Digital Portfolio Technology Plan

For this assignment, I decided to focus on how I would create a technology plan to implement use of Seesaw digital portfolios at a district level.  After having piloted my MMP with teachers in our building, I realized how much they were open to learning, but lack of professional development and support in this area held many back from trying new things.  It is one thing to be handed an iPad or a Chromebook for use in your classroom, it is another to have the resources and support available to effectively and efficiently be able to utilize these tools to benefit the process of learning and teaching.  In order to take my project to the next level, I would consider implementing the following technology plan:

1. Identify Technology Learning Standards and assess teacher comfort level in implementing meaningful documentation of student learning through digital portfolios
2. Identify committee members to support plan development and implementation.  In our district possible members might include:
• Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Curriculum
• Building Principal
• Teacher leader
• Technology Support Staff Member
• Media Specialist
• Grade level representation from buildings across district
• Parents
• Students
3. Check availability of resources (iPads/Chromebooks/laptops) needed to implement digital portfolios.  Add Seesaw app to iPads for teacher/student access during training and beyond. Set a two year timeline for implementing overall plan.
4. Create committees:
• Team Leader- Purpose/vision/monitoring progress/organizing implementation/revision
• Teacher Leaders - Implement district wide staff development introducing digital portfolio tools such as Seesaw.  Support teachers within buildings and across district, serve as resources, open up classrooms as laboratories for observation of technology in use.
• Community Committee (Teacher/Student/Parent) - Determine ways in which digital portfolios best support the collaboration between home and school.  Serve as community advocates and liaisons.  
• Technical Support Committee - (Media Specialists/Tech support) Support staff with technical issues regarding technology tools.
• Communication & Curriculum Committee (Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Teacher Leader) - Present and communicate with staff to identify new policies/procedures/available resources to develop digital portfolios.  Ensure that use of portfolios is connected to district curriculum and implemented as needed throughout the district.
5. Share Seesaw Digital Learning Portfolio Site through interactive district level workshops led by teachers.  Open up teacher laboratory classrooms for observation.  Create virtual space (Google Classroom for staff sharing and support).  Offer follow up small group meetings at building level to support needs as they arise.  Create Digital Portfolio PLCs across district.
6. Monitor and assess teacher comfort level, seek student feedback, collect parent feedback data and revise as needed.

As I was creating this plan, I saw how helpful it is to outline the process of implementation.  We are lucky enough to work in a district that has a significant amount of technology tools available.  Unfortunately, these tools are often used in limited ways or are left forgotten.  When I piloted my MMP, I saw how excited the teachers were to try something new.  They simply did not know what the possibilities were, or how to find the support on their own.  Creating a plan like this takes the investment in technology to a new level as it becomes an investment, not just in the tools, but in the teachers, students, and families that they are meant to support.