Reflection
While the content may be familiar as far as the teacher is concerned, one has to be strategic and purposeful regarding the nature of TPACK/SAMR integration in order for the technology integration not to look mundane. As part of the strategic thinking, the teacher needs to look at the technological tools that are first available within the school or classroom framework and select the ones that students or various categories of students (if we are using groups) would be comfortable using as well as find one that would enhance the overall learning experience or the slave trade lesson in particular. The three circles (Venn Diagram) serves as a guide to help teachers connect the aspects of the three focal areas of technology, methodology and actual content. If the teacher has previous knowledge of the technological devices and their uses it is so helpful. The Indiana standards for this project emphasize the reflection on the topic’s impact; it is however helpful to teach students how to research for the right materials using google search engine and be able to put together the relevant images and documents for their presentation. For the uninitiated teacher it is helpful to first and foremost write down the normal lesson plan and then think through how this can be enhanced and connected using the TPACK AND SAMR models. The focus is usually on the teacher at the beginning as the scene is set for the project and the various class groups are put together and therefore thorough planning is critical. If students have access to canvas or google docs it should be possible for students to collaborate. The highlights for me in the SAMR process is the transition from the Substitution to the Redefinition stage as students present their collages, videos and transmit their work onto social media. Some students might not be familiar with some of the software for the digital collage or the video making process or may not even have social media accounts and may need to be guided. The focus eventually shifts to the students as they master the technology and do their final presentations. Overall technology transforms the learning process in a positive way by bringing it to life.
While the content may be familiar as far as the teacher is concerned, one has to be strategic and purposeful regarding the nature of TPACK/SAMR integration in order for the technology integration not to look mundane. As part of the strategic thinking, the teacher needs to look at the technological tools that are first available within the school or classroom framework and select the ones that students or various categories of students (if we are using groups) would be comfortable using as well as find one that would enhance the overall learning experience or the slave trade lesson in particular. The three circles (Venn Diagram) serves as a guide to help teachers connect the aspects of the three focal areas of technology, methodology and actual content. If the teacher has previous knowledge of the technological devices and their uses it is so helpful. The Indiana standards for this project emphasize the reflection on the topic’s impact; it is however helpful to teach students how to research for the right materials using google search engine and be able to put together the relevant images and documents for their presentation. For the uninitiated teacher it is helpful to first and foremost write down the normal lesson plan and then think through how this can be enhanced and connected using the TPACK AND SAMR models. The focus is usually on the teacher at the beginning as the scene is set for the project and the various class groups are put together and therefore thorough planning is critical. If students have access to canvas or google docs it should be possible for students to collaborate. The highlights for me in the SAMR process is the transition from the Substitution to the Redefinition stage as students present their collages, videos and transmit their work onto social media. Some students might not be familiar with some of the software for the digital collage or the video making process or may not even have social media accounts and may need to be guided. The focus eventually shifts to the students as they master the technology and do their final presentations. Overall technology transforms the learning process in a positive way by bringing it to life.