Skip to main content

Continuing Conversations with TPACK and SAMR

Last week, I wrote about how TPACK and SAMR are the models that I want to use in having conversations about the use of technology in the classrooms. As a recap, I discussed the how both models function and how both models are slightly flawed. You can read the whole thing here!


Originally posted by Jonathan Brubaker on his blog.
Using these models, it becomes essential for us to rethink the ways that we do things. While technology use at the lower levels feels and looks great, and may even be more engaging for the students, we should take a moment to self-evaluate what we are doing and why.


As educators, we would never simply do something to do something. We tend to be calculated, thoughtful, and purposeful in the activities and lessons we plan for our students. With technology, we must also do the same. Technology is not a lesson plan. Technology is a tool to help us achieve something specific in the lesson plan.


As we examine our lessons, we should look to see how we fit with the SAMR model and the TPACK model. Asking ourselves simple questions about the use of the technology can be essential. Some questions that you may want to ask yourself include:
  • What is my learning target for my students?
  • What does my success criteria look like?
  • How am I currently using the technology to support my learning targets and my success criteria?
  • Can I become more efficient in achieving my learning targets and success criteria?
  • How can technology assist my students in achieving learning targets and success criteria?
  • Can I use this technology to do something new?


TPACK “Reproduced by permission of the publisher, © 2012 by tpack.org
While these are clearly not all of the questions, this can help us start to frame what we are thinking and doing with our lesson plans. Technology may not fit exactly into the plans that we did before. Finding ways to adapt and change our lessons can be the first steps towards climbing levels of technology integration in our classrooms, it can also increase rigor and student achievement in time. The best way to do that is to continue to stick to the plan and ensure that we are finding more meaningful, more challenging, and more educational ways to get our students there.

If you have any questions, please let me know! 


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chromebook Shortcut of the Week - 10/14/2016

This weeks shortcut of the week is to help you project your Chromebook. Due to resolutions, your Chromebook will likely default to the “Extended Screen” mode. If they happens, you will see your desktop background on the screen upon plugging in your Chromebook (your Chromebook needs an HDMI connection, if you need a cable, I can get you one!). In order to change this, you will use the “Ctrl + Full Screen” button. This will quickly switch between the two modes, allowing you to switch back and forth. A quick word to the wise, the extended screen is usually to the right!
2 comments
Read more

Google Apps Update - Columns in Google Docs

Awesome news! Google Docs now supports columns of text! Seriously! Just this week, Google announced and updated Google Docs to include support for columns when working within Google Docs. To get there, it is incredibly easy! Step 1:  Highlight the text that you wish to place into columns. Haven't started working yet? Skip the first step! Step 2: Click on the Insert option on the menu bar in Google Docs. Locate and select columns. Step 3:  Select the columns that you wish to have. You have the option for a single column (as the Google Doc is likely already set up), two columns, three columns, or more options. Currently, the maximum number of columns supported is three. Step 4: Check out the new columns in your document! Questions? Please do not hesitate to ask!
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Use Google Cast - Wirelessly Display Your Chromebook!

First and foremost, the headline is slightly misleading as you will actually display your Chromebook to your desktop which will be connected with wires. While you will need your Windows PC to connect to the projector, it does not change the fact that you can wirelessly display your Chromebook to students. In my experiments with this both at home and on the school network, I have yet to get the sound to work. (If you would like to connect with the HDMI cable that supports both audio and video, please let me know and I will be sure to get you a cable). To start this process, in your Chrome browser you will need to visit the Chrome Web Store and install the Google Cast for Education app. You will also need to install the Google Cast extension. Next, on your windows desktop open your Google Cast for Education app. You can find it near the top of your browser window. Once you open the app, you should be see a gray screen that names the computer and gives ...
Post a Comment
Read more