Week 2

Weekly Overview

This week we apply the educational technology frameworks from last week (TPACK, SAMR) working towards integrating each into our planning for meaningful student learning in the classroom.  We keep in mind our course mantra courtesy of Liz Kolb:

LEARNING FIRST, TECHNOLOGY SECOND

Meaningful learning - that authentic student experience that causes the development of new understandings from manipulation of knowledge.  We as teachers create the environments within which students live in school - how do we work technology into that environment in ways that are authentic, and not punitive, a reward or an afterthought? 

​Take a step back and examine your practice through the articles and video we consider – where do your students learn authentically?  Where is meaning made and what does that look like for students and teacher?  What place does technology have in that conversation?  What matters in your classroom – how can your pedagogy be modified, augmented or potentially transformed?   Can we evolve your learning environment further? 

The reading this week considers teacher perspective on technology use, what meaningful technology use is, and what is needed for that to happen in schools.  Ultimately, we look to strike a balance between students multiple worlds – the organic use of technology in their personal lives as compared to what often feels like an isolated and de-technified experience at school.   While we never assume our students are “digital natives” - they may have and use technology, but do they understand its power for learning or know how to use it in Civic Minded ways.  This week looks to provide us with an opportunity to really examine your practice and seek a starting point for meaningful technology integration from your classroom standpoint.   

​As you read our book A New Culture Of Learning, you will begin to blog about your thoughts as they all come together – what is this concept of PLAY in the classroom, or how do we really engage a collaborative learning environment with meaning?  Do not worry about being “academic” in your blog – speak from your heart and your mind and let go of pure citations – instead use hyperlinks to websites, video and images to make your thoughts known!  (Here is MY blog for some reference - https://runningmycurrerenarrative.blogspot.com/

Any questions, shoot me an email!  Lets have a great week!​

BLOG: You should begin reading A New Culture of Learning and blogging about your “aha” moments or moments of “I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT” or “THIS IS COOL BECAUSE…!”