Technology Integration - 3 Rs

It is my hope that by sharing this monthly newsletter, you will take some time to consider what has been included. The newsletter will ask you to be open to learning, reflect on your current practice, and explore tools to try within your instruction.

As we grow in our understandings and skills, it is the goal to create rich learning experiences for our students that integrate technology purposefully.

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow."

John Dewey

The image above is from a study by Hattie conducted in 2009. The graphic culminates how teachers across seven countries report on the way they ask their students to use information and communications technologies. Review the examples. Notice the difference between the learning opportunities found at the consumption level and those moving up toward creation of knowledge.

Ultimately, technology should enhance learning experiences for students. In Hattie’s research, he shares the following, “Not only are technologies themselves premised on traditional pedagogies, but the way teachers have been using technology with students are also more about delivery than about creativity. The current use of technology inside schools and classrooms rarely leverages digital tools and resources for deep learning. Technology is important. But it is not going to solve the problem if the teachers are not using it in powerful ways.”

While this study was completed in 2009, many of our current educational practices still lend themselves to the consumption of information. As we become more aware of best practices and more experienced using tools, we want to integrate the best practices for technology integration to involve students the Creation of Knowledge.

List 5 ways your are currently using technology within your instruction. Where would you place them in the Hattie's graphic? Do you have a balance of consumption and creation?

construct knowledge?

demonstrate students' understanding?

meet students' learning needs?

allow students to explore their interests and passions?

foster collaboration?

foster creativity?

foster ownership of learning?

facilitate student voice?

provide personalize learning opportunities?

provide project-based learning and real world learning opportunities?

FlipGrid is a terrific tool that allows students to demonstrate their understanding, fosters collaboration, creativity, and ownership. In addition, FlipGrid meets diverse needs and facilitates student voice in ALL content areas. Check on the videos to learn more!

Reach out if you are interested in trying this tool with your students. I will help you get started and can train your students!

Technology Integration Specialist

Email: gutheriek@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Phone: 443-550-8091
Twitter: @KrisGutherie