Lamar Discussion Board 3
Instructions:
Discussion Questions will reference the videos and assigned readings and should be thought-provoking, supportive or challenging, and reflective in nature.
Each weekly discussion posting must include:
a substantive answer to each question (2-3 questions per week)
label question responses such as (1) (2) (3), etc.
at least 1 professional reference cited from outside resources
at least 2 responses to a colleague that elaborates beyond "I agree" or "Great Job" and shares a reflective response
posts made throughout the week to allow other learners time to respond (e.g., first post by Wednesday, final post by Sunday)
1. Choose one: Read TPACK Explained by Matt Koehler or the SAMR and Blooms by Kathy Schrock. Debrief your thoughts about which model could be the most impactful in your current work setting and why.
Article: TPACK Explained by Matt Koehler (n.d.)
URL: http://www.matt-koehler.com/tpack/tpack-explained/
Article: SAMR and Blooms (2016)
URL: http://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html
1.
In my current work setting I think the TPACK method would be the most impactful since some students today would show immediate signs in one of the areas and from there we could give them the tools to move into the middle toward TPACK.
Our school system is currently in the SAMR model of advancement from one grade to the next and gradually headed toward Redefinition. I believe that TPACK is more nonlinear and more impactful to a student. Students and parents believe staying in the same grade is worse than not comprehending the material. They would say “I don’t care what I get on my tests as long as it’s passing.” That’s where the SAMR method fails in the 21st century learning environment. Just advancing to the next level isn’t good enough for mastery of a subject. Just advancing technology integration doesn’t mean a student could apply their knowledge. As much as I’m enjoying this Master’s program from Lamar, what I really care about is understanding and applying this knowledge. This program isn’t just a checkbox for me.
Listening to Dr. Thibodeaux talk about how students learn has reinforced my belief that we need to get the tools and information into the students’ hands. Today’s teacher should be a facilitator because today’s learners have different learning strategies and motivators. What’s important is providing a good framework and letting the student know what is a good benchmark.
In both models, it’s not about just adding a computer and expecting your lesson to be successful.
At home my four year old has proven the TPACK model with a perfect mix of knowing the technology of the ipad, what apps are on there, and showing his pedagogy by showing us how to find his favorite video. It’s amazing to watch him seamlessly transition between mom’s and dad’s ipad and just focus on the content and learning. Some of the barriers he overcomes is the apps not in the right place, different ipads have different apps, and all our devices have different passwords.
Our goal this week is to investigate the balance of the knowledge described in TPACK. While researching TPACK it seems most inline with what we need to learn. There is benefit of the heiracrcy of the SAMR model but learning is more blended with students freely moving between the seperate circles of the TPACK Venn Diagram. In September a student might be more familiar with the technology, then become stronger in a different circle.
2. What themes or trends are emerging globally today with regards to technology? List at least 2 and explain their relevance to your educational or work setting.
2.
One trend at my work and local school district is supporting our Technology Initiatives. This is a multifaceted solution to today’s learning needs. The goal of the initiative is to complete the one-to-one tablet PC program across the district and support it with great software the students will use. With the cost for digital devices coming down more classrooms will have computers. Here’s an example of our IT department putting 1,800 new laptops into the hands of Klein ISD students. (https://twitter.com/KleinTechnology/status/687304902771515392)
The project is powered from our Network Operations Center which serves the technology needs across our district. Today’s digital classroom depends on highly developed backbone of support like our NOC. Having a strong support system like this allows our teachers the flexibility between didactic and constructivist instructional pedagogies. A teacher can read facts from a PowerPoint and then direct those students to create their own PowerPoint from that lesson.
Another trend is teachers “failing-forward” with technology in their classroom. (Magiera, 2012) A Chicago teacher couldn’t find a successful way to make iPads work in her classroom. Instead of abandoning the technology or forcefully integrating the technology, the teacher decided to reevaluate. I found a link to her article through a SAMR website to explain how to get students through the process. It seems to me that her article highlighted the TPACK method better. The students came into the classroom knowing the technology, knowing the content, and the teacher knew her pedagogy but when it all came together is when the teacher started seeing results.
Thibodeaux, T. (n.d.). Week 3 Course Video Script. Retrieved from https://luonline.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-2210928-dt-content-rid-17000439_1/courses/EDLD_5302_D06_2016_60_AP2/EDLD 5302 Week 3 Course Video Script.txt
Magiera, J. (2012, January 25). Redefining Instruction With Technology: Five Essential Steps. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2012/01/25/tln_magiera1.html
“Digital Learning Environment to Prepare Students for Success.”. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.kleinisd.net/default.aspx?name=issitc.initiatives
