Reflection
Technology in Education - this is a buzz word term that is often used in professional development, in journal articles and in the news. I have classified myself as a "technophile" since I was a kid, and have always kept up with what is the latest technology, reading CNET reviews and saving pennies to purchase items like the original iPod. Despite being a fan of technology, when it comes to education, I believe strongly in using technology that helps the learning process, rather than hinders. Sometimes bells and whistles might grab a student's attention, but fails to relay the more important content of the lesson.
The TPCK model closely aligns with my vision of technology in education. Where Knowledge of Technology, Pedagogy and Content overlap, we can find an ideal learning situation. Most teachers are well versed in the content of their subject, as well as how to teach it (pedagogy) - but fall short in understanding how technology can best support the content and pedagogy. Rather than acting as just an extra bell or whistle, the technology should integrate so the main star of the show is still the content knowledge. The SAMR model presents a hierarchy for evaluating how technology is being used in the classroom. While Substitution and Augmentation are great places to start integrating technology into the classroom, moving on to Modification and Redefinition take time and practice. I have spent most of my teaching career moving towards these levels and gladly help other teachers as well, especially as technology changes at a faster pace than classroom instruction.
The TPCK model closely aligns with my vision of technology in education. Where Knowledge of Technology, Pedagogy and Content overlap, we can find an ideal learning situation. Most teachers are well versed in the content of their subject, as well as how to teach it (pedagogy) - but fall short in understanding how technology can best support the content and pedagogy. Rather than acting as just an extra bell or whistle, the technology should integrate so the main star of the show is still the content knowledge. The SAMR model presents a hierarchy for evaluating how technology is being used in the classroom. While Substitution and Augmentation are great places to start integrating technology into the classroom, moving on to Modification and Redefinition take time and practice. I have spent most of my teaching career moving towards these levels and gladly help other teachers as well, especially as technology changes at a faster pace than classroom instruction.
Va Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel
A. Instructional personnel shall be able to demonstrate effective use of a computer system and utilize computer software.
B. Instructional personnel shall be able to apply knowledge of terms associated with educational computing and technology.
C. Instructional personnel shall be able to apply computer productivity tools for professional use.
D. Instructional personnel shall be able to use electronic technologies to access and exchange information.
F. Instructional personnel shall be able to use educational technologies for data collection, information management, problem solving, decision making, communication, and presentation within the curriculum.
G. Instructional personnel shall be able to plan and implement lessons and strategies that integrate technology to meet the diverse needs of learners in a variety of educational settings.
H. Instructional personnel shall demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues relating to the use of technology. (These links are all sharing the school system policies related to use of technology)
- Learning about Learning computer module
- Class Website
- YouTube Channel 1 & YouTube Channel 2
- Video - 3 Step Flashcard Method
- Video - A science moment
- Video - Recruitment for Science Club
B. Instructional personnel shall be able to apply knowledge of terms associated with educational computing and technology.
- Demonstrated proficiency through instructional portfolio submitted to Colonial Heights Public Schools 2005 and 2010
C. Instructional personnel shall be able to apply computer productivity tools for professional use.
D. Instructional personnel shall be able to use electronic technologies to access and exchange information.
F. Instructional personnel shall be able to use educational technologies for data collection, information management, problem solving, decision making, communication, and presentation within the curriculum.
- Evernote for Notes
- DNA Bead Model Instructions (small version)
- Excerpt from class notes captured via document camera
G. Instructional personnel shall be able to plan and implement lessons and strategies that integrate technology to meet the diverse needs of learners in a variety of educational settings.
H. Instructional personnel shall demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues relating to the use of technology. (These links are all sharing the school system policies related to use of technology)