Technology Implementation

As featured in the infographic above, the four C’s are very much incorporated within the elevated guided reading lesson using SAMR. Nixon (2020), states, “Many technology tools, including the ones mentioned in this course, support collaborative environments where students can think critically and create together while maintaining open lines of communication with peers, teachers, and local and global communities.” The tools shared within the infographic support students’ critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity skills. Allowing students to select their own text using Epic’s digital library and analyze the characters within their book immediately initiates critical thinking within the substitution level. Utilizing the digital tool, Trello, to organize thoughts and ideas encourages effective communication and collaboration in the level of augmentation. In the modification level, students use Flipgrid to clearly communicate their idea with proof, incorporate their creativity in presenting, and critically think as they reflect on peer videos. In the last level, redefinition, students utilize all four C’s. Collaboration is key to this level, as students work together to create a shared website where students make connections about their own characters and their peers’ characters. They reflect, analyze, and creativity compile their information. The goal is to share this with others and to teach them about common themes amongst characters in elementary novels.

Digital trends, models, and tools to create a more personalized learning environment for 21st century learners.

Digital-age trends, models, and tools also create a more personalized learning environment for 21st century learners. Şenel (2016) states, “games may transform the learning process from being a passive task to one in which individuals engage in the experience of learning” (p. 14). When the learning experience is more engaging and active, learning will take place! So many games offer pre-assessments and beginning diagnostics to learn about the student before they begin playing the digital game. This creates a virtual world completely catered to the learner and allows them to feel comfortable making mistakes. It is nearly impossible to create individual lesson plans for all learners that fit their exact need, but digital tools like Freckle Education, Prodigy Math, Zearn, Lalilo, and more are helping teachers reach all learners in a way that meets their needs.

Some web 2.0 tools to support learning and engagement

Using Flipgrid to support collaborative community building