Vision Assignment Example

Introduction

The vision which follows is designed for Fairview Middle School. Fairview is one of three middle schools located in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada. There are 220 students ranging from grade six to eight, ages 11 to 14 years with a wide range of abilities. Student backgrounds are primarily middle class and there are very few visible minorities in the student population.

There are about 70 students at each grade level and one-third of these students are in the French Immersion program. Fairview is the only immersion school at the middle years level, and as a result, students come from families living all over the city. Parents of the French Immersion students are often professionals with both parents working. Four-fifths of the members of the school board are from this group and currently have students at our school.

There are 22 full and part-time staff members. Only two of the staff are under 40 years of age and six are less than five years from retirement. Staff are comfortable with the use of the computer and with many forms of software. They handle email on a daily basis and can use the internet with varying degrees of success.

Vision

The education that is provided through Fairview School will encourage all members of our community to become and remain life-long learners. Learners will be involved in problem-based, authentic learning activities that are driven by the needs and wants of the individual learner. Students, staff and community members will all interact in a learning environment they have created together. Learners will use technological, analytical and interpersonal skills to develop an effective and productive approach to learning and communicating.

Questions & Answers

Defining a vision that meets the needs of our school and community, requires input from all sectors of that community. The questions that follow were those directed to the business sector of our community. Hope works as an instructional designer for a large corporation and is concerned with ensuring quality control for her company. She has had her children in the local school system and worked briefly in the school system.

1. What role do you see technology playing within the education system?

Technology plays the important part of developing students skills in areas that will be called upon when these students are in the work force. Knowing how to think in terms of the functionality of software applications and how to manage data is a requirement of individuals entering the work force. Knowing how technology works and how it can be used to assist in finding information and presenting information is important to business.

2. What skills would you like to see our students acquire as a result of our technology initiative?

Students need to know how to work collaboratively gathering and presenting information to decision makers. Using the Internet for current information and for research will enable them to present the most up-to-date ideas. Additionally, students must know how to solve problems in efficient ways. Knowing and applying appropriate software to a problem will show they understand the problem, understand possible solutions, and understand how to use technology to help solve the problem .

3. Education is a co-operative endeavour between all interested parties. What do you see as your role in this process?

As a business partner, we could offer summer intern programs that allow students to participate in the professional work environment. We can also participate in school-to-work programs that nurture students in appropriate work attitudes and skills. We can be an active partner by being present and prominent in related community activities and campus events

4. Every innovation comes with some drawbacks. What drawbacks do you see that may occur due to an increased use of technology in education?

One drawback that occurs with increased use of technology is that often students pick up the concepts of new software faster than the teachers. This has potential for damaged egos, and therefore a slowed rate of infusion. One change with the new technology age is that adults must be prepared to learn from children.

Another potential drawback is the shifting of funding. Programs that are valuable may loose some of their funding in favor of infusing technology. Keeping good programs while adding other good programs is essential.

5. Evaluation, as in business, is important for any venture. The success of the project will be seen in the learning outcomes displayed by students. What are some observable behaviours, both long and short term, which you think would justify the program?

Evaluation in education requires a longer period of time than in business. Students are developing people, not developed adults trying to meet a business deadline. Evaluation of the new projects can be based on many facets of the programs. How well do students adjust to the job market? Are employers pleased with the technology skills individuals possess upon entering the business? Can these new employees contribute to the mission of the company? Have they mastered the skills of working collaboratively and efficiently, using technology appropriately?

6. A program such as the one we are proposing is a major financial outlay. Is there some way your business can contribute to this effort financially? What could we as a school do to make this contribution justifiable to you as a business person?

Businesses need loyal and talented employees. It is in the best interest of a business, such as ours, to assist the community in which our employees reside. Developing a plan for contributions over several years is best for our purposes and may fit the needs of the school. When the individual does well, the country as a whole does well. We are interested in having talented people available for work and to purchase our products.

Conclusions

The business community recognizes the need for our students to be technologically literate. Students who are capable of efficiently collecting, analyzing and reporting information through the use of technological tools and in collaboration with their colleagues, are valuable potential employees.

Businesses are prepared to support this initiative through long-term financial assistance and by providing programs designed to show students what the work environment is like as well as what attitudes and skills are required to function there.