Technology in the classroom...its not about what you use, but more about how you use it?

When it comes to integrating technology in the classroom, many people often think it is about what you use.  I'm often asked by teachers to provide suggestions for new cutting edge software/hardware they could use in their classrooms.  Although there are so many great solutions available, my response has always been "what is it that you are looking to do?"  No matter what I propose, at the end of the day it is not about what you are using, but more about how you are using it.

As you begin to think about integrating technology, it would be beneficial to know and understand the SAMR Model.  Dr. Ruben Peuntedura developed the SAMR model as a method of seeing how technology impacts teaching and learning.  SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition and is a great framework for assessing and evaluating the technology you use in your classroom.

The SAMR model talks about 4 levels of integration, two of which enhance the educational experience for the student (Substitution and Augmentation) and two that transform the experience (Modification and Redefinition).  Below is an explanation of the 4 levels with an example of integrating technology at each of those levels in a science curriculum:

1. SUBSTITUTION: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change
• Students use a word processing application (as a substitute for hand writing a report) to discuss global warming and how they can prevent changes in the atmosphere
2. AUGMENTATION: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute with functional improvement
• Students use a word processing application to discuss global warming and how they can prevent changes in the atmosphere, using spell check, the thesaurus and clipart/images to enhance their report
3. MODIFICATION: Technology allows for significant task redesign
• Students will design and present a document/flyer that publicize actions individuals can take to positively impact the environment.  They will create and import graphs, charts, and graphics from different programs. 
4. REDEFINITION:  Technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable and is usually 
• Teams of students collaborate to create a blog or webpage that promotes positive environmental change.  They would need to include student written articles, research, video, links, and feedback opportunities for readers

To explain this further, when you are using technology in the Substitution and Augmentation levels, the education experience is being enhanced, but it is not providing high levels of student engagement with  limited impact on student learning.  When you move above the line into the Redefinition and Modification levels you begin to transform the education experience.  This will provide the opportunity to modify and redesign tasks in ways that weren't possible without the technology, increasing student engagement with better learning outcomes.  

It is important to understand that it is ok to teach in the Substitution and/or Augmentation level and for certain content/lessons it may be unavoidable.  However, it is equally important to find ways to teach at the Modification and Redefinition levels to engage students providing transformational experiences.  So when it comes to integrating technology in your classroom, don't use technology just to say you use it...find ways to use it to transform student learning...find ways to teach above the line!!

Looking for Digital Content? Look no further with Edcite!

Whether we like it or not, we live in a very digital world.  Students enter our classrooms with a thirst for digital content.  We often hear that students learn differently today and in order to engage and meet their needs we need to make our classrooms more digital.  Teachers are asked to provide this, but often times are provided little time, guidance or resources. So the question often times asked is "Where do I start?"  A great place to start is with Edcite.

Over my past 10 years of working in educational technology, the best resources are ones provided by teachers...it provides comfort knowing they have been field tested by the experts in the field.  That is why Edcite is a great resource.   It is a free website that allows teachers to find, create, or share interactive digital assignments and assessments.  There are over 11,000 digital assignments across all grade levels that are engaging for students.  My philosophy has always been--why reinvent the wheel. Edcite allows you to take an assignment from other teachers to use as is or customize it to bring your own curricular touch. If you are interested in learning more about it watch the "Edcite: What will you create?" video below and also visit their website.  In addition, be sure to read this blog post, which provides sample assignments.

Edcite: What will you create?

Websites for Music Teachers

This week has been a busy week for our music department.  I believe 4 of the 5 nights have had musical performances.  All though I was not able to attend any of them, word on the street is all the performances were wonderful and very well done.  Some of our buildings have been awarded a casual day in honor of the performances and the student body was asked to "thank a musician!" Congrats to all our faculty and students involved.

With music being on our minds as we wrap up this week, I thought it might be good to provide a few websites for music teachers that I came across on a tech blog I follow (you may be aware of some, but hopefully there are a few that are new):

• Music National Arts Centre
• Music Theory
• Interactive Music Sites
• National Association for Music Education

More music resources for specific devices to come in the future so "stay tuned" (pun intended...ha!ha!)

Kid Friendly Search Engines

Next week we are offering up a digital citizenship seminar to our JS students about internet safety, proper computer use, etc.   As I started to think about the seminar it dawned on me that as we begin teaching our younger students about internet safety and how to properly search the internet, it might be easier to do with search engines we know would provide a safe environment and are kid friendly.

One great resource would be Kiddle.  Kiddle is a kid friendly search engine that provides a safe learning environment.  Here is what Kiddle offers:

1. It uses safe search, which means there is a filter monitoring content.  
2. Searches yield both text and images for the students
3. The font size is larger to assist in readability for kids
4. Personal identifiable information is not collected and logs are deleted after 24 hrs
5. You can request additional keyword blocking or additional site blocking by using the form at the bottom of the site. 

Here is a list of a few more kid friendly search engines that would also provide a safe learning environment as our younger students learn to search the internet:

• KidRex
• Safe Search Kids
• KidsClick

Please note:  These would be great resources to provide your parents. I am sure some of our younger students are on the internet at home, so this might  provide a level of reassurance for their parents.