Unit 1: Introduction to Educational Technology and Creation of Teacher Toolbox
Hello Learners and Welcome to Unit 1!
Look below for this unit's overview, learning objectives, activities, and assessments. Have fun and do not hesitate to contact me for help!
Overview
In this unit, we will explore the importance of educational technology in the classroom. Participants will learn tools that use educational technology to help increase student engagement and learning. We will also be introduced to the course's culminating Teacher Toolbox assignment that will be handed in at the end of the course. You will begin the unit by completing the Needs Assessment Survey. You will participate in a Google Jamboard activity and later you will each complete the first title slide of the Teacher Toolbox during this unit to get you started! Happy learning!
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit:
- Participants will be able to define educational technology and its importance in the classroom.
- Participants will be able to explain the importance of educational technology.
- Participants will be able to describe the benefits of educational technology.
- Participants will be able to construct the first slide of their Teacher Toolbox.
Let's Begin!
Before we begin, please complete the following Needs Assessment Survey so I can best assist your needs during this course!
Lesson 1: Introduction to Digital Technology
The use of technology is continuously increasing. Children are often exposed to technology as it is "a ubiquitous part of children's lives" (Why Do We Need Technology Integration?, 2007). With technology integrated into the curriculum student engagement increases. Students are able to take more of an active role in their learning. This can be seen in an individual or collaborative setting both in and outside of the classroom.
An Edutopia article titled "Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many" summarizes four important key components that effective technology education supports:
- Active engagement
- Participation in groups
- Frequent interaction and feedback
- Connection to real-world expert
This highlights the importance of technology allowing students to take more responsibility for their learning. Teachers then become guides and facilitators (Why Do We Need Technology Integration?, 2007). Multimedia allows technology to be integrated into the curriculum in a variety of ways. All of which support student learning and growth and help cater to students learning styles.
Frameworks for Technology Integration
There are two widely known models used for technology integration known as SAMR and TPACK:
SAMR -Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition
This model was created by Dr. Rueben Puentudura, it guides the process for educators to reflect on their use of technology integration in the classroom. These four degrees of classroom integration are best viewed on a spectrum, "on one end, technology is used as a one-to-one replacement for traditional tools, and on the other end, technology enables experiences that were previously impossible without it" (SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration, 2021) It is a great way for educators to assess on they incorporate technology in their classrooms.
To expand on this topic more visit, https://www.powerschool.com/blog/samr-model-a-practical-guide-for-k-12-classroom-technology-integration/. This model will serve as a guide for you as you enhance your knowledge of technology integration.
TPACK- Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge
This model provides educators with the knowledge that aids in the successful integration of technology into their teaching. These three types of knowledge include technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. While the knowledge of these concepts individually is important "the point of TPACK is to understand how to use technology to teach concepts in a way that enhances student learning experiences" (The TPACK Framework Explained (With Classroom Examples), 2022). This model provides educators with a visual map that helps them understand how to teach with technology.
To expand on this topic more visit, https://www.powerschool.com/blog/the-tpack-framework-explained-with-classroom-examples/. This framework will serve as a guide for you as you enhance your knowledge of technology integration.
Activity:
Read: How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students. This article provides information on the importance of technology and its increased presence in the world of education.
7 Reasons Why Students Need Technology in the Classroom. This reading highlights the importance of evolving our technology advancements to help meet the needs of modern students.
Watch: In order to expand your knowledge of the SAMR and TPACK models, please watch this presentation in which each model is explained further and later intertwined. An example is also provided to model the outlining within each model to help plan for technology integration in the classroom.
Check for Understanding: Google Jamboard
Do: Answer the questions asked in our Google Jamboard. Our Google Jamboard is linked below. For our Jamboard, use a Sticky Note or Text Box Feature on the left-hand side to answer your questions!
Lesson 2: Creation of Teacher Toolbox
Before you begin, read the following articles on digital toolboxes for educators to get a better grasp on what you will be creating in this course. It is important to remember that with the use of educational tools, "learners become creators, producers, editors, collaborators, and at times, evaluators" (Digital Toolbox, n.d.).
An Essential Digital Toolbox for Teachers This article includes questions you should consider before integrating technology in your classroom with examples.
How to Integrate Technology This article includes different examples of technology integration.
The Teacher Toolbox will be our culminating project for this course. You will each create your own Google Slides presentation in which you will have access to all of the essentials you may need throughout the day to aid in technology integration. Each slide will cater to the digital tools of your choice and you will provide a link to quickly access each one. Click below to access the Teacher Toolbox Guidelines which you will use to help create your own. Each slide has a corresponding number that you will be asked to complete as we move through the course.
Teacher Toolbox Guidelines:
- Title Slide: Name, Title, Course Name, and Professor Name
- Do not use the guideline slide template for your project.
- All slides must have at least 2 graphics.
- All questions must be answered on your slides.
- Presentation must be visually appealing and well-organized.
- All slides must include links for you to access at any time.
*Remember, you are creating these presentations for course completion but the intent is that you will also be able to refer back to the presentation to allow you to quickly access the tools included to make instructional decisions surrounding technology integration in your classroom. You may organize the presentation in a way that best meets your needs*
Activity:
Do: Create your Teacher Toolbox Presentation and begin by working on your Title Page and Slide 1 (refer to the guideline above for instructions).
References
Digital Toolbox. Instructional Design and Development. (n.d.). Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://www.unco.edu/instructional-design-development/digital-toolbox.aspx
Explorance. (2022, May 20). 7 Reasons Why Students Need Technology in the Classroom. Explorance. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://explorance.com/blog/7-reasons-students-need-technology-classroom/
How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students. School of Education Online. (2022, October 27). Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/technology-in-education/
How to Integrate Technology. (2007, November 5). Edutopia. Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-implementation
SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration. Powerschool.com. (2021, April 21). Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://www.powerschool.com/blog/samr-model-a-practical-guide-for-k-12-classroom-technology-integration/
Saumell, V. (n.d.). An essential digital toolbox for teachers. MET. Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://www.modernenglishteacher.com/an-essential-digital-toolbox-for-teachers
The TPACK Framework Explained (With Classroom Examples). Powerschool.com. (2022, April 21). Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://www.powerschool.com/blog/the-tpack-framework-explained-with-classroom-examples/
What is Successful Technology Integration? (2007, November 6). Edutopia. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
Why do we need Technology Integration? (2007, November 5). Edutopia. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance
