Thoughts About Gathering Tools and Concepts for Technology Integration

Thus far in my journey I have encountered some new concepts and content as well as previously known content that has been setting idle in my mind. I am thrilled to state that I have found some resources that have initiated a redefinition of my approach to lesson planning with technology:

SAMR
Digital Native vs Digital Immigrants
Padlet (Oh how I adore you now!)
Gliffy
VoiceThread
Authentic Assessment (A New Outlook)


My educational setting is quite unique as I spend half of the week in a music classroom and the other half with teachers integrating technology into content curriculum. As a teacher, SAMR is absolutely redefining how I plan each and every lesson. While I knew before that substitution was not the end-all solution, I still used it at a crutch. I now find myself using substitution as a starting point for planning but not an end point for implementing. Padlet has become quite useful as I work with other teachers in my content field. Collaboration is much more convenient as we can contribute on our own time! Authentic Assessment and Feedback also redefined how I provided checkpoint assessments as well as the final RISE assessment in my classroom. The students were baffled but thrilled when I announced that our test would be in two parts similar to I-STEP +. Writing and online!!! I found that the students worked hard to completed the writing portion correctly with the goal of getting the iPad in their hands. While the online assessment excitement may wear off, the students are motivated now. The benefit for me as a teacher  -  I was able to spend more time on the writing portion which produced feedback for the students rather than a circled grade at the top of the page.

As a technology integration specialist all tools in the list above have become an integral part of my planning. With only a few weeks left, my ideas have little way to go for this school year. But in looking ahead VoiceThread is going to change the way students collaborate outside of the classroom. What a great way to allow for peer assessment and feedback! Gliffy will allow students to organize their thoughts and ideas almost instantly as will Padlet. I see so many opportunities for teachers to provide Feedback in small and large ways!

The biggest challenge will be pacing myself to allow teachers to take the steps which with they are comfortable as well as finding those tools that best apply to their classroom needs.