Embedded Files
In this issue:
In this issue:
SAMR/TPACK
SAMR, TPACK, and Nascar? Oh my!
Did you know? VR kits
Best Practices: SAMR and TPACK
Monthly checklist: Try something new!
Promethean Place
Monthly Digital Citizenship Focus
BL Resources
SAMR Challenge: Chance to win!
SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) and TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) frameworks are a foundational piece of the Blended Learning Best Practices document, below. The various bullet points are grounded in practices that range from substitution to redefinition.
Did you know that there is a clear alignment between SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy levels? The higher the Bloom's level, the higher your task will likely be on the SAMR levels. As you read through this newsletter, take a moment to reflect on your lessons. Do most of your assignments fall under substitution? Do your lessons incorporate the various levels of SAMR or remain at one level?
SAMR, TPACK, and Nascar? Oh my!
SAMR, TPACK, and Nascar? Oh my!
When technology is used in meaningful and purposeful ways, it can make learning more dynamic and engaging for students. Rather than reading about Ancient Greece in a textbook, we can redefine the learning experience by putting on a VR headset, allowing students to break out of the classroom walls and feel immersed in that culture.
In Nascar, when the driver's make a pit stop, new tires are swapped out for the old ones. While this is a necessary step, the functionality is not changing. This is like substitution in the SAMR model. Now imagine that during a race, drivers are able to use performance data collected by the car's computer system, to make changes to the tire (increasing or decreasing inflation, tread, width, temperature, etc.) while in action. That would be some major redefition...races would never look the same again!
When the driver, the crew, and the car are all working together that is like TPACK. TPACK is the idea that educational lessons need to have a balanced approach to content, pedagogy, and technology, so that they all work together in tandem to bring success.
This newsletter will help you to learn more about both frameworks.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Virtual Reality (VR) aligns closely with the SAMR model. At the Substitution level, VR can replace traditional methods, such as using virtual environments instead of physical field trips. At the highest level, Redefinition, VR enables entirely new learning experiences, such as exploring distant planets or historical events firsthand, something previously impossible. VR opens doors for deeper engagement and exploration across all SAMR stages.
The Blended Learning Department has VR kits that you can check out. VR Kits run using a program called RobotLab.
There are over 250 expeditions that can be accessed.
To check out the VR Kits fill out the form linked here.
Best Practices: TPACK and SAMR
Best Practices: TPACK and SAMR
Here are a few things to consider as you look at when planning lessons in your classroom to ensure students take ownership for their own learning.
Monthly Checklist
Monthly Checklist
Consider...
Reflecting on a lesson plan to see what SAMR level/s you are hitting with the task/s you assign, using THIS planning tool. How could adjust that same lesson to reach higher or more varied levels of SAMR? (Approved for use by Canvas Certified Educator)
Checking out a VR kit from the blended learning department. These kits work directly with the Google Arts and Culture app.
Creating a virtual Field Trip/Tour using Google Earth
Exploring how Nearpod and SAMR work together.
Monthly Digital Citizenship Lessons
April Digital Citizenship Theme: We care about everyone's privacy.
April Digital Citizenship Theme: We care about everyone's privacy.
This topic introduces students to the concept of online privacy and the potential implications of sharing private information with a range of people: friends, the public, app providers, and more. Sharing information about yourself can be a natural and healthy activity, and it can lead to positive connections and personal growth. However, it can also present safety risks, and students need to be aware of potentially harmful consequences such as identity theft and financial exploitation. Read more about this topic on the Common Sense Education website.
Resources
Resources
BL Resource Website: Visit our website for all things blended learning. Locate your blended learning specialist, find out about our virtual course offerings,
District-Provided Tools Database: Want to know what digital resources we have for you? Check out the district's Air Table. You can filter to find the information you need.
Best Practices Document: A checklist of what blended learning looks like and sounds like in the classroom.
Digital Learning Resources Canvas Page: Need help with one of our GCS district-provided resources? Visit our digital learning resource page to find video tutorials and instructional guides on anything from Google to Canvas.
SAMR Challenge
SAMR Challenge
Please submit a brief reflection of a lesson you have completed recently with students and how you might raise the SAMR level of one of the tasks. You can email this reflection to Amy Morris (morrisa8). Once you submit your response, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a prize.
For help determining how you might raise the level of SAMR, please access the resources throughout this newsletter.
**Last Day to submit your SAMR Challenge entry is Tuesday, April 28th**
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