Learning Networks

Learning Networks • Presented by: • Tom Erik N. Holteng

Plan • Background • Digital literacy • Learning Networks - the method • The first network 2004 - 2006 • Second network 2006 - 2008 • Experiences

Earlier projects • PILOT, PLUTO • Schools that have succeeded in implementing ICT in the pedagogical practice are schools that are willing to change • Teachers and pupils must feel that they are a part of the process. • The role of the school leader/rector is important if the schools are going to be learning organisations • Networks across schools are important to share experiences

Main goal • The main objective of the project is that schools, school owners and teacher training institutions shall, participate in learning networks and through knowledge acquisition and dissemination, be qualified and aware of the pedagogical added value of ICT so that they to a greater extent make use of ICT in their daily pedagogical practice

Organization Supportgroup Network leader Teacher training institution Schools Other School owner Directorate for Education and Training County Governor

Participants • Network leader from a teacher training institution • 12 schools (primary and secondary schools) • Rector and one teacher from each school • School owner

Digital literacy • "Digital Literacy is skills, knowledge and attitudes in using digital media to master living in the learning society" (Ola Erstad)

Pedagogical use of ICT Critical review and reflection ICT skills ICT infrastructure ICT in Society and Worklife ICT in individual courses Learning with ICT (eportfolio) Digital literacy

LN as a method • What • Sharing networks vs. Learning networks • How • Gatherings (2 days, 4 times each year) • Working in groups with different topics • Presentations of research • Short courses • Social • Learning Management System • Email • Phone • Formal and informal communication • Visits

The first network • 2004 - 2006 • First time. • 9 primary and lower secondary schools, 2 upper secondary schools • Much focus on digital literacy • The schools were located close to each other

Experiences • What did we end up doing: • WLAN and laptops • LMS • Short courses • Administrative use first, pedagogical use next • Take small steps • Clear vision of what, when and why • Challenges • Involve all the schools. Make a difference at the school and for the teachers/pupils • Involve the school owner

The second network • 2006 - 2008 • 9 primary and lower secondary schools, 2 upper secondary schools • The schools were spread over a large area

More experiences • Involve school owner early (money!) • Early involvement of the rector. Make them in charge of local development through individual plans • Follow up and support • Involvement of the school owner is important to give the rector economical freedom • The school owner expects results • Still difficult to involve the whole school (all teachers) • Building upon experiences from the first network (wlan, laptops, short courses)

Success? • One school inspector once said:“We would probably have reached the same goals without this network, but now we have done it faster” • Another school inspector:“We have made small steps, but never thought we would have come this far” • Learning Network is not a method that fits all

Thank you • Email:tom.erik.holteng@hibo.no • Blogg: http://tomerik.wordpress.com 21

Learning Networks