Technology Integrated with Content and Pedagogy
Through fourteen years of teaching my philosophy around education has evolved, especially with the advancement of technology and devices being used in the classroom. However, with growth there is one piece that has remained constant: student learning is the priority. It is important for students to think critically, work collaboratively, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively. I feel these skills can be applied and are necessary for students to be successful in the 21st century. For students to attain these attributes and meet curriculum expectations, the teacher plays a vital role, especially when integrating technology.
When choosing a tool to integrate into a lesson or unit there are key components that need to be addressed. First, the content needs to be examined. What standards or benchmarks are being covered in the lesson? The content of the classroom is the building block of learning in a school, and each lesson focuses on objectives that allow students to expand their content knowledge within any given subject area. Technology tools enable the learner to strive toward the desired learning outcomes.
Once content has been determined, pedagogy needs to be considered. What high yielding instructional strategies will be implemented for the content to be delivered or explored? How will students think critically, work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and produce creatively around the desired learning objectives? Teachers' pedagogical choices may depend on content and desired level of acquisition. Effective pedagogy can be supported by the use of technology tools, but these tools should not deviate the teacher from sound instructional practices.
With content and pedagogy determined, appropriate technology tools may be considered. Technology may take on many forms, from paper and pencil to iPads and the internet. Integrating technology into the classroom, is in the essence of the word “integration.” Not “substitution”, or “use of” technology, but integrating or infusing these tools into the key components of the lesson or unit: clear content and researched pedagogy. Teachers need to choose tools that differentiate and support student learning experiences, enhance instructional practices, and provide efficiencies within the responsibilities of the teacher. When these criteria are met, teachers are able to redefine the learning experience.
Along with enhancing the learning experience for students, technology also offers the opportunity for the development of 21st Century skills. With skillful planning; collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication can be purposefully developed through the use of technology tools. Students are not only consuming content with technology, but also producing and demonstrating their knowledge, while advancing these critical characteristics. All along, the teacher is aware of modeling the appropriate use of tools and providing examples of what these components may look like. Technology and 21st Century skills seamlessly weave together the importance of being a global citizen and using technology tools for students to follow their passion, take ownership over their learning, and motivate themselves to become lifelong learners.
My philosophy demonstrated through wordle.net
TPACK image received from: http://tpack.org/
TPACK image received from: http://tpack.org/