In this article, I will explore and share models that can be used to use technology in a way that enhances and transforms the learning in the classroom.
To help educators choose an effective use of technology to enhance and transform learning.
Dr Paul Walton
My advice to start using technology in a powerful way in your school is to start with a few fundamentals:
Create a shared list of 'learning' questions that staff can used that are focused on learning before using technology in classCreate a Technology for Learning Plan
Align this with your policies (BYOD, Digital, online learning, Esafety etc.)
Select a Tech model to guide the effective use of technology in your school.
Set up a team of staff, students and parents as a tech committee to help discuss the use of technology.
Add Technology for Learning to your CPD plan.
Review the impact of technology as and when need, plus annually in your school improvement plan.
Learning Questions
Moving the learning forward in the school, embracing inquiry-based learning and developing collaboration in the classroom were discussed in details as we looked at the changes that would happen.
Questions to ask BEFORE using technology in the classroom
2.Have I started with the purpose and learning rather than tech?
3.Does it open up deeper lines of thought and inquiry?
4.Does it develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills?
5.Does it promote a global perspective and understanding?
6.Where does this fit in the SAMR model?
7.Does it allow students to access this tech?
8.Does it allow personalised learning?
9.Does it allow students to publish their work and get feedback – globally?
10.Does it allow students to connect with others from around the world?
Why?
The question WHY? was asked at the start of this process and teachers needed to look at the way that education had changed and what we were now preparing our students for in this century.
The impact on jobs, transferrable skills and having the ability to create new, innovative ideas were a hot topic of debate as we are constantly looking at a world that offers students wonderful opportunities to develop their knowledge online.
“The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.”
Jean Piaget
It was key that the technology did not just simply replace the current way of doing things and that technology was not just introduced for the sake of it.
This was discussed in-depth and although at the moment we do not have all of the answers to all of the questions, this does give us a clear direction of the way we are heading. At this point the teachers have been discussing actively the changes they could make(creating quizzes, social media, real life research etc.) and how they can shape the tech in the classroom.
Looking at the Marc Prensky points above gave the teachers a clear idea on what the changes looked like and how the learning in the classroom could be changed to suit the students we teach today…
for more resources or information on this visit:
or to find out more about the impact of technology and the differences between the digital natives and immigrants:-Prensky – Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants – Part1
Models to look further at
SAMR
TPACK
SAMR
The approach of using technology to look at doing current things in the classroom in new ways is also looked at here:
The SAMR model links in the discussions that we have had at school when we have looked at the WHY? of using technology in the classroom.
TPACK Model
Another discussion looked at the TPACK model:
The main focus of the above exercises was to look at moving the learning forward and to make sure that the correct use of technology was introduced for the learner to enhance what they are doing and to give them opportunities to be innovative and creative.
Tech Committee
This can be a panel representing the following:
Primary and Secondary Staff
Primary and Secondary Students
IT technician/Manager
SLT
Parents
The purpose of the Tech committee is to encompasses:
making technology safe for everyone to use in the school
creating accessibly for tech use to everyone
Using technology aligned with the Vision and Mission of the school
Using technology to educate and 'learning' focused.
Research Findings
This published research was gathered from over 200 members of staff over 2 years across various International schools.
1.Staff are confident on choosing the right tool for the classroom (75%), they believe they know how, why and when technology should be used in the classroom (61%), and (57%) can articulate what effective use of technology in the classroom is.
2.Staff can identify the correct use of technology with the SAMR model (72%), they evaluate the use of technology in class (51%), and show a higher interest (81%) in discussing the use and planning for the use before it is adapted in the classroom.
3.Staff see technology as a beneficial tool for learning (69%), state they require more training (74%) and more professional development on learning and the use of technology.
4.Schools have tech plans including how technology is evolving, more staff can articulate what tech should be able to do.
Walton, P, (2023) 'The effective use of technology in international education classrooms to enhance and transform learning'Mathematical Statistician and Engineering Applications, Volume 71(4)
Starting Points for you
1. Explore a Model to ‘check’ the use of Technology - SAMR (Puentedura, R, 2013)
2. Plan your own powerful questions before you start* (November A, 2016)
3. Learning First, not Technology - TPACK (Mishra & Koehler, 2006)
4. Challenge Beyond Trivial Tech Usage (Prensky, M, 2011)
5. Create CPD plan and effective measures for its impact (Guskey, TR, 2000)
Final Words.
Start with the learning FIRST, then consider technology. This would truly be a powerful way to use technology.
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