The integration of technology is one of those tricky things. We desire to push new technology into our schools and make requirements that dictate their use, but are we taking the right approach? Do we look closely enough at the reasons behind this trend? Are we impacting our students in ways that really enhance their growth? While we (definitely including myself in this) might not have always been able to answer these questions, I suspect that we are getting better at being reflective of our practices regarding technology. Some evidences that I see are various frameworks of technology integration that being used. Let's take a look at a few that I have come across in my recent work.
You can see many variations of the SAMR Model with a simple search online. The one shared here shows the four basic steps of integration (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) with added examples for each level. Beginning at substitution, we see that the technology simply does the same thing as previous tool. Added capabilities allows us to move up to augmentation stage. In the modification stage we are now changing the task to something unique to the technology that wasn't available before. Finally, redefinition refers to creating a task the was not even considered before. While all of these levels would be useful in learning, a desire would be to harness the power of technology to transform learning in new ways.
Another framework for consideration would be the TPACK model. As you can see below, the model emphasizes the impact of knowledge in both pedagogy and content as well as the knowledge of technology (Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge). The overall concept here is that these things work together to impact student learning. "The Sweet Spot" of learning is in middle of these three concepts. In other words, we should make decision about how we use technology to implement sound instruction of our content to students.
Both of these models can be useful in making integration of technology affective and impactful. Utilizing the SAMR framework helps us all see how the technology can be used to develop deeper understanding. However, I believe the TPACK model best meets our school mission because it emphasizes that technology is interwoven into the full process of instruction. It is focused on the student learning rather than simply integration of technology.
If I were to roll these models out I would utilize the TPACK model to connect technology as just another piece of the puzzle in develop student gifts and skills. We could have some fantastic discussion about how these three elements can come together to develop student learning. To further emphasize decision making with technology I would introduce a Technology Integration Planning Cycle. I believe this would also help us to make appropriate decisions about when technology can assist us in meeting student needs and when it gets in the way, which is a critical element of integrating technology well.
If we use models like those shared here, I believe we will be able to confidently reflect on best practices for technology integration. Our student will indeed be positively impacted by the tools we give them.
References
SAMR Model Explained for Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved November 05, 2016, from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/samr-model-explained-for-teachers.html
The SAMR Model – Enhancing Technology Integration. (2015, December 16). Retrieved November 05, 2016, from https://digitallearningteam.org/2012/06/07/the-samr-model-enhancing-technology-integration/
SAMR/TPACK. (n.d.). Retrieved November 05, 2016, from http://www.ipadbootcampforteachers.com/samrtpack.html
TPACK.ORG. (n.d.). Retrieved November 05, 2016, from http://tpack.org/
Technology Integration Project. (n.d.). Retrieved November 05, 2016, from http://tipcycle.wixsite.com/tech-integration
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