Instructional Technology Growth
"So much technology! "What should I do?"
"So much technology! "What should I do?"
Many educators wonder what they should be learning about educational technology. As new devices and digital tools are created at a dizzying rate, it can leave a person wondering on what ideas should they be spending their time and energy. Below is a list of ideas related to instructional technology in areas of focus. The groups are ordered in such a way that they build on each other in a path, but it's very possible to skip around based on needs and interests.
Prerequisites: Basic Knowledge
Prerequisites: Basic Knowledge
Basic technology knowledge and understandings about its use are critical to begin using technology more effectively for teaching and learning.
- Privacy and safety laws
- Copyright and ethical use
- Basic tech knowledge
- Tech Standards: (ISTE) and content specific standards
- Basic Classroom management techniques with tech
- Basic troubleshooting
Communication
Communication
- Digital Class Calendar
- Messaging services
- Class site/resources online
- Learning Management System (LMS)
Search
Search
- Use Boolean expressions for more effective search
- User search engine tools (publication date, use license, etc.)
- Use public search and research databases
Productivity
Productivity
- Create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and basic graphics
- Using files collaboratively
Interactive Participation
Interactive Participation
- Digital polls
- Student response systems
- Idea/feedback collecting
- Exit tickets
Digital Discussion
Digital Discussion
- Discussion boards
- Back Channel
- Blogs and responses
Creating Digital Resources
Creating Digital Resources
- Digital textbook
- Video/Audio clips
- Study Aids
- HIGH LEVEL: Apps, digital experiments, etc
Flipping Instruction
Flipping Instruction
- Video lessons with assessment mechanisms
- In class activities to deepen learning
Public Connection
Public Connection
- Social media
- Blogging
- Class website
- Professional site
- Social bookmarking
Personalized Learning Guide
Personalized Learning Guide
- Differentiate instruction
- Blended learning based on needs
- Match appropriate tools and resources with specific needs.
Personal Learning Coach
Personal Learning Coach
- assist students creating personal learning goals or areas of study
- assist students choosing tools to complete a learning path
- assist students in creating products to demonstrate learning
Meta-Learning and Professional Growth
Meta-Learning and Professional Growth
- Teacher evaluates own strengths and weaknesses, using frameworks like SAMR and TPACK
- Teacher seeks out own learning
- Teacher maintains network of peers or Personal Learning Network (PLN) for learning
- Teacher effectively combines all of the above ideas to best design or coach instruction and learning paths.
- All choices reflect research (including personal research) or best practice.