Unit 3: Infrastructure of Educational Technology in Schools

Overview

As technology becomes more and more integrated into the classroom, learning management systems (LMS), are needed to provide a platform for teacher-student communication, grading/assessment tools, curriculum development and parent communication options. The important part of choosing an LMS is finding a tool that works for your school/district vision and technology plan. Are you 1:1, BYOD (bring your own device), or blended? These and more considerations are needed to choose the best tool for your school/district. 

Performance outcomes

• Candidates will research and present information on a variety of learning management systems. 

What will you do?

1. With a partner, you will be researching and presenting on a variety of LMS systems. In order to do this, you will be using Google Sites as your presentation tool. One person will need to create the site and give editing rights to the other/s. 

2. Research and present information on at least 4 learning management systems.  Provide the following information:

   1. Introduction to the LMS, who develops it, and how long it has been in use

   2. Is the content for learning created and shared between teachers/schools?  How does that process work? 

   3. What Parent/Teacher communication options does the LMS provide?

   4. What assessment tools are provided within the LMS? What can be connected into the LMS?

   5. What are the pros and cons of this LMS? Write out your LMS Recommendation. 

   6. If you were to propose one particular LMS to your school or district for adoption, what would that process look like? Outline challenges and advantages to evaluate if the LMS is worth the time, effort and investment. 

3. Include images, videos, descriptions and other information organized in a manner that provides the audience  an informed and engaging presentation.

4. Cite any sources that you use in your review and presentation in APA format.

Report requirements

• A single Google Site with individual pages reporting on at least 4 learning management systems, answering the questions provided in the instructions. 

Overview

When bringing technology into the classroom, it is important to provide teachers with a model that can help visualize the changes that can happen within their classrooms with the integration of technology. SAMR, TPACK, RAT, PIC-RAT and others  are all models of integration that can be used to bring technology into the classroom.

Performance outcomes

• Candidates will review models of technology integration and propose a single model to be used in their campus/district. 

What will you do?

1. As the EdTech Professional, you are tasked with determining the best Technology Integration Model that can be used for your school/district. In order to do this, you must review a group and consider which may be the best fit for the school/district. 

2. Using the provided resources as well as extra independent research, choose 3 models of technology integration to review.  Take notes on their history, practice, application, and examples of integration. Keep notes/links, etc. on each of these by using Google Keep, or another online note taking app.  

3. Create an infographic comparing the 3 models of technology integration that you chose. Be sure to include graphic representations of each model, using the infographic tools to create an interactive presentation. Be sure to include citations on your infographic.

4. Consider the population of your school/district and the information that you have learned over the span of this module to make your final determination. Create a section to clearly present which model would fit best, why, and a brief summary of how you will introduce this model to teachers and administration.  This should be clearly explained at the end of your infographic. 

5. Embed your infographic into your portfolio so that any links/videos will still work.

Report requirements

• An interactive infographic that definines, compares, and contrasts at least 3 models of technology integration.

• A conclusive model for use at the candidate’s school and/or district, including justification for the choice and how the model will be introduced

• Infographic embedded into the candidate’s portfolio.