Session 1: Transforming Learning through Technology

Welcome to Technology Discovery at RTMS! I hope that this course will help you to transform your teaching by giving you ideas for how to effectively incorporate technology into your classroom.

Personalized Learning, Transformational Technology... What's it all mean?

Activity 1: Poll Everywhere

Think about how this video makes you feel. Use your cell phone to text the feelings you experienced for our Poll. (www.polleverywhere.com)

Send your text to: 37607
For the message type: 164746 followed by your feeling word
You may respond as many times as you like.

What do we want students to do with technology?

It is important to remember that the focus should always be on learning. Technology is a tool that can help us engage students in deeper thinking and problem solving.

The TPACK Framework

In order to be effective in today's classroom, we need to have three different skill sets: pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge, and technical knowledge. The "sweet spot" where these three worlds overlap is where transformation occurs.

The SAMR Framework

As we integrate technology into our classroom we have to begin where we are comfortable, but we should start to think about how we can maximize the effectiveness of the technology we choose. The SAMR framework gives a model for thinking about the different levels of tech integration that we can employ.

As we integrate technology more and more in the classroom, we begin to get excited by the engagement and learning that we see happeining in the classroom, however as you move through the process, you may find yourself getting discouraged. This is a common occurence in the cycle known as the "Trough of Disillusionment."

So, what does SAMR look like in the classroom, anyway?

Click here to view content specific examples of lesson activities at various stages of the SAMR model.

Activity 2: The SAMR Game

Think of a lesson or activity that you taught recently (or will teach this week) that did not involve student use of technology.
With a partner, brainstorm how you could incorporate technology to fit with each level of the SAMR framework (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition).
Use "The Pedagogy Wheel 3.0" created by Allan Carrington to help you think of ideas. (Click the link to view or print a larger copy.)

The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM)

Developed by the University of South Florida

Based on 5 levels of technology integration (Entry, Adoption, Adaptation, Infusion, Transformation) and 5 attributes of the learning environment (Active, Collaborative, Constructive, Authentic, Goal-Directed).

Click here to view the TIM. The matrix contains detailed descriptors for each cell of the TIM as well as exemplar videos for Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts.

Activity 3: Think-Pair-Share

Take 10 minutes to explore the TIM. Select one attribute of the learning environment. Read the descriptors for the different cells of the matrix for that attribute. Consider watching a video clip or two.
Think about how the TIM and the SAMR framework are related. How are they different?
Pair up with a partner and discuss your thoughts.
Share with the group 1 thing that you noticed about the two frameworks.

Blogging - A place for reflection & discovery

A blog, at its simplest, is a website containing an archived series of written posts (e.g. articles, news items, commentaries, journal entries, stories, reviews, summaries, etc...), organized by categories and tags (keywords), with a place for readers to leave comments and links. Readers can subscribe to the blog using a special type of technology called an RSS feed. A blog may have one or many authors, and can be about any topic, from personal to political to professional.

Watch the BrainPOP video on Blogging

id: rivertrail pw: wolf

Blogs connect ideas and people. Blogging can provide teachers and students with an authentic opportunity to express themselves, synthesize ideas from many sources, engage in discussion and debate, write for an audience beyond the classroom, reflect on their own learning, teach and mentor others, and connect with peers and experts around the globe. As you work through the next few "Things," and the remainder of the course, you will begin to learn more about blogs and their powerful potential for personal and professional learning, reflection and communication.

Homework:

Assignment 1: Set up your blog on Edublogs

Today, your homework assignments will get you "up and blogging." Your personal blog is one of the most important components of the Technology Discovery course. You will use your blog to document your learning, discoveries and experimentation throughout the course. It will also serve as your course portfolio, or record of completion. For tips on using Edublogs and maximizing your Technology Discovery experience, visit the Edublogs "Getting Started" page.

Create your free blog at www.edublogs.org
Email your blog link to Heather Van Looy by clicking here.
If you need help getting started, schedule an appointment with me and I will be happy to help you get up and running.

Due: January 20, 2015

Assignment 2: Explore the TIM

Watch the videos linked below and score them using the TIM. You will decide which level of technology integration is appropriate for each of the five attributes of the learning environment.

Write your first blog post.

Reflect on the two lessons you just watched. Compare and contrast the two lessons and how they ranked on the TIM. Give your opinion about the levels of technology integration for each lesson, and justify your thinking with evidence from the TIM.
Now, think about a lesson where you integrated technology in your classroom. Briefly describe the lesson and then rank yourself using the TIM. What is one change you could make in that lesson to move it in the direction of transformation in at least one attribute of the learning environment?