It is interesting how disruptive technology works. I am always curious to see how new technology can impact and change the way we interact, learn, and work. Disruptive technology is coined by Investopedia as:
An innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate.
It is good to know that schools are not just impacted by technology. When new technology enters the classroom it can impact many areas: social dynamics, task behaviour, academic honesty, etc. This is exciting for the many but can also be challenging. As a school, how can it this be managed?
The goal for every teacher is to ensure their student are safe and academically successful that promotes good values, emotional, and social growth.
For the above to happen, the teacher uses classroom management strategies. These strategies foster trust, initiative, inspiration, accountability, kindness, contribution, and the willingness to help others.
However, when something disruptive takes place there are times even with strategies in please, classroom management is strained or not effective. I saw this happen with emerging technology, when it entered schools. New technology is exciting, it brings a realm of possibilities but it also brings an unpredictability.
When mobile phones entered the school, the ability to easily and quickly share information was revolutionary, and before the mobile phone, social media such as Facebook, redefined how students identify others as friends and curate information about themselves and others. These disruptive technologies required the teacher to adapt their classroom management strategies.
In many cases these technologies are blocked at schools, however when the school sees how it can support student success, teachers need to adapt their classroom management strategies. The laptop is a good example where originally it was seen as a disruptive technology but eventually became an established tool for learning as it is well suited for content creation, research, educational videos, and interactive learning. The laptop is also prone to misuse with shopping, entertainment, gaming, etc. The teacher therefore needs support to adjust their classroom management strategies to ensure student is safe and academically successful.
A challenge for teachers is that the adjustment is not easy as the technology is relatively new and the outcomes of it can be unpredictable.
To support this unpredictability and give the teacher time to adjust, a change management strategy can be placed at the school level using a progressive discipline model, such as a Rung System. An example of Rung system (referred also as disciplinary steps) is best when it is restorative and managed by administration. For instance, if a teacher is having difficulty with a student gaming in class, the student will receive a rung from the teacher by reporting it administration. Depending where the student is in the Rung System, administration will follow-up accordingly.
The other benefit from the system is teachers feel supported during this transition. I remember when implementing laptops and it helped with the repour and adoption of the new technology. It allowed teachers to also take risk to see what works, and it helped students see how this change while exciting are also accountable for their learning.
One challenge though is to be clear that the rung system is not permanent - think of it as a crutch. It is there to help with change, like a leg healing. Once things are figured out and you can stand on your own two feet, it is not needed.
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