K. Holden- Blog #2: Technology Integration
Definition of Educational Technology
I believe educational technology are tools and resources that are used to support learners in mastering learning objectives.
General Viewpoints
After reading chapter 1 see myself leaning more towards perspective two: educational technology as instructional systems and instructional design and perspective five: educational technology as learning sciences. I believe that technology is a valuable part of education if used appropriately. The text breaks down educational technology as having technology components- hardware, software, and support/expertise, as well as educational components- theories, pedagogy, and curriculum. Figure 1.1 from the text shows an awesome visual of this. When all of these components are being used and addressed then technology has been successfully integrated. When just incorporating a few, such as uploading a worksheet to Google classroom you have not integrated technology, just used it. When planning instruction we need to first think about our end goal and then decide what technology could support mastery of that end goal.
TPACK Framework
Figure 1.4 from the text breaks downs the TPACK framework into its separate pieces. If you click on the link above you will see an example of my experience with each part of the framework.
The first part of the framework starts off simple with technological knowledge (knowing how to use technology, pedagogical knowledge (knowing ways to teach and differentiate content), and content knowledge (knowing the material you are teaching including standards). Personally I am fully confident in each of these pieces individually. I know what technology is out there, how to deliver instruction and switch up when needed, and the standards that I am teaching.
The next part of the framework begins to overlap some of the components such as pedagogical content knowledge (knowing ways to present content to students and address misconceptions or errors), technological pedagogical knowledge (knowing what technology to use to best support learning), and technological content knowledge (knowing content specific technologies to support learning). Personally I feel that I understand and execute pedagogical content knowledge. I look at this as going back to the basics. I also am comfortable with technological pedagogical knowledge as I integrate technology throughout instruction using Peardeck and Nearpod, for application purposes using google slides, FlipGrid, storyboards, and more,for exit tickets using Padlet and Google forms, as well as extra practice activities. However, I would like more practice with technological content knowledge. I don’t feel that my “technology toolbox” is dense enough to be able to select technology to best fit the content I am teaching without overusing one specific tool or program where my students grow bored with it.
Finally all of the components overlap giving us technological pedagogical content knowledge which is where I’d like to improve the MOST. I have recently began to experiment with hyper docs within my classroom. With these students are able to explore the content through resources I provide (videos, ebooks, articles, etc.). Then they are asked to explain and apply their new learning. I feel using these hyper docs are a great start but I’d like my students to be able to do more, specifically in collaborating with each other and the application of their new knowledge through various technologies depending on what would be the best fit based on the content.
I believe educational technology are tools and resources that are used to support learners in mastering learning objectives.
General Viewpoints
After reading chapter 1 see myself leaning more towards perspective two: educational technology as instructional systems and instructional design and perspective five: educational technology as learning sciences. I believe that technology is a valuable part of education if used appropriately. The text breaks down educational technology as having technology components- hardware, software, and support/expertise, as well as educational components- theories, pedagogy, and curriculum. Figure 1.1 from the text shows an awesome visual of this. When all of these components are being used and addressed then technology has been successfully integrated. When just incorporating a few, such as uploading a worksheet to Google classroom you have not integrated technology, just used it. When planning instruction we need to first think about our end goal and then decide what technology could support mastery of that end goal.
TPACK Framework
Figure 1.4 from the text breaks downs the TPACK framework into its separate pieces. If you click on the link above you will see an example of my experience with each part of the framework.
The first part of the framework starts off simple with technological knowledge (knowing how to use technology, pedagogical knowledge (knowing ways to teach and differentiate content), and content knowledge (knowing the material you are teaching including standards). Personally I am fully confident in each of these pieces individually. I know what technology is out there, how to deliver instruction and switch up when needed, and the standards that I am teaching.
The next part of the framework begins to overlap some of the components such as pedagogical content knowledge (knowing ways to present content to students and address misconceptions or errors), technological pedagogical knowledge (knowing what technology to use to best support learning), and technological content knowledge (knowing content specific technologies to support learning). Personally I feel that I understand and execute pedagogical content knowledge. I look at this as going back to the basics. I also am comfortable with technological pedagogical knowledge as I integrate technology throughout instruction using Peardeck and Nearpod, for application purposes using google slides, FlipGrid, storyboards, and more,for exit tickets using Padlet and Google forms, as well as extra practice activities. However, I would like more practice with technological content knowledge. I don’t feel that my “technology toolbox” is dense enough to be able to select technology to best fit the content I am teaching without overusing one specific tool or program where my students grow bored with it.
Finally all of the components overlap giving us technological pedagogical content knowledge which is where I’d like to improve the MOST. I have recently began to experiment with hyper docs within my classroom. With these students are able to explore the content through resources I provide (videos, ebooks, articles, etc.). Then they are asked to explain and apply their new learning. I feel using these hyper docs are a great start but I’d like my students to be able to do more, specifically in collaborating with each other and the application of their new knowledge through various technologies depending on what would be the best fit based on the content.
Comments
Do you use a LMS like Canvas or Google Classroom? I love Canvas when it comes to exploring content. I think the biggest thing that Canvas provides is not only a way to organize content like a hyperdoc but also incorporates discussion threads that can be easily graded. Canvas also allows you to do mastery paths that allow students to branch off based on results or interest and allows them to demonstrate their new knowledge. Students can then look at what other students have made and have a discussion in a discussion board.
While your viewpoints of educational technology are towards to instructional systems and design, as well as learning sciences, do you think you'd be able to add the "instruction" component in your own definition of educational technology based on your viewpoints?
Hyperdocs will be a great place to start with technological pedagogical content knowledge. They are very customizable to meet the needs of your lesson and easy to personalize to meet each students needs. I love the idea of sharing resources with the students through the hyperdoc. It is very important to model how to select appropriate resources for our students. I have seen hyperdocs that have just became an online worksheet, but with the explain and apply component the students are able to show their understanding through application.
Meagan