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Technology Literacy atTechnology Literacy atSt. Bonaventure SchoolSt. Bonaventure School

K-9 Student IT CurriculumK-9 Student IT Curriculum

Technology Literacy atTechnology Literacy atSt. Bonaventure SchoolSt. Bonaventure School

K-9 Student IT CurriculumK-9 Student IT Curriculum

By Frank X. SowaChairman/CEO

The Xavier Group Ltd.Glenshaw, PA

21st Century Total Technology Solutions for Schools

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What is Technology What is Technology Literacy?Literacy?

• Knowledge of computers?• Knowledge of car maintenance?• Knowledge of building things?• Knowledge of applied science?• Knowledge of biotech and genetics?• Something else???• All of the above?

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Technology LiteracyTechnology Literacy

• Why is it important?• How does it affect me?• How does it affect my students?• Why should I HAVE to learn about it?• How does it play out in the real

world?

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How does technology How does technology effect me TODAY?effect me TODAY?

• Locally• Statewide• Educationally• Work, Lifestyle, and Play• Nationally• Globally

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What PSSA studies tell us:

• Curriculum matters – Use of exemplary materials makes a difference for all students (achievement and gender issues)

• Instruction matters– There is no “silver bullet” --- rather, good instruction is a complex set of strategies matched to student needs

• Assessment matters– Gathering good information is essential to inform curriculum and instruction

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Redefining how we learnRedefining how we learn

• 21st Century educators need to empower the learner over his/her life

• Better interaction between learners and educator/trainers -- collaborating with the Core Architecture

• Improved message transfer means less lost in the translation -- direct one-on-one models -- away from packaged solutions

• Focus away from “tools” to “process”

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What can I do at St. What can I do at St. Bonaventure?Bonaventure?

• Improve your technology literacy• Master the core “paradigms” of 21st Century

technologies• Master the core information and delivery

channels of these technologies• Share your expertise with students• Convey the importance of “keeping up” and

“moving ahead”• Take students through the “literacy curve!”

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The technology literacy curveThe technology literacy curve

• Exploration of breadth of technology• The Basics needed for “tools”• Using the tools properly by yourself• Collaborating with the technology• Using technology in curriculum• Using technology in the classroom• Innovating to new thresholds and shifting

paradigms

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Paradigm ShiftersParadigm ShiftersParadigm Shifters create new paradigms.Paradigm Shifters are almost always outsiders whose new way of looking at things is almost always rejected. They are change agents -- questioners of status quo.

Paradigm Shifters are truly “world changers.”

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Paradigm PioneersParadigm Pioneers

Paradigm Pioneers choose to work with new paradigms early, making their decisions intuitively, without benefits of objective evidence to show they will succeed. Paradigm Pioneers do not usually CREATE the new paradigm that they benefit from.Paradigm Pioneers advance in society as the Paradigm Grows. Others who fail to adapt to the paradigm fall further behind.

-- Joel A. Barker, author of Paradigm Shifts

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Paradigm SettlersParadigm SettlersParadigm Settlers wait until a paradigm has become mainstream and a set of rules has been established before they accept it.Paradigm Settlers are in for the long haul -- but are cautious and conservative and like to test the water before moving forward.While Paradigm Pioneers benefit most in social status and wealth from Paradigm Shifts (being new paradigm leaders), Paradigm Settlers are the customers of the new approaches.

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Paradigm MechanicsParadigm Mechanics

Paradigm ShiftersIdea people, craziesBig investmentLittle ROI

Paradigm PioneersIdea grabbersModerate risk investmentBiggest ROI

Paradigm SettlersCustomers /BeneficiariesLittle investment / ROI

New Paradigm

Period of Time

Value

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Paradigm-plegicsParadigm-plegics

Webster’s defines a Paradigm as: “a pattern, example, or model ...”Webster’s defines “plegics” as the Greek suffix-root for words that mean “people who suffer from paralysis.”Paradigm-plegics therefore, are people who suffer paralysis when forced to look at things from a new paradigm.

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Paradigm-plegicsParadigm-plegicsParadigm-plegics are individuals or institutions that can’t cope with -- or more often refuse to cope with -- the new concepts.Paradigm-plegics suffer from change paralysis -- they drop out, bury their heads, and return to the safety of the last paradigm.Often Paradigm-plegics had a safe role and a lot of leverage in former paradigms and want ALL to stay within its set of rules for security sake.

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Which are you?Which are you?

• Paradigm Shifter? (World Changer)• Paradigm Pioneer? (Change Profiteer)• Paradigm Settler? (Change

Manager)• Paradigm-plegic? (Stuck in Past)• Does it matter?

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The Paradigm EffectThe Paradigm Effect

When people change their paradigms, their perceptions of the world change substantially.This is called the Paradigm Effect and explains why two people can look in the same direction and see very different things. This also explains why experts make bad predictions.

-- Joel A. Barker, author of Paradigm Shifts

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How to deal with change:How to deal with change:The slide rule metaphorThe slide rule metaphor

How to deal with change:How to deal with change:The slide rule metaphorThe slide rule metaphor

Slide rules have no value as a product in today’s technological world. It would be useless to learn how to use one for calculations.The principles and the process behind using a slide rule are the same ones that are the basis of all computing. These have a great value today and in the future.Future learning success is in building a foundation around PROCESSES, not products.

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Which paradigm are you at today?Which paradigm are you at today?

• Agricultural -- Hands-based Technology (to 1958)

• Industrial -- Machine-based Technology (to 1979)

• Electronic -- Electrical-based Technology (to 1984)

• Broadcast -- Transistors, Integrated Circuits, Satellites, Desktop Computers (to 1991)

• Informational -- Data-Based Networks (to 1995)

• Narrowcast -- World Wide Web, Downcasting, text, images, Internet-based Technologies (to 1998)

• Collaborative -- Integrated-Communications via Internet and Net tools with full multimedia (Now)

• Bio-Melding -- the Next Paradigm (through 2025)

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The “Paradigm Shift”The “Paradigm Shift”in Technologyin Technology

The Future of the Organization in an Information Age

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Telecom

Technologies

Broadcast

Technologies

Computer

Technologies

The 40’s to 70’sThe 40’s to 70’s

Separate TechnologiesSeparate Technologies

BROADCASTBROADCAST

High BandwidthHigh BandwidthAnalog SignalAnalog SignalSynchronousSynchronousCommodity PricedCommodity PricedTELECOMTELECOM

Low BandwidthLow BandwidthAnalog SignalAnalog SignalAsynchronousAsynchronousCommodity PricedCommodity Priced

COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

Moderate Moderate BandwidthBandwidthDigital SignalDigital SignalAsynchronousAsynchronousSpecialty Specialty PricedPriced

High-Cost Data High-Cost Data Storage /TransferStorage /TransferHigh-Value / Cost High-Value / Cost InformationInformation High-Cost High-Cost DistributionDistribution

Central NetworksCentral NetworksBig Iron ComputingBig Iron Computing

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Telecom

Technologies

Broadcast

Technologies

Computer

Technologies

The 80’sThe 80’s

Convergence of IndustriesConvergence of Industries

INFORMATION-BASEDINFORMATION-BASEDMODELMODEL

Mixed BandwidthMixed BandwidthAnalog/Digital SignalsAnalog/Digital SignalsAsynch / SynchronousAsynch / Synchronous

Specialty PricedSpecialty Priced

Distributed NetworksDistributed NetworksDesktop ComputingDesktop Computing

Lower Cost Data Lower Cost Data Transfer /StorageTransfer /StorageLow-Value High-CostLow-Value High-CostInformationInformationHigh-Cost DistributionHigh-Cost Distribution

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Computer

The 90’s and BeyondThe 90’s and Beyond

New Media of the Information AgeNew Media of the Information Age

High BandwidthHigh BandwidthNarrowcastingNarrowcastingDigital SignalDigital SignalAsynchronousAsynchronousCommodity PricedCommodity PricedCost-Free NetworkCost-Free NetworkGlobal AccessGlobal AccessLocal ImpactLocal Impact

Optimized Data Optimized Data TransferTransferDistributed Data Distributed Data Storage in NetworkStorage in NetworkHighest-Value Highest-Value InformationInformationLowest-Cost Lowest-Cost DistributionDistribution

ENHANCEDENHANCEDCOMMUNICATION-BASED MODELCOMMUNICATION-BASED MODEL

Integrated NetworksIntegrated NetworksParallel andParallel andDistributed ComputingDistributed Computing

Broadcast

Telecom

UnifiedUnified

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The Next ParadigmThe Next ParadigmThe Next ParadigmThe Next ParadigmNext paradigm -- the merged computer / broadcast / telecom technologies -- now external tools -- become melded with the human brain via wearables, nanotechnologies to greatly expand potentials -- man-machine are one! (Circa 2011)

High touch human principles dominate. (Circa 2006)

The world will be changing at evermore rapid paces -- machines will assist. (Now)

Next paradigm is centered around the home. (Now)

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The Next ParadigmThe Next ParadigmThe Next ParadigmThe Next Paradigm

The melding of the Information Superhighway Networks with Groupware, Virtual Reality and Artificial Life.

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Why is this important to Why is this important to technology literacy?technology literacy?

• As IT technologies meld together they create a mixing point of critical information

• The critical information becomes the core architecture to apply technology and science in EVERY field

• The core architecture thus becomes the paradigm shift necessary for all future organizations to function

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Strategies of successful organizations today...

Strategies of successful organizations today...

• Technology is no longer an afterthought -- but the actual cause and driver of success

• Controlling flows of information and partnering electronically paramount to success

• Use benefits of technology to innovate, explore, entertain, and enhance without traditional time and space boundaries

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How Technology has changedHow Technology has changed

• People connect to you by telephone, fax, pager, Internet or dial-up modem e-mail data is transferred, walls no longer matter

• People collaborate on projects using electronically-based network-tools that allow sharing over the miles

• People replace many of the traditional functions by emulating them in a virtual world, thereby making time-space restrictions non-binding

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How does it affect me?How does it affect me?

• The core architecture becomes the cornerstone for functioning in the 21st Century!

• Knowing the “process” rather than the “mechanics” becomes critical for survival

• Its importance needs to be properly conveyed to your students “why” and “how”

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How does it affect How does it affect St. Bonaventure and your St. Bonaventure and your teaching?teaching?• Are you technology literate -- if not, what can you

do?• Have you mastered the core architecture? (How

you can!)• Are you teaching the importance of technology

literacy? (How is it integrated into the classroom?)

• What can The Xavier Group do to help?• The Basics - Collaboration - Integration -

Innovation

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Part II Enhancing Literacy in the Part II Enhancing Literacy in the

K-9 Classroom:K-9 Classroom: Gaming, VR, and CollaborationGaming, VR, and Collaboration

Developing a better understanding of Technology in the Classroom --

1) increase technology literacy, 2) understand what drives creativity, 3) use tools that introduce the next

paradigm.

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New Paradigm Pedagogy

• Get away from just teaching desktop applications and tool “BASICS”

• Teach with an interdisciplinary approach -- Geometry, Science, Literature, Math, and so forth

• Make it fun. Students are into gaming--take advantage of that

• Focus on the process and age abilities • The pedagogy of virtual reality

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GamingGamingStudies show less than 1% of elementary students, and a mere 5% of high school students know how electronic games are created. Gaming is more than just something for fun - it is a way to augment education through safe simulation and modeling.

OPPORTUNITY: Show how games are created. Learn as teachers how games are created and convey to students. Learn and teach attributes of Core Architecture. Hands-on improvement of Technology Literacy

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Gaming Gaming

• Gaming -- Two and three dimensional exploration of key human concepts including problem solving, strategy building, higher order math and elemental thinking. Minimally improves mind-body coordination.

• Gaming -- Use of games as a teaching device has a long history in many fields. Electronic Gaming is the current trend.

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...The next paradigm ......The next paradigm ...

WearablesWearables

Network-based Virtual World Network-based Virtual World Walkthroughs w/ AvatarsWalkthroughs w/ Avatars 3D Interactive Animations3D Interactive Animations

Not Restricted Not Restricted to the to the Computer BoxComputer Box

These are all projects completed by The Xavier Group Ltd. 1993-2000These are all projects completed by The Xavier Group Ltd. 1993-2000

Head MouseHead Mouse

Walk-on gridWalk-on grid

Smart classrooms

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A look at the future

Computing will no longer be restricted to the box.Computing will no longer be restricted to the box.This is a low-cost CAVE project completed by PMS Microdesign Inc. 2001This is a low-cost CAVE project completed by PMS Microdesign Inc. 2001

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The technology literacy curveThe technology literacy curve

• Exploration of breadth of technology• The Basics needed for “tools”• Using the tools properly by yourself• Collaborating with the technology• Using technology in curriculum• Using technology in the classroom• Innovating to new thresholds and shifting

paradigms

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Phase IV

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What can a teacher do at What can a teacher do at St. Bonaventure?St. Bonaventure?

• Improve your technology literacy• Master the core “paradigms” of 21st Century

technologies• Master the core information and delivery

channels of these technologies• Share your expertise with students• Convey the importance of “keeping up” and

“moving ahead”• Take students through the “literacy curve!”

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Middle School PA Math Standards

Grade 6Operations with DecimalsOperations with fractionsUnits of Systems and

MeasurementsSpatial Reasoning and

Geometric Modeling Perimeter and Area of

PolygonsData Analysis using

vectors, bar graphs, line graphs and pictographs

Grade 7Angle relationships and

measuresCircumference and areas of

circles and spheresComparisons using ratios

and proportionPercent computation and

applicationData Analysis using Circle

Graphs, Stem and Leaf plots, Frequency tables and Histograms

Probability Studies

Grade 8Similar and congruent

figuresPythagorean TheoremSurface Area and VolumeData Analysis using Box

and Whisker Plots and Scatter plots

Operations with IntegersLinear FunctionsIntroductory Calculus

Functions

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Standards-Based Classrooms

• Classrooms that include:– Content linked to standards– Instructional practices that foster problem

solving, communication, reasoning and connections through multiple representations

– Authentic assessments that enable students to show what they know and can do

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Teaching Under a New Paradigm

• Grades Pre-K to 2 -- Can recognize circles, squares, triangles, smaller and larger

• Grades 3-5 -- Can operate computer, use Kid Pix to draw circles, squares, triangles on the “X” axis

• Grades 6-8 -- Understands basic geometry (PA standards), can master spatial geometry, polygonal shapes, vectors, and angles, can master reasoning on the “X” and “Y” axes

• Grades 9-12 -- Understands geometry, can master X::Y::Z matrix proportions, can master CAD concepts

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Teaching Under a New Paradigm• Grades Pre-K to 2 -- Can listen and follow directions• Grades 3-5 -- Can relate to a story, likes to draw, is

creative• Grades 6-8 -- Can create a story line, has some

mastery of basic art skills, likes to explore on the computer

• Grades 9-12 -- Has mastered mechanics of the computer, can write a detailed story line, has mastered electronic art concepts, capable of exploring CAD

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New 21st Century Paradigm: New 21st Century Paradigm:

Teach Virtual RealityTeach Virtual Reality

• Human presence in computer-generated space (cyberspace)

• Virtual reality -- interface shouldn’t be a representation, but a replacement

• Five senses feedback -- stereoscopic representations to convert you into believing VR is a reality

• Orientation to a “virtual environment” comprised of crude polygons given facades then animated

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Six Degrees of FreedomSix Degrees of Freedom• Mathematics -- Position Tracking using

the Cartesian axes of X, Y, and Z -- perception to exist in three dimensions

• Fundamental Shift in human-computer interaction to effect all parts of life

• Wearables

• Window metaphor of computer desktop

• Cab-style (military flight simulators); CAVE™ -- Room VR from University of Illinois and NASA Ames Laboratories

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Have students start with a blank sheet of paper

Draw Circles, Squares, Triangles

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Beginning VR Mastering Shapes

Basic Shapes: The Basic Shapes: The circle, the square, circle, the square, the triangle -- the triangle -- polygonspolygons

The Diamond -- Two The Diamond -- Two Triangles set together. Triangles set together. Note how proper Note how proper shading changes what shading changes what the eye sees. the eye sees. (Beginnings (Beginnings of 3D)of 3D)

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Taking VR further manipulating polygons in space

Rotating the geometry Rotating the geometry of the polygon on the of the polygon on the X:Y:Z axesX:Y:Z axes

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Connecting Polygons to make a VR image

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The VR School Assembly The VR School Assembly DayDay

• The Xavier Group will discuss gaming with students and showcase at assembly

• The Xavier Group will showcase VR and allow students to play with it

• The Xavier Group will explain VR and key “art” step using computers and KidPix

• VR API• VR Term Project and Rewards• Where teachers fit in

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St. Bonaventure Technology Program

• Act 48, Act 80 and “No Child Left Behind” Professional Development workshops on Technology Literacy

• Assembly for students on VR and gaming• In-class curriculum and pedagogy for each grade

with assistance in incorporating and teaching under it

• VR studies as a way to enhance interdisciplinary and technology literacy studies

• Follow-up awards assembly

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What can a teacher do at What can a teacher do at St. Bonaventure?St. Bonaventure?

• Improve your technology literacy• Master the core “paradigms” of 21st Century

technologies• Master the core information and delivery

channels of these technologies• Share your expertise with students• Convey the importance of “keeping up” and

“moving ahead”• Take students through the “literacy curve!”

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Leaders at creating tomorrow’s successful organizations today.™