Hi Everyone,
Caleb here with my recap from the TCEA 2020 conference. First and foremost if you like your recaps in video form, and from both of our Instructional Technologists, check out the 4 part What's New in Tech video series from last week.
So what is TCEA? It stands for Texas Computer Education Association. We just got back from attending its annual conference. This year's conference took place in Austin and we all had a great time. We brought 3 teachers along with Katie Riley, Miriam Muniz, and myself. This was down from last year when we had 12 people total attending, but I think the smaller group worked for us this year.
The conference focuses on educational technology and the different ways to use it. There are sessions for teachers, technology specialists, IT staff, and even administrators. There is also a large exhibit hall with pretty much every big name in ed tech. Sessions range from 50 minutes to 2 hours long and overlap all throughout the day from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
This year was especially exciting for me because I got to present at the conference. I did a poster session titled Personality and Technology Coaching Success: A research based approach. My focus was on adjusting your coaching style to meet the personality traits of the teachers you are coaching. I think that the session was a success and I had a lot of people stop by to listen to me.
I also learned a ton of great things that I am eager to put into practice here at Pecos. One of my favorite new discoveries is the app AR Makr. This allows you to turn 2 dimensional pictures into 3D shapes that can be interacted with using your iPad's camera. It has uses not only in math and science, but also in ELAR and Social Studies as well.
I thought all of the presenters did an excellent job this year and I am excited to go back next year. If you think that the TCEA conference would be something that interests you, please leave me a comment or send me an email.
Best,
Caleb Magness
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
How to Write a Lesson Plan with Technology
Hello everyone! I hope you all are off to a great start for the spring semester. As we all get settled into our schedules and start preparing for the business to come I thought it would be great to start thinking about how we can thoughtfully incorporate technology into our lesson planning.
With the introduction of iPads and Chromebooks into the classroom, and the classification of our students as “digital natives” our roles as educators and our pedagogical approaches are changing. No longer are teachers the sole source of knowledge in the classroom. Their role has shifted to that of a leader, motivator and facilitator of learning and knowledge. Devices in the classroom have allowed teachers to adopt more personalized learning models of classroom instruction such as blended learning, flipped classroom, and project based learning. In addition our students were born into a generation that has never lived without a computer, and they have instant access to information. Students want to solve real world problems and engage in lessons that have real world application.They can access information in a matter of seconds, tune into countless social channels, network with peers, and attempt to multitask. With these characteristics in mind and the devices in our classrooms it is up to us as educators to modify our instructional strategies to fit our students' needs.
With these tasks in mind, there are two models that can guide teachers through the process of planning meaningful and engaging lessons with technology. The TPACK model which stands for technological pedagogical content knowledge and the SAMR model which stands for substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition.
The TPACK Model
The TPACK model is often depicted as a Venn diagram with content, pedagogy, and technology forming the overlapping three circles.
Before the shift to 1:1 devices in the classroom content and pedagogy were considered the best ways of teaching because of the mix of content knowledge and strategy. In fact pedagogical content knowledge, the intersection of pedagogy and content, refers to the knowledge to use concepts and skills for engaging students effectively, which helps students to achieve their learning objectives. This is extremely important because pedagogical content knowledge will always be the foundation of your lessons.
Now more than ever, technology is becoming more combined with content and pedagogy, especially with the rise of social media and personal computers.This has created a new combination of knowledge that teachers must adopt called technological pedagogical content knowledge, the center of the diagram. TPACK represents a deep knowledge on how to use technology tools to teach concepts to students in a way that engages, enhances, and supports student learning outcomes.
It is not the technology tools that drives the learning, but it is the teachers knowledge of their content area, knowledge of instructional strategies, and knowledge of digital technology tools combined.This model is important because it can help teachers to understand the role that technology plays in their classrooms. It also helps dispel the myth that simply using an iPads or a Chromebook in class will enhance student learning. Having a student use a device without a purpose is not an effective use of technology for education. Rather it is the carefully thought out blending of all three knowledge areas that will enhance student learning outcomes.
Another model that is helpful for teachers when lesson planning is the SAMR model. The SAMR model is often depicted in a ladder showing different levels of technology integration in the classroom. Each level explains what the technology tool is doing in the lesson and helps teachers to conceptualize its purpose.The top two levels of the ladder show technology use as transforming the lesson while the bottom two show technology use as enhancing the lesson. The SAMR model was designed to incorporate technology into all disciplines and subjects by creating a common language. For example, many teachers use visualization to teach complex concepts to students.
SAMR is a great model to use because it can help teachers implement technology effectively and thoughtfully no matter how much or how little teachers know about technology.
If you feel like you are just starting out using technology or if you want to use it and are not sure how, start making small changes with the lower levels.Technology integration can be as simple as substituting a pencil and paper for a google document, or augmenting the lesson by inserting links to websites or videos in that google doc. As long is their is a learning objective in mind first before the technology is added. With SAMR it is possible for beginners to think about their own technology use and implement small meaningful changes.
SAMR is also great for more experienced teachers who may be looking to reach higher levels of tech integration. For example google docs can be modified to share with other students for a collaborative learning experience, or redefined to become a multimedia information page! No matter what your experience level, using the SAMR model will help you to create engaging learning experiences for their students.
Here are a few questions to help you get started when it finally comes time to sit down and write those lesson plans.
Use the TPACK model to think about how each dimension is represented in your lesson plan. Are all three there? Or could it be lacking in one?
What standards are you trying to address? It is important to know what your content and learning objectives are and then find the best instructional strategy to help your students learn and show what they know.
Lastly consider which technology tool is the best tool to layer on top of your content and pedagogy.
Use the SAMR model to critically think about how the technology piece is enhancing or transforming your lesson and how that will affect your students learning. Second, think about where in your lesson it would be best to incorporate that technology piece.
Remember not all lessons will require the use of technology for students to achieve the learning outcomes.Technology can enhance learning in many areas but it might not be appropriate for all lessons.This is where you as teachers can use your expertise and evaluate what is necessary for your specific lessons and students needs. As always reach out to your instructional technology coach for guidance and assistance!
Have you heard of these two models before? Which one stuck out to you and why?
What are some ways that you integrate technology into your lessons?
Have you ever used a lesson with blended learning, flipped classroom, or project based learning? Tell us what you did and how your students responded to it.
Have you heard of the term “digital natives?” Do you think with some students being tech savvy, it changes the way you have been teaching?
References:
https://www.schoology.com/blog/tpack-framework-explained
https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/introduction-to-the-tpack-mode
https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration
With the introduction of iPads and Chromebooks into the classroom, and the classification of our students as “digital natives” our roles as educators and our pedagogical approaches are changing. No longer are teachers the sole source of knowledge in the classroom. Their role has shifted to that of a leader, motivator and facilitator of learning and knowledge. Devices in the classroom have allowed teachers to adopt more personalized learning models of classroom instruction such as blended learning, flipped classroom, and project based learning. In addition our students were born into a generation that has never lived without a computer, and they have instant access to information. Students want to solve real world problems and engage in lessons that have real world application.They can access information in a matter of seconds, tune into countless social channels, network with peers, and attempt to multitask. With these characteristics in mind and the devices in our classrooms it is up to us as educators to modify our instructional strategies to fit our students' needs.
With these tasks in mind, there are two models that can guide teachers through the process of planning meaningful and engaging lessons with technology. The TPACK model which stands for technological pedagogical content knowledge and the SAMR model which stands for substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition.
The TPACK Model
The TPACK model is often depicted as a Venn diagram with content, pedagogy, and technology forming the overlapping three circles.
Before the shift to 1:1 devices in the classroom content and pedagogy were considered the best ways of teaching because of the mix of content knowledge and strategy. In fact pedagogical content knowledge, the intersection of pedagogy and content, refers to the knowledge to use concepts and skills for engaging students effectively, which helps students to achieve their learning objectives. This is extremely important because pedagogical content knowledge will always be the foundation of your lessons.
Now more than ever, technology is becoming more combined with content and pedagogy, especially with the rise of social media and personal computers.This has created a new combination of knowledge that teachers must adopt called technological pedagogical content knowledge, the center of the diagram. TPACK represents a deep knowledge on how to use technology tools to teach concepts to students in a way that engages, enhances, and supports student learning outcomes.
It is not the technology tools that drives the learning, but it is the teachers knowledge of their content area, knowledge of instructional strategies, and knowledge of digital technology tools combined.This model is important because it can help teachers to understand the role that technology plays in their classrooms. It also helps dispel the myth that simply using an iPads or a Chromebook in class will enhance student learning. Having a student use a device without a purpose is not an effective use of technology for education. Rather it is the carefully thought out blending of all three knowledge areas that will enhance student learning outcomes.
The SAMR Model
Another model that is helpful for teachers when lesson planning is the SAMR model. The SAMR model is often depicted in a ladder showing different levels of technology integration in the classroom. Each level explains what the technology tool is doing in the lesson and helps teachers to conceptualize its purpose.The top two levels of the ladder show technology use as transforming the lesson while the bottom two show technology use as enhancing the lesson. The SAMR model was designed to incorporate technology into all disciplines and subjects by creating a common language. For example, many teachers use visualization to teach complex concepts to students.
SAMR is a great model to use because it can help teachers implement technology effectively and thoughtfully no matter how much or how little teachers know about technology.
If you feel like you are just starting out using technology or if you want to use it and are not sure how, start making small changes with the lower levels.Technology integration can be as simple as substituting a pencil and paper for a google document, or augmenting the lesson by inserting links to websites or videos in that google doc. As long is their is a learning objective in mind first before the technology is added. With SAMR it is possible for beginners to think about their own technology use and implement small meaningful changes.
SAMR is also great for more experienced teachers who may be looking to reach higher levels of tech integration. For example google docs can be modified to share with other students for a collaborative learning experience, or redefined to become a multimedia information page! No matter what your experience level, using the SAMR model will help you to create engaging learning experiences for their students.
How to use TPACK and SAMR when lesson planning
Here are a few questions to help you get started when it finally comes time to sit down and write those lesson plans.
Use the TPACK model to think about how each dimension is represented in your lesson plan. Are all three there? Or could it be lacking in one?
What standards are you trying to address? It is important to know what your content and learning objectives are and then find the best instructional strategy to help your students learn and show what they know.
Lastly consider which technology tool is the best tool to layer on top of your content and pedagogy.
Use the SAMR model to critically think about how the technology piece is enhancing or transforming your lesson and how that will affect your students learning. Second, think about where in your lesson it would be best to incorporate that technology piece.
Remember not all lessons will require the use of technology for students to achieve the learning outcomes.Technology can enhance learning in many areas but it might not be appropriate for all lessons.This is where you as teachers can use your expertise and evaluate what is necessary for your specific lessons and students needs. As always reach out to your instructional technology coach for guidance and assistance!
We want to know what you think!?
Answer one or a few questions in the comments and get the conversation going!
Have you heard of these two models before? Which one stuck out to you and why?
What are some ways that you integrate technology into your lessons?
Have you ever used a lesson with blended learning, flipped classroom, or project based learning? Tell us what you did and how your students responded to it.
Have you heard of the term “digital natives?” Do you think with some students being tech savvy, it changes the way you have been teaching?
References:
https://www.schoology.com/blog/tpack-framework-explained
https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/introduction-to-the-tpack-mode
https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Tech Tuesday: Google Drawings
Hello Everyone,
Sorry for the recent absence, the school year has gotten very hectic and we here at the Instructional Technology team just got swept up. We are back now and ready to get you some posts out before we celebrate Thanksgiving next week.
Katie Riley did her very first Tech Tuesday video this week and we think she did an amazing job. If you have ever wondered how to use Google Drawings, wonder no more. In just about 10 minutes, by listening to Katie, you will learn a bunch of amazing things that can be done with this great program.
If you have any suggestions for future videos or questions for the Instructional Technology team, please leave us a comment.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology
Sorry for the recent absence, the school year has gotten very hectic and we here at the Instructional Technology team just got swept up. We are back now and ready to get you some posts out before we celebrate Thanksgiving next week.
Katie Riley did her very first Tech Tuesday video this week and we think she did an amazing job. If you have ever wondered how to use Google Drawings, wonder no more. In just about 10 minutes, by listening to Katie, you will learn a bunch of amazing things that can be done with this great program.
If you have any suggestions for future videos or questions for the Instructional Technology team, please leave us a comment.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Tech Tuesday: Google Slides
Hello Everyone,
After a two week hiatus where Caleb was sick and then Caleb and Katie took a trip to Arizona for a conference, we are back with another Tech Tuesday. The topic of today's post is Google Slides. Google Slides is a slide presentation app similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, but based in Google. Users can create slide presentations over nearly unlimited topics. There are built in templates or you can start from scratch. In the video below, Caleb walks you through what Google Slides is and what all the menu buttons do.
If you have any questions about the video, or suggestions for future videos, feel free to leave us a comment or send an email to Caleb or Katie directly. The team loves to create content for you based on what you like to see.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
After a two week hiatus where Caleb was sick and then Caleb and Katie took a trip to Arizona for a conference, we are back with another Tech Tuesday. The topic of today's post is Google Slides. Google Slides is a slide presentation app similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, but based in Google. Users can create slide presentations over nearly unlimited topics. There are built in templates or you can start from scratch. In the video below, Caleb walks you through what Google Slides is and what all the menu buttons do.
If you have any questions about the video, or suggestions for future videos, feel free to leave us a comment or send an email to Caleb or Katie directly. The team loves to create content for you based on what you like to see.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Tech Tuesday: An Interview with Katie Riley
Hello Everyone,
The PBT Instructional Technology Team is proud to announce that we have a new member, Katie Riley. Katie started with us on Monday and is already proving to be a great addition to the team. She will be the Instructional Technologist for Crockett and the High School For our Tech Tuesday video this week, Caleb sat down with Katie for a quick get to know you interview. You can watch the video below.
We hope you will take some time to seek her out over the next few weeks and give her a warm hello. She will be shadowing Caleb for the time being before branching out to do her own solo thing.
Next week we will be back to our normal style Tech Tuesday videos with another Google related topic. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions for future videos, or you would just like to say hello to Katie, please leave us a comment or reach out to Caleb or Katie via email.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
The PBT Instructional Technology Team is proud to announce that we have a new member, Katie Riley. Katie started with us on Monday and is already proving to be a great addition to the team. She will be the Instructional Technologist for Crockett and the High School For our Tech Tuesday video this week, Caleb sat down with Katie for a quick get to know you interview. You can watch the video below.
We hope you will take some time to seek her out over the next few weeks and give her a warm hello. She will be shadowing Caleb for the time being before branching out to do her own solo thing.
Next week we will be back to our normal style Tech Tuesday videos with another Google related topic. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions for future videos, or you would just like to say hello to Katie, please leave us a comment or reach out to Caleb or Katie via email.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Tech Tuesday: Google Docs
Hello Everyone,
Have you ever wondered what the heck a Google Doc was? Well wonder no more because in this week's Tech Tuesday video Caleb Magness takes you through how to create a blank Google Doc as well as browse through the pre-made templates to find the Doc that's just for you. He also shows what all the shiny menu options do as well. So wait no longer and watch the video below.
If you have questions about Google Docs or you would like to make a suggestion about future videos, please leave us a comment below or you can email Caleb directly.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
Have you ever wondered what the heck a Google Doc was? Well wonder no more because in this week's Tech Tuesday video Caleb Magness takes you through how to create a blank Google Doc as well as browse through the pre-made templates to find the Doc that's just for you. He also shows what all the shiny menu options do as well. So wait no longer and watch the video below.
If you have questions about Google Docs or you would like to make a suggestion about future videos, please leave us a comment below or you can email Caleb directly.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Tech Tuesday: Chrome Extensions
Hello Everyone,
In continuation of our theme for the first few weeks of Tech Tuesday, today's video is still focusing on Google Chrome. Chrome is a powerful web browser, and one of the things that sets it apart from other browsers is the ability to add extensions. What are extensions you may ask? Well they are small software programs added to Chrome to customize your browsing experience. In the video below Caleb walks you through where to find, manage, and add extensions to your Chrome browser.
As always if you have any questions about the video or suggestions for future videos, please leave us a comment or you can reach out to Caleb directly at cmagness@pbtisd.esc18.net.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
In continuation of our theme for the first few weeks of Tech Tuesday, today's video is still focusing on Google Chrome. Chrome is a powerful web browser, and one of the things that sets it apart from other browsers is the ability to add extensions. What are extensions you may ask? Well they are small software programs added to Chrome to customize your browsing experience. In the video below Caleb walks you through where to find, manage, and add extensions to your Chrome browser.
As always if you have any questions about the video or suggestions for future videos, please leave us a comment or you can reach out to Caleb directly at cmagness@pbtisd.esc18.net.
Best,
PBT Instructional Technology Team
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)