Futurist Scenario

My futurist scenario for Migrant Education is providing Migrant students with mobile devices they can use for schoolwork. We have been working to get refurbished computers for students at home, and internet access, but this presents many problems. Even if families can afford broadband in the home, it is often difficult to open an account because a credit check is required. Many families simply cannot afford to pay for broadband.

If we were able to provide Migrant students with mobile devices, such as tablets, then students could connect to the internet wherever free access is available, such as libraries, McDonalds, school, etc. These devices would also be transferable from student to student.

1. If you were to implement this practice, strategy, idea today, what specialized skills, resources, and dispositions would you need to obtain for yourself, your colleagues and staff?

First of all, we would need to research available devices and choose one--maybe an iPod touch, or a Kindle Fire. Then, we need to learn how to use the device, so we will be able to support students in using them. We need to survey our students and teachers as to the types of work that needs to be completed out of class, so that we can ensure the appropriate applications are available on the device.

Based on the research, it seems like the best group to begin with may be middle school students.

2. What skills will your colleagues and those you supervise need in order to be successful in this scenario? Of those skills, which ones are currently being supported through resources such as professional development in your setting? Which ones are missing or minimal? What is currently being supported in your setting that would likely be obsolete in 2020?
We need access to and practice with mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. We don't have any of these available at present. Certainly, no PD around the use of these devices is available. However, we are using a variety of web-based programs, both for our own data collection and PD, as well as programs designed for students such as ST Math and Rosetta Stone. Staff in my organization require more practice with these programs. Most staff I supervise are not very comfortable using technology. I even have one person on my staff who has difficulty double-clicking (and she's under 40!).

3. In what ways are we unprepared, lacking in resources and staffing, or to what degree are our strategies and underlying values unable to respond effectively to the conditions this scenario represents?

I think we have the staff, and as far as resources, it is a matter of diverting money from one expense to another. These devices are getting cheaper.  iPod touch and Kindle Fire are $200 each. I am concerned, though, about SDCOE policies--would this purchase be allowed? For example, if we purchase computers with Migrant funds, SDCOE has to provide service, and they probably will deny providing such service for mobile devices. Also, there would likely be concern about students accessing content that is dangerous. I don't know if we can configure the settings so this is not an issue. That would be an important point to research.

4. What could we be doing now to leverage this trend to our advantage?

It would be possible for me to purchase a couple of devices right away, choose two students, and conduct a very small pilot to see how/if it works. In addition, we could investigate whether our students who HAVE smartphones, iPads, etc. (I am sure there are a few) are using their devices for school work, and if so--how are they using these devices?

5. What would need to happen internally and in the external environment for preparing yourself and those you lead to navigate in this strategic vision? What changes should your organization begin to make? What should it start doing? What should it stop doing?

I think SDCOE should review its policies related to the BYOD phenomenon. I need to investigate the ramifications if I provide devices for students. Are there liability issues? Could these be cleared with a permission slip? Also, those of us who have tablets and smart phones for our personal use could begin exploring ways students could use these for school work.

In addition, I think we need to begin collecting students' and parents' email addresses as a matter of course, and using email (I know, so last-decade) to communicate. Maybe twitter as well--and Facebook--I don't even know how many of our students use these platforms, but they could really be useful for us, as we don't meet regularly with our students, who are spread over a large geographical area.