Module Learning Targets:

• Understand the importance of strategic technology integration

• Understand the overlap between technology and pedagogy

Module Success Criteria:

• Create and implement a lesson that combines content, strong pedagogical practices, and strategic technology integration

This course was created to help Beaumont USD teachers develop their knowledge and skills as a Digital Educator. During this learning process, you will see the importance of integrating digital tools and skills into your existing curriculum to engage students in relevant and authentic learning environments. Watch the two videos below to build a foundational understanding of how technology and digital tools can engage students, create relevant learning opportunities and shift the role of the teacher.  Additionally, while watching the videos think about what has changed and what has remained the same in regards to technology integration over the last 9-12 years when both videos were filmed.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) developed the ISTE Standards.  These standards are widely used by states and countries as their technology integration standards. The ISTE standards are made up of a core set of standards for students, teachers, and administrators.  ISTE also provides a list of essential conditions that must be in place for effective technology integration. Explore the documents linked below and think about which standards you and your students are proficient in and where there is room to grow: 

• Essential Conditions

• ISTE-Students

• ISTE-Educators

After reviewing each set of standards, please complete the ISTE-E self-assessment by making a copy of this document and filling it out using Kami. This document will be reviewed again at the end of this course to look for growth and to support you with setting future technology integration goals. Not sure how to use Kami? Check out this video for support.

Exploring TPACK

From the beginning, educators are taught that content knowledge combined with effective pedagogy makes for the best teachers.  Today, however, we live in a technology-rich world where educators no longer have to be content experts. If someone doesn't know the answer, they can Google it, and so can students. We are no longer the only content expert they have access to. Because of this, it is important for teachers to teach students how to curate the infinite amount of knowledge that is available on the internet as opposed to solely assigning textbook reading. Technology has forever changed the way we teach. That includes both what we teach, and how we teach it. TPACK (Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) is a framework that supports the understanding of how technology overlaps the traditional cross-section of content and pedagogy. Take a look at the introductory video, and then dig a little deeper with the article below. 

A Note About AI and Pedagogy

As technology evolves, so does our role as educators. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of the classroom—not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a force that influences how we teach and how students learn.

As you consider the TPACK framework and Beaumont’s focus on purposeful tech, start to ask:

• How might AI support high-impact strategies?
  
  

• Where could it fit into your lesson design process?
  
  

• What are the instructional risks and benefits?
  
  

You don’t need to have all the answers yet. In upcoming modules, you’ll explore how to use AI effectively, ethically, and responsibly—so you can make informed choices that support your students and your practice.

Take some time to read the article below.  While reading, think about the overlap of the three domains and how they might apply to your specific grade level and subject(s) taught. 

Beaumont Unified Technology Integration Focus

Beaumont Unified emphasizes three key ways teachers can strategically integrate technology into their instruction. The process begins with a strong understanding of the content. Teachers should ask themselves: What standards am I teaching, and what resources do I have to effectively teach these standards?

Next, educators need to consider their pedagogical knowledge. What high-impact strategies will I use to teach my standard effectively? One such strategy used at Beaumont Unified is the implementation of learning targets and success criteria. Clearly stating the learning intention and how students can determine if they have met this intention adds focus to the lesson and clarity to the learning process.

Furthermore, teachers are encouraged to employ additional high-impact strategies to support standard mastery. Here is an excellent list of strategies for review: all strategies with an effect size of 0.4 or greater have the most significant impact on learning.

Once teachers are clear on the standards and strategies, they can next consider how best to integrate technology into their lessons, using their technological knowledge. For instance, are students practicing a skill related to the standard, or are they creating a learning artifact that demonstrates their understanding of the skill or standard? In designing the lesson, during this final step of the lesson design process, teachers should ask themselves three questions to determine the best technology or technologies to use:

• Do I need technology to allow students to practice or apply the skill I am teaching?

• Do I need technology to help students access the grade-level content I am teaching, especially those who are two grade levels or more below in reading?

• Can I use technology to develop digital skills necessary for the next grade level, or to prepare for college and career readiness?

After watching the above video, reading the article, and reviewing Beaumont USD Technology integration focus, it's time to share your understanding. Before entering your response, make sure you are logged in with your Google account in the upper right corner of the Padlet. If you are not, click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the Padlet, and log in with Google. Next, click on the plus sign in the lower-left corner of the Padlet below and share your thinking to the following prompt:

In your own words, explain your understanding of TPACK and how it benefits classroom instruction. Once you have demonstrated your knowledge of TPACK, respond to two other posts.

Moving forward, as you plan your lessons, it is important to always think about how the use of technology can increase student understanding, demonstrate mastery, and create relevant learning for your students. Below you will see the Technology Integration Matrix that was developed by the University of South Florida. This tool can provide you with a vision for integrating technology successfully in your classroom. The matrix consists of five characteristics of technology integration: active, constructive, goal-directed, authentic, and collaborative. It also defines five levels of integration for each characteristic from entry to transformation.  View the summary of the matrix below and explore this link to dive deeper into each category. While exploring this tool, self-reflect on which level you are closely associated with for each characteristic.  

Next, view a few videos from the Technology Integration Matrix Grade Level Index in areas you would like to strengthen, or that coincide with an upcoming lesson you would like to create. 

Demonstrate your learning:

After learning about the three Beaumont USD technology integration focuses, TPACK, exploring the Technology Integration Matrix, and watching a few video lesson examples, it's now time to create your own lesson that strategically integrates technology.  Your assignment is to:

•  create a lesson using this lesson plan template,

• teach this lesson in your classroom

•  then reflect on the outcome.  

• Make sure to use one of the district-approved content creation tools found on the Edtech Tools and Best Practices Tab on our Technology Resources Website.

Please note you do not need to create a lesson that is at the transformation technology integration level.  With your developing understanding of technology integration, decide your current technology integration comfort level, and design a lesson with that technology integration level in mind.  Once you have created the lesson plan and taught the lesson, please submit your evidence and reflection with the below Google Form.