A CaseNEX study:
Freedom Area Senior High School, USA
Context:
This case study is from Freedom Area Senior High School which for decades has educated students from rural and manufacturing communities to meet the needs of the local economy. Now, students are being prepared to compete in a global economy and the curriculum must provide structures to prepare its students for the digital future. This has meant that administrators, faculty, families and the students must respond to efforts to integrate technology into the core curriculum.
Case studies are “slices of life” that help educators develop the problem-solving skills needed to support student success in today’s complex, fast-paced world.
The CaseNEX model is used to support a deeper understanding of some of the key issues linked with the education reform process in this case study.
The focus for technology and school reform in this school was in the following areas:
- Languages Arts/Literacy
- Leadership
- Math
- Policy/Law/Funding
- Technology
What is the CaseNEX model?
CaseNEX offers online methods that apply to everyday professional situations educators encounter. The case-analysis algorithm allows teachers to approach problems with confidence by addressing five problem-solving steps to inform their decision making.
The five steps include:
- Identifying the issue
- Understanding different perspectives
- Linking knowledge with issue identified
- Proposing actions
- Forecasting consequences
This methodology can be used in a face to face workshop session or online exploration.
Studies have demonstrated that teachers who participate in the CaseNEX model of exploration are better in identifying problems, designing educational interventions to address them, and evaluating the effects of their teaching.
Some questions/discussions which are stimulated by this case study:
- How can teachers can be involved in every step of the reform process?
- How can embedding the use of technology can be use to develop 21st Century skills?
- How can students can encouraged to be self reflective?
- How can a strong emphasis be developed on students applying practical knowledge?
- How can technology infusion influence new ways to assess student understanding?
Some questions to support deep analysis using this case study:
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What might community members offer the discussion of increased technology at Freedom? (Issues) |
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How might their past experiences with the school inform their views? (Perspective) |
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How can teachers and administrators find out about grants like Classrooms for the Future? (Knowledge) |
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As a result of the knowledge you have gained from this case, what actions do you plan to take in your own school setting? (Action) |
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How might Freedom further support teachers who are experts in technology integration? (Consequences) |
Resources
CaseNEX
Area of Innovation
This case study focuses on the highlighted areas below.
