Technology has been advancing at an incredibly fast pace. It is becoming a more prevalent factor in our lives, and so integration into the classroom is becoming a necessity. I did not have the opportunity to utilize all these new tools, but now that I am pursuing a career as a high school math teacher I am excited for the opportunity to integrate new technology into my lessons.
For a while, I did not know that a lot of the resources we have could be used for educational purposes. For example, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook would have never crossed my mind when thinking about possible tools for organization. But, it makes sense to utilize these websites because students frequent them and enjoy using those platforms. Teachers can use those websites to organize and announce homework assignments. They can even use them to keep record of lesson plans and personal reflections! It may seem a bit impractical at first thought - but these platforms date everything for you! It is almost like a personal planner or diary. So, why not?
In class, I was in awe at the kind of technology that students get to use now in classrooms: smart boards, activeinspire, Dash & Dot, etc. The list goes on. It makes me wonder what could have been possible if these resources were available when I was in middle school or high school.
universal design for learning (UDL)
All learners are unique. There is no lesson that is "one-size-fits-all." The UDL is a set of a principles that gives all learners equal opportunities to learn. It guides lessons so that they can effectively address the what, how, and why of learning for each unique individual.
Integration of technology into the classroom allows teachers to address the uniqueness of all types of learners in their classroom. An effective lesson plan will present the information to the students in a variety of ways (multiple means of representation). It will address the students' visual senses, auditory senses, and kinesthetic senses (VAK). An effective lesson plan will also provide students with options to carry out objectives (multiple means of action and expression). For example, a teacher will allow students to write an essay, write and perform a song, or create a poster to present the information they compiled from research. Lastly, an effective lesson plan will engage the students in a variety of ways (multiple means of engagement). It will increase motivation by showing relevance to the students; it will prompt the students to reflect; it will foster collaboration and communication.
Content knowledge - this is what the teacher knows about his or her discipline. Pedagogical knowledge - this is HOW the teacher teaches the class. Technological knowledge - this is the knowledge that a teacher has on technological tools and devices that can be used in the classroom.
A teacher should use their technological knowledge to find and use tools that will not only enhance student learning, but will also transform student learning. All teachers should foster high level student learning in their classrooms. Using the TPACK model in conjunction with the SAMR model will guarantee higher-level learning.
I plan on implementing both the TPACK and SAMR model in my classroom. This will keep me accountable and ensure that I vet out the technology that may not be most efficient or most effective for student learning. Just because technology is involved does not mean it is needed - or even productive.