Becoming a Change Agent

Students of today are immersed in digital technology. They have instant access to

information via their smart devices and the internet. Teachers too have such technology,

but many have not embraced technology to help manage the teaching and learning process.

I strongly believe that teachers can gain competence in digital technologies once

they overcome the initial mindset that modern technology can only be understood and

employed by specialists. They will increasingly integrate technology into their delivery once

they witness others successfully doing so. I can help the process by providing appropriate

nudging and guidance to colleagues.

The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) portfolio document, that students

must prepare, requires extensive pictorial evidence. Initially, the Electrical Installation

teacher was overwhelmed. Not only did he not have experience using a digital camera, but

also, he was unfamiliar with managing digital files. I helped him take photos and worked

with him to develop a systematic approach to sequence, label and store pictures. Now he

takes the pictures himself and manages their storage. In his role as Head of Department and

CVQ coordinator, he has guided others in this aspect of managing evidence for students’

portfolios.

Our school still uses paper-based attendance sheets. Accurately recording on such

documents is time-consuming. Also, elegant error correction is not possible. I have been

using Microsoft Excel to record attendance data and have inspired a few of my department

members to do the same. We transcribe the digital records to the paper-based attendance

sheets weekly. While this process may involve double recording of data, slightly less class

time is required to take roll and the paper-based records are completed more neatly.
 I have been using PowerPoint to deliver some of my lessons over the past several

years. More recently, I have begun using websites such as Edmodo and Kahoot! to host

lesson content and quizzes. As I learn about these technologies, I share with my colleagues

in my department what I have learnt.

Meaningful change goes beyond just integrating technology though. Reflection leads

to improved teaching. The Diploma in Education Programme has taught me to always reflect

on the teaching and learning process. After lesson delivery, I now take time to think about

how a lesson was executed and how it could be improved. This process often involves

discussions with teachers who have witnessed my lesson delivery. Reflective sessions are

now a nearly daily routine among the Electrical teachers.

My sphere of influence may not extend much beyond a small group of teachers in

my department. However, I envision that change will propagate slowly as long as I am

consistent in my efforts.