The idea of using technology in the classroom is something that has been circulating through the education world for over two decades, and it’s not going anywhere. In fact, the movement is progressing so rapidly that it’s becoming difficult for even early adopters to keep stride with this ever-changing landscape. Today’s educators must be nimble and quick, always staying abreast of the innovative teaching practices that are required to keep the digital natives of the 21st century engaged, excited, and invested in their classroom content. However, arming yourself with the most effective technology tools for your classroom does not have to be a daunting task.
When thinking about integrating technology in your classroom, it's best to have a framework within which to plan your content, pedagogy, and technology integration. Without a purposeful plan to follow, the chosen technology and application can sometimes miss the mark. When thinking about this idea, the best place to start is with the TPACK model. This model outlines the most basic requirements needed to plan an effective lesson that integrates technology and should always be step one in your curriculum planning.
Once you’ve ensured that your lesson will address the three components of TPACK - Content, Pedagogy, and Technology - you are ready to go deeper when thinking about your technology integration.
For the next step, you’ll want to consider using one of the three models outlined below. As you’re thinking about choosing a framework for your practice, consider the age group, content area, available resources, and other special characteristics that make up your unique educational context.