Instructional Technology Weekly
Celebrating Student & Teacher Learning at LR Schools
November 5, 2016 Vol. 1, issue 3
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Meaningful Technology Integration
Transforming Lessons Applying the SAMR Model
Technology integration is a process. This process is not fast, it is not easy, and it is not always successful. YOU WILL FAIL and failure is good. But when it works, it has the power to transform learning and allows both students and teachers to explore and present learning in ways never before imaginable.
Research shows most technology integration progresses through several levels. As the integration moves toward higher levels, the greater the educational benefit. Perhaps the most valuable model for technology integration progression in the classroom is the SAMR Model. Concieved by Dr. Ruben R. Puentedura, PhD, the model is a useful tool for helping teachers make small shifts in the creation and implementation of learning experiences to achieve the next level, thus more meaningful learning.
As seen in the image, SAMR offers four levels of tech integration, each progressing toward transformative learning oppertunites. We all begin our integration experience at the substitution level, but as one becomes comfortable and knowledgeable in the use of technology, progression toward the highest level of integration, redefinition, is possible. It is OK to start by simply adding a worksheet or document to a google classroom and progressing from there. With every new lesson and idea ask "am I simply substituting one medium for another, or am I redefining how students learn?"
SAMR Resources:
Eight Examples of Transforming Lessons Through the SAMR Cycle.
SAMR and Bloom's
https://youtu.be/SC5ARwUkVQg
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Innovative Teacher and Student Spotlight
Students Using Video Recording Tools to Deepen Content Knowledge & Teach Others
For years, LR teachers have used video recording as a tool in the classroom. Though a great resource, the ability to create quality projects through video recording has always been limited by resources, technology, and budgets. Today however, our growing use of Chromebooks is providing new opportunities for student created video projects.
Mrs. McDonald, Middle School English teacher, has been helping students to learn difficult vocabulary words. To achieve greater understanding, Mrs. McDonald had her students create presentations using WeVideo, Screencasty, or Google Slides and teach their vocabulary words to each other.
Mrs. McDonald and her students found WeVideo to be more difficult to work with as the free version has very limiting time allowances and features. Since WeVideo is cloud-based, it is accessible on nearly every platform. Screencastify on the other hand is a free Chromebook extension that allows for unlimited videos, each up to ten minutes. After recording, completed videos are dropped in a folder created by Screencastify in the user's Google Drive. Google Slides was used by a few students to create story boards and than recorded using Screencastify.
Links to resources used by Mrs. McDonald and her students:
For years, LR teachers have used video recording as a tool in the classroom. Though a great resource, the ability to create quality projects through video recording has always been limited by resources, technology, and budgets. Today however, our growing use of Chromebooks is providing new opportunities for student created video projects.
Mrs. McDonald, Middle School English teacher, has been helping students to learn difficult vocabulary words. To achieve greater understanding, Mrs. McDonald had her students create presentations using WeVideo, Screencasty, or Google Slides and teach their vocabulary words to each other.
Mrs. McDonald and her students found WeVideo to be more difficult to work with as the free version has very limiting time allowances and features. Since WeVideo is cloud-based, it is accessible on nearly every platform. Screencastify on the other hand is a free Chromebook extension that allows for unlimited videos, each up to ten minutes. After recording, completed videos are dropped in a folder created by Screencastify in the user's Google Drive. Google Slides was used by a few students to create story boards and than recorded using Screencastify.
Links to resources used by Mrs. McDonald and her students:
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Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Below are upcoming professional learning opportunities.
Wednesday, November 30: Tech Talk
- Come share ideas, problems, and solutions you have found integrating technology into your lessons. Stay for an hour, or come and go. Location: LRHS Library
Saturday, February 4: Springfield G Suite for Ed Summit
- Though still in its developmental phase, it appears that the GOCSD ( The Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts) will host a G Suite for Ed Summit in February. This will be a great opportunity to attend a G Suite Summit close to home. More details to come.
Ongoing in November: RCET Workshops
- The Regional Consortium for Education and Technology (RCET), offers many workshops throughout the month catering to all levels of technology integration. Check out the November RCET schedule.
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LR Instructional Technology
Please let me know how I can support your integration of technology in the classroom.
Email: gkatzin@logrogstudents.net
Website: http://www.nowallsneeded.org/
Phone: 417.753.2813
Twitter: @LRInstrucTech