The adoption of educational technology (EdTech) varies significantly among educational organizations. Some have embraced EdTech, integrating advanced tools and digital resources to create dynamic and personalized learning environments. These districts often leverage interactive technologies to tailor instruction and support diverse learning styles. Other districts may rely on traditional teaching methods to address individual learning needs effectively.
Regardless of the level of EdTech integration in a learning environment, it is critical to ensure that all students have the skills and experiences needed to be prepared for life after K-12 education, including exposure to innovative technology solutions.
Establish a Technology Leadership Team
The first step in defining the profile of a graduate as it relates to technology use is establishing a technology leadership team. This team understands the organization's vision, mission, and goals and uses these as a north star to create a plan to meet students’ individual needs. Learn more about steps required to build out a technology leadership team.
Define Goals and Objectives
Within the technology team’s overarching goals and objectives, one goal might be: To ensure that graduates are proficient in leveraging technology to enhance learning, solve problems, and prepare for future careers.
Consider some of the following objectives to accomplish this goal:
- Digital Literacy Essentials - Define what common software and hardware tools students should be proficient in using.
- Online Collaboration Tools – Exposure to project management platforms, collaboration, and communication tools that may be integral to future learning and work environments.
- Cybersecurity – Understanding each user's responsibility for maintaining safe, secure practices related to technology use.
- Problem Solving/Critical Thinking – Technologies change quickly and often require creativity and perseverance to learn new tools or maximize use of existing tools as they develop.
- Ethical Use of Technology – Students must be aware of the ethical implications of technology use including issues related to plagiarism, online behavior and respect, understanding algorithmic bias and fairness, as well as sustainability.
Draft the Graduate Profile
Once key objectives have been defined, key competencies and attributes must be agreed upon in order to create an outline that organizes these competencies and attributes into categories or themes. Draft a narrative or bulleted list that clearly articulates each competency and attribute. A critical part of the draft stage is seeking feedback from key stakeholders and incorporating that feedback in order to refine the profile, ensuring it accurately reflects the needs and expectations of the stakeholders and the vision and goals of the district.
Vertical Articulation
The nature of a “graduate profile” is that it is an end goal to work towards over a student’s educational journey. Vertical articulation plays a critical role in accomplishing this end goal by planning for cohesive and continuous educational technology instruction. Some factors to consider include:
- Progressive skill development – Topics within each objective need to start at the simplest for youngest students and develop in complexity over time.
- Skill reinforcement & smooth transitions – When each grade level is clear on their area of responsibility within each objective, it ensures students build confidence and reinforce learning, reducing the need for remediation.
- Professional development – Providing differentiated support for educators ensures teachers are prepared to build on previous technology instruction and effectively guide students through their technology education.
Formalize and Communicate
Once the profile and vertical articulation is complete, obtain formal approval from leadership within the organization. Communicate the finalized profile and vertical articulation plan to educators, students, and parents, ensuring it is integrated into curriculum, planning and assessment.
