Module 11 : Target Audience! (Who, Why and How)!

 

Target Audience?

My audience focuses on BC Teachers because 97% or 99% of secondary schools report that teachers use technology to communicate with students in class (People for Education, 2019). I've also personally been through the BC curriculum from K-12 and it is an audience I’m excited to add more information to. There was also a report that  33% of  elementary schools and 66% of secondary schools encourage students to “bring your own device” everyday (People for Education, 2019). However, studies show Canadian teachers are very positive about technology in their classrooms but face challenges for successful implementation. MediaSmarts goes on to say “we need to carefully examine relationships between pedagogy, curriculum and technology” (Hosselet, 2016). The study by MediaSmarts also states 97 percent of teachers said their school provides them with at least one type of networked device, however teachers are facing roadblocks (Hosselet, 2016). These roadblocks include lack of support, professional development. Overall half of Canadian teachers surveyed believe their school has given insufficient support to use new technologies or software to meet curricular goals (Hosselet, 2016). 

There is a crucial reason why a Youtube “How To” technology guide will be needed. My hopes is to upload a couple video surrounding "how to use Canvas to explain visual literacy" or "How to use these online study tools to help students study better".  

As the Learning Commons model has changed teacher librarian role from gatekeeper of books to facilitator of competencies, research skills and technical knowledge. It is crucial to have a support system for teachers and TL’s. One way to help is through video sharing. They can view youtube videos from their homes or at the school or during free time. The videos themselves can be used during professional development times as well. In addition to the knowledge that teachers and TL’s have, the “How To” guide can act as supplemental or extra knowledge. There is hope that administrators can carve out dedicated time for teachers to meet and collaborate with each other in regards to technology and they can use the guide for supplemental and or direct guides to learn about new technologies available for the classroom (Work, 2014). Why this is important is because once teachers are able to use technology during class whether it is for polling such as mentimeter it can create a more interactive and fun atmosphere for the students. Students become active participants in the learning process by using technology in the classroom and improve performance by 89% (Concordia, 2021). 

Rationale & Goals

My rationale for creating my project is to fill in the gaps between certain unknowns of new technology for teachers and TLs. As some teachers may know to use technology but don’t have enough support from the schools to learn from the dedicated school times and would need an extra supplemental area. It also provides an easy way to access videos and information videos online. I’m hoping to share it on youtube and gain traction so that it can be shared to the teacher’s own blog or website. In order to truly get my videos out there, I will not only post on Youtube but also email my videos out to my past high school and elementary teachers for them to view. I hope this series grows so that other teachers, educators and students could make their own videos to explain other technological news or problems! I will further stimulate growth by tagging youtuber educators in the comments. I can also utilize my personal tiktok and instagram to share my videos! This way hopefully some teachers and TL’s can share with their schools and bring in new teachers that are also excited to share videos on Youtube. The impact is that hopefully there is more spotlight on learning and that the community can learn together so that there is no uncertainty in any new software, technology or information. This models a life long learning creation with my digital artifact because teachers and others can continuously come back to the videos to view and when new updates or softwares come out, there will be new videos made or others will make new videos and it will become a chain of events. 

Take a look at this comprehensive video on MUST HAVE for add ons for Google Classroom Teachers!

References : 

People for Education (2019). Connecting to success: Technology in Ontario schools. Toronto, ON: People for Education.

Hosselet, A. (2016). Study shows Canadian teachers very positive about technology in their classrooms, while facing challenges to successful implementation. MediaSmarts. https://mediasmarts.ca/press-centre/study-shows-canadian-teachers-very-positive-about-technology-their-classrooms-while-facing 

Work, J. (2014, February 3). 5 tips to help teachers who struggle with technology. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/help-teachers-struggling-with-technology-josh-work 

Concordia, U. (2021). 3 reasons why teachers need to use technology in the classroom. Concordia University Texas. https://www.concordia.edu/blog/3-reasons-why-teachers-need-technology-in-the-classroom.html