The blog's author, Todd Finley, discusses how to overcome the challenge of integrating technology when technology is constantly changing. The integration of technological knowledge, content knowledge, and pedagogical knowledge is the basis of understanding why so many classrooms have not yet fully integrated technology. The combination of all three lies at the center of successful integration, which according to Finley is just plain complicated.
Source: http://tpack.org
Reproduced by permission of the publisher, © 2012 by tpack.org
This image, referred to as the SAMR model, is easier to understand when explaining successful integration. Teachers should be working toward redefinition.
Source: http://edofict.wikispaces.com/SAMR+ExamplesBy 2015, 80% of devices accessing the internet will be mobile devices. Waiting for changes in technology to slow down is not an option. The author lists five guidelines to assist in surviving the rapidly changing technological world:
1. Take off your expert hat. No one can be expected to be proficient in all technology. Finley recommends taking 30 minutes a couple of times a month to learn a new tech tool.
2. Get to know the standards. Know the professional standards in your content area. Technology should be used to serve those standards and literacies.
3. Reach out to thought leaders. Follow blogs and tweets of the experts.
4. Interact with students via tech. This means in real time, during class. Flipping a lesson and then using real time tech tools to give feedback (such as commenting on a Google Doc while the student is writing) is one example.
5. Read Henry Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins is the author of Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century. In this report, he identifies core social skills and cultural competencies students need to be successful in our social media culture.
I agree that these ideas can help teachers get to Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge on the TPAK diagram, or to Redefinition on the SAMR model. It takes baby steps to move toward those goals, but not moving at all is not an option in the 21st century.
At Dee-Mack we are still not a fully 1:1 or BYOD district, and I think that is due in part to not knowing what to purchase since technology is so quickly changing. The district finally purchased six Chromebooks carts last spring, two for each building, but my concern with the carts is that most teachers who use the technology are still in the substitution or augmentation phases of the SAMR model, and that doesn't include the teachers who don't want to use tech at all. It is imperative to provide training for staff, and not just have the Chromebooks available for checkout. My principal and I have discussed having "Tech Tuesdays" to give teachers time to find tools they can utilize in their classrooms. The staff who are more proficient with technology integration could be team leaders to help those who are still struggling to utilize technology and those who are still at the substitution or augmentation stage of the SAMR model.
I think it is important to make sure the teachers who are less interested in technology to understand that they don't have to jump in with both feet. They need to be encouraged to become proficient with one tool at a time and experience success with that tool to build confidence in integrating the technology into their classroom so that eventually they are doing things that can't be possible be done without the use of technology.
I really like the models that you found showing the different uses and "levels" of technology. A lot of people assume that if you're using an iPad, then you're following the criteria of using technology. Having the visual to show what is beneficial, versus what is substitution should be more well known. It is challenging to try and find the redefinition aspects, but when we all try to use it we can share ideas with one another and make it less intimidating. I do agree with you that teachers need their confidence built in this area. It can be scary!
ReplyDeleteI really like the models of this article as well. I think it is interesting to think about when it comes to the different uses and levels of technology. I completely agree that teachers need to know they are not expected to be experts but to become confident with a tool they can use in their classroom. Confidence will come from being allowed time to explore a tool and figure out the best fit for in their classrooms. I agree with Jessica that it can be scary and extremely overwhelming, and I think that is why so many teachers are afraid and hesitant. I like your idea of having a Tech Tuesday. Again, I think it is something that needs to be required because at least at our school, I could see the same teachers attending and it is not as effective if you do not have everyone on board. I agree with Jessica in the fact that technology will become less intimidating if we can share ideas with each other and encourage one another.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to beat a dead horse here, but I really do think that too many teachers think that they MUST be experts before they try anything. It's ok to not be an expert. I like that the author says to take 30 min every couple of months and learn about something new. What kind of teacher doesn't consider themselves a life long learner? I feel like this should be a no brainer! Granted, 30 minutes doesn't make anyone an expert, but its something.
ReplyDeleteStudent interaction with tech is also very important. It conveys to the students that you as a teacher think it's important, and it models how and when to use it.
I also agree with your last statement about it being ok not to jump right in. Test the waters, ask questions from other staff members, learn on your own! But I worry too many people don't want to seem like they don't know whats going on, so they do not ask. Which is a shame, because if you don't ask, how are you ever going to learn?
The article that I posted also touched on the same point that you made Tammy that in the 21st century, not incorporating technology and trying to move yourself to more effective uses is not an option. It's the world our students live in and will be expected to work in. I am by no means an expert and appreciate that this article points out that that is okay. I think the five suggestions were all manageable and are things that can be done on an increasing scale as knowledge and comfort level grow.
ReplyDeleteIs Mr. Linboom one of the teachers stuck in the S or A stage? Just kidding! I too loved the graphics-it really helped me to better understand the SAMR model better. Honestly, I had forgotten parts of it! I also loved the advice to just devote 30 minutes (a week or every 2 weeks I think?) to learn a new tech. tool. Sometimes I feel like I have ADHD when it comes to new web 2.0 tools! Its easy to become overwhelmed and trying to master it all...find somethinig you like and is useable and try it out! I am so limited with my time with kids (25 minutes in the lab) that I really get picky about what we do. I want to make it worth the students' time.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments made by all. I think this article struck a nerve.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I found amusing was the comment by the author:
1. Take off your expert hat. No one can be expected to be proficient in all technology. Finley recommends taking 30 minutes a couple of times a month to learn a new tech tool.
I wish is were that easy.
I think most districts are going to have the same issues as DeeMack. The "what technology should we spend our limited funds on?" question is one that impacts most districts. What technology that is newest does not always fit the objectives of the school and the budgets. While it would be great to have every student have their own apple device and laptop of some sort, it would not be cost effective, and as we all know, technologies change and age. I know teachers who teach at every stage of implementation, some teach just at the S, others at more than one depending on their classes. I think MOST teachers eventually want to know how to implement technology at the R stage. Someday I hope it becomes college curriculum to teach how to do this. Again as others, I loved the graphics and they made it pretty easy to understand.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChanging technology is a concern, but it is not a deal breaker or a reason to give up and never buy technology. 5 year old laptops still benefit student learning, they can help a student create something or problem solve, maybe not as effectively as the latest and greatest gadget, but certainly better than a textbook and pencil.
ReplyDeleteBabysteps are the key to integrating technology effectively. It is easy to drown in the sea of technology tools available. Building an arsenal of go-to tools is the best way to be effective.