Transforming Learning Through Technology

This challenge led me through a series of steps in learning how to make learning transformative with technology. We started by exploring the SAMR model, created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura. Here is a great four minute video explaining what the SAMR model is all about. We also reviewed Kathy Schrock’s Guide to SAMR, where she explains what each level of the SAMR model means, and she shares many different visuals that have been created to help others to better understand the SAMR model. In order to make learning transformative with technology, the activity should fall under the modification or redefinition level. Transformative learning with technology is when the task allows the students to complete something that was previously inconceivable, or the task allows for significant redesign. This might be done by asking students to create a movie presentation with pictures, voice, and music, or a Keynote presentation with videos and links to resources. These are activities that students would not have been able to complete with pencil and paper. After learning a little background information about SAMR, we began looking at Sam Gliksman's book, 40 Simple Ways to Inspire Learning with Mobile Devices. In his book he shares 40 different ways to engage students in activities using technology. I acted as the student to try out three of his activities. You can find my blog posts on these three activities below.

Strategies for Keeping Students’ Privacy:

As we discussed all of these great ways to transform learning with technology, the conversation of student privacy came up. Student privacy is extremely important in our digital world. With many schools providing access to computers, laptops, and iPads, it is very easy for our students to get online and post. This serves as a great benefit to their learning! However, as educators, we need to make sure we are aware of student privacy laws (FERPA), and that we have boundaries set in place to protect our students. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the “The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.” I believe educators need to aware of FERPA, and should be actively learning about how this law relates to the way they use technology in their classroom. This is something that I am still researching myself, and I am still unsure of many of the ins and outs of this law.

Some tips to help students protect their privacy online are making sure they only use their first names when posting, they should avoid revealing any personal information (i.e. pictures of themselves, school they attend, phone number, home address, etc.), make sure that their blogs or websites are blocked by search engines, and train students on how to use technology appropriately. Before letting students navigate the digital world, make sure that there are clear guidelines and expectations set in place. Two great websites that help teach students about online privacy and digital citizenship are Common Sense Media and iKeepSafe.

*Below you will find our class interview about student privacy with Ronnie Burt, and our collective tips on protecting students' privacy while online.