Developing+a+Sustainable+ICT+Culture 


 * **Developing a sustainable ICT Culture**

Rob Pyers, Principal, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College

//"Thinking about today, is not preparing for tomorrow"

"Culture is the 'the way we do things around here'"
 * School Culture

"Culture is the underground stream of norms, values, beliefs, tradition and rituals that builds up over time as people work together, solve problems, and confront challenges. This set of informal expectations and values shapes how people think, feel and acts in schools."

Staff need to be supported and developed to ensure sustainability.

**//
 * Think of a culture within your own school
 * Think of an event in your school which reflects your schools culture - what are the underlying values which exist within your event?
 * If these are good values, how can they be replicated?
 * If these are values which need to change, how can you address this?


 * Fact -** to accelerate learning you need to slow down. Try to slow down, small bits at a time. Where are we, where are we going and how do we get there?

//"Students learn spontaneously."

Nothing significant will happen with introduction of technologies **unless:** //
 * It is a whole school approach - it is owned by all (If not at first, expectation that all will eventually)
 * The focus is on teaching and learning
 * Teaching does not happen in egg shells - Risk taking and confidence development in staff (Out of the comfort zone! Visit each other in school, and also visit other schools to see what's going on, while its running, see how others are doing it!)
 * The school community will be supportive if they understand that student improvement is at the heart of the changes. **Understand the why!**

Network Infrastructure does play a part.
 * School Leadership**
 * ** Leadership needs to model not only the usage of ICT but model its importance - sell the message **.
 * Build an environment of trust, this will ensure staff take risks. There will be ups and downs!
 * ** A culture that ensures development is a significant part of each staff members development plan - **Make sure we are all rowing in the same direction!

Implementation plan for using technologies throughout the school. Professional learning sessions for targeted PD "Maximize to minimalise, make it part of the norm."

Peer coaching, expertise, team teaching, IWB, collaboration, cater for all levels,

Teachers need to have time to plan together.**


 * Embed ICT as a part of the strategic plan
 * Look to be risk takers, be innovative
 * Maintain a commitment to investing in hardware and PD - target towards self improvement and student achievement.
 * Look at other school and have open doors, review and reflect
 * Take up opportunities that can provide growth - for both students and staff.
 * Build a culture of trust

Plan for the future - on the run!

pyers.robert.r@edumail.vic.gov.au

www.dmsc.vic.edu.au

http://www.go2web20.net