Technology Integration (EDU 776) Reflection

Changing Views on Technology 

Image Credit - Ministry of Education Saint Lucia


This course has come at a great time professionally, we are currently writing professional goals at school and I am focusing on revamping some classroom practices and how these can affect content pacing. One of the practices I am focusing on is the purposeful inclusion of technology. This class visited many topics that have led to deeper reflections on the ways and types of technology to include in the learning process. Overall, I am more hopeful and re-energized about looking at this integration. 


I still struggle with allowing students to use their iPads during class because we have very limited control over them. This was the topic of a recent lunchtime conversation with colleagues from different departments; we want to use more tech while also limiting the distractions for the students and making our job more facilitating the learning instead of babysitting the technological use. Once this hurdle is overcome, integrating can take the focus. 


The video in the Artificial Intelligence module had great terminology to represent the spectrum of attitudes about the use of AI, but I think those can actually expand to cover any integration of new technology. 

  • Techno Futurism - Identifying tasks that technology can do, and implementing that technology

  • Vintage Innovation - Blending the use of technological with non-technological solutions. Instruction can emphasize the human skills needed to live in a world with technology, skills that machines cannot have such as philosophical thinking and moral reasoning.

  • Lock It and Block It - Identify the new technology and prevent it from being used academically.


My actual attitude is that of vintage innovation, how do we use technology wisely and purposefully. How do we blend it into the existing framework of what we know works in our individual classes, and more generally our content areas. However, I think my actions fall much closer to the Lock It and Block It attitude. In concept I am open to using new things, however in practice I very rarely do include new technologies. 


Image Credit - John Spencer
Screenshot from How Will Schools Respond to the A.I. Revolution?

I plan on using the generative aspect of Quizizz each chapter to help generate an additional review tool for the students. I will still check the questions it creates but I won’t have to create all of them which will save time while resulting in additional support for the students. This saved time and additional content review support will allow me to expedite some other pacing aspects and/or afford me the opportunity to provide more in depth feedback on some of their written work. I also plan to look into Brisk Teaching to see what possibilities this AI presents.


The module that focused on technology integration models also gave me a lot to think about. While I focused on the SAMR model for the blog post, the other models got me thinking about ways I could better hold myself accountable for the way in which technology was used in class. In some cases this may require me to noticeably alter assignments and projects which will impact the overall pacing of those units.

The word cloud at the beginning came from a Google search of educational technology word clouds. I selected this one as it was focused on learning where the teacher, student, technology, and other tools all contribute. Many of the surrounding words such as solve, enhance, communication, collaboration, and various are words I also associate with using technology in the classroom.

Image Credit - GIPHY    

    To the left appears the initial GIF used to express my uncertain         hopefulness about this class and integrating technology. This GIF     still holds true today because integrating technology bring along         so many unknowns. I would say, however, that overall I am not         just more hopeful about integrating technology than before, but I     am also more prepared and more in touch with current trends and     practices to make additional technological integrations        meaningful.

    Now a GIF may look more like the Stephen Colbert below. An        actual smile for the possibilities ahead, while recognizing the            need for luck and some crossed fingers for smooth                             implementation.

Image Credit - GIPHY

 

Two quotes to end this reflection with, both representing goals for the effects of technology integration. 

“Tech gives the quietest student a voice.”

 – Jerry Blumengarte


“Technology will never replace great teachers, but in the hands of great teachers, it’s transformational.” 

– George Couros

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