Connections
First Connection: SAMR Model
A connection taken away from CTL 7016 was the use of the SAMR model by using technology to either enhance or transform classroom lessons. I have never thought of the model before when introducing technology into the classroom. At my last practicum I was able to witness and interact with the students who were completing a final assignment for their science unit on biodiversity. They were using a google chrome tool called ScreenCastify which allowed them to record their desktop, browser or webcam capture, narrate with the microphone, embed the webcam into the recording, edit the video through trimming, drawing, merging or cropping and share the video through Google Drive or Classroom. In relation to the SAMR theoretical model, I believe this assignment to be a modification of the final assessment due to the fact that the teacher was allowing the group of students to use technology in the creation of this final biodiversity presentation by developing a significant task redesign. Technology in this case allows the students to transform their experience and knowledge by presenting their research along with contributing their voice. The students not only can create their own unique display for the class but they represent their findings in a new product. The SAMR model is assisting my learning in finding purpose to incorporate technology into the classrooms and to help students visualize complex concepts.
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2nd Connection:
Assistive Technology
Another takeaway from CTL7016 was in week 7 of the course when I had the opportunity to engage with a school friendly robot called Dash and Dot. This robot operates using an iPad and follows moment through coding in order to engage the robot. It explores a number of math science and STEM subjects. I recently use this with a grade one classroom in which volunteers of a technology group came to the school and introduce the robot to the students. The students really enjoyed the challenge of identifying and guiding the robot along lines taped on the floor in the shape of either a square, triangle or rectangle. Students benefit from having these because not only did it help with team-building skills but assisted in their mathematics and science. Dash and Dot is considered as a form of assistive technology that improves the cognitive tasks of the user by establishing patterns through coding.
3rd Connection: Digital Citizenship
Another takeaway that I got from the course CTL 7016 what is the importance of digital citizenship. We are in a time of digital technology where our younger generation is surrounded by easy access to technology. Although it can be used to enhance learning through engaging the students it is important to use it in a safe and structured environment. Technology is consistently shifting with how we conduct our day-to-day lives and it’s currently essential. Digital citizenship is about including the technological tools in order for students to have access. It is important as educators to note that not all students have access to the Internet and not all students have access to essential devices. In one of the Ted Talk videos by Dr. Marialice Curran I learned that we need to help our students focus in on their character and portray how they are in person and online. As educators we see students using social media more often and it is important that as we teach our students, we encourage the same behavior online as we are face-to-face. She spoke about students being concerned with their reputation but we must embed in their minds that they must be able to humanize the person next to them as well as the person across the screen. Understanding the importance of becoming a digital citizen is the fact that we must embrace technology without examining the consequence of implementation. Students will continue to use devices because they are in touch with technology and therefore there’s a need to teach them about digital citizenship.