome(s)
• What are the specific outcomes from this Policy?
• Matters to be included in the scope of the proposed policy
• Matters falling outside of the scope
• Impact and Implications

Often policy is developed due to an issue arising that requires guidelines and direction. ?Many staff, parents and students are asking questions about what is acceptable use, BYOD and also, what tools or applications enable meaningful and authentic learning. ?Our focus must be about creating 21st century learning conditions that promote equity, real-world learning and working for all.

This is the beginning of the journey in HWDSB as we have established a 21st Century Learning and Technology Policy Steering Committee. ?It is very exciting as the membership is a diverse group of students, staff, parents and community members. ?We begun our work together on May 23, 2012 with a two hour session. All of our work, research, thinking and eventual collaboration will be visible at our 21st Century Learning & Technology Policy Blog. Check it out ? it?s all posted there.

This is and will be our space for actually living and breathing 21st century learning and working as we develop the policy. ?Next meeting is June 13, 2012. ?More to come.

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