This past Friday we learned a good amount about content creation. As someone who creates digital media for my Instagram platform, I was really excited to learn more about this. Obviously, the future teacher in me was also excited to learn how to implement various forms of content into my teaching and classrooms. I suppose this course in general will be an incredible tool for me now, as well as in the future.

We began by discussing the SAMR model for Technology Integration, as seen below with descriptions. This diagram clearly shows how technology can be used where other learning models can not. For example, a digital art tool can be substituted for the tractional pen and paper. If you were to take it to the next step, technology can help us augment. This would be if the same art tool as before was used but now, there is an ability to draw perfect circles or straight lines. This augmentation would not be possible without technology. The model progresses and becomes more transformative regarding tech in a classroom. Thanks to the famous Sylvia Duckworth for the image.

The idea of teaching with technology is called TPACK. This is essentially the integration of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. Technology can and has facilitated effective learning environments. These elements combine to make a really nice sweet spot, where tech, content, and pedagogy live in harmony. This does require time spent learning technology, even if that is not someones specific subject area.

We then talked about constructive alignment. This all starts with identifying the intended or desired learning outcomes. It is important to never lose sight of this/these and always bring it back to these outcomes. Designing effective assessment and learning strategies is also crucial. Alignment, in essence, is making sure whatever you’re doing as a teacher can be connected with BC core competencies (or the initial intended learning outcomes).

Finally, we went over Bloom’s Taxonomy, a concept I was already familiar with, and then followed up with some hands-on lab time. This is where we could experiment with Screencastify and investigate our digital footprints.

I am looking forward to learning more next week!