This blog summarizes insights from Bill Campbell, Associate Director of Technology at Dwight-Englewood School and Digiexam Dialogues: Voices of Innovation - "Technology should be like oxygen: ubiquitous, necessary and invisible".
"Technology should be like oxygen—ubiquitous, necessary, and invisible," says Chris Lehmann, a noted educator and founder of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. This philosophy resonates deeply with Bill Campbell, the Associate Director of Technology for Academics at Dwight-Englewood School. He emphasizes the seamless integration of technology, making it a natural, effortless part of teaching and learning. Campbell advocates for using technology not just to replace traditional methods but to transform educational practices. This involves leveraging analytics to assess technology's impact and exploring emerging tools like AI to enhance personalization in learning. His vision is for technology to be so integral to education that its presence is almost unnoticed, yet its impact on enhancing learning is profound.
At Dwight-Englewood, innovative feedback mechanisms enhance teaching strategies effectively. One notable approach is the engagement index, which measures how students perceive the challenge and enjoyment of their classes. This index is used not for evaluating teachers but to provide them with valuable feedback, thereby fostering an environment of continuous improvement without the pressure of judgment.
In most cases, the school practices a distinctive bottom-up approach to technology adoption, significantly driven by teacher experimentation and approval. This method allows educators to discover and integrate technologies that genuinely enhance their teaching methods, rather than having tools imposed from above. Campbell supports organic growth and genuine integration of technology, based on real classroom benefits as reported by the teachers themselves.
While teachers at Dwight-Englewood is a force in drive innovation, strategic decisions about technology adoption are informed by broader institutional needs and budget considerations. Campbell works closely with technology liaisons from various school divisions to ensure that the technological integration aligns with the school's overall educational goals, thus balancing grassroots innovation with strategic oversight.
The school is piloting advanced tools like AI-driven chatbots to provide personalized learning experiences. These tools offer immediate feedback and insights into student performance, allowing for a more responsive and tailored educational approach. By integrating AI, Dwight-Englewood is not just keeping up with technological trends but is actively exploring their potential to enhance student learning.
Campbell advocates for the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) model as a framework to guide the integration of new technologies. This model helps educators think critically about how they use technology, encouraging them to move beyond mere substitution to truly transform educational practices. The model serves as a roadmap for educators to innovate and improve their teaching methods through technology.
Despite the successes, Campbell acknowledges the challenges in technology integration. The key, he notes, is continuous evaluation and adaptation. By sharing both successes and setbacks, he provides a realistic view of what it takes to integrate technology effectively in an educational setting. This candid sharing encourages a culture of transparency and continuous improvement among his colleagues.
Bill Campbell’s insights from Dwight-Englewood School provide a compelling look at the nuanced approach required to effectively integrate technology in education. By focusing on feedback, teacher-driven innovation, and strategic implementation, Campbell outlines a model that other educators and institutions can adapt to their contexts. His experiences underscore the potential of technology to transform education but also highlight the importance of thoughtful implementation and continuous adaptation.