Reflection LE 2.10 #2 (SAMR Model)

The SAMR Model helped me classify some of my lessons/activities/projects and also allowed me to set goals in improving them. I also look at this model as a growth spectrum.  Most of us start off by using technology as a substitute. (e.g. Microsoft Office instead of pencil and paper) Then we find out new features such as spell check that improves the experience. Learning from our new discovery, we go back and redesign our lesson to integrate some of the new features. And at the end, we have created something totally new. In the future, I'd like to look deeper into this model and further improve my teaching.

From our class discussion, I realize that everyone is at a different point on their journey in Learning Technology.  Technology is changing every day, and we are all learning new things.  For me, it gave me an opportunity to help solve some of the problems and issues that may show up when I bring in some of these new programs to my school.  It is truly amazing to work with people who appreciate technology and willing to learn together.

Reflection LE 2.10

'Necessary for some, good for all'

During LE2, that has always been in the back of my mind.  It seems like everything we did could be used for everyone.  Which is why I often wonder why do we bother specifying certain technology for Special Need students?  The only thing that I could think of is funding.  Because it is "necessary for some", those should have priority over the rest.  If we take money out of the equation, everyone would have their own personal device that allows them to learn effectively.  This device could be different depending on their learning style and what is needed from the curriculum.

The picture above shows a beautiful futuristic classroom, but is that an ideal place for learning?  I remember watching this video during my interview and thinking to myself how unrealistic it was.  I'm not talking about the technology either.  If I have a classroom filled with future Computer Engineers, this would be perfect.  But we have to keep in mind that not everyone learns best with technology. So going back to the original quote, I'd like to change it to Necessary for some, not necessarily good for all. We are in the age of differentiated learning, while Technology is a great learning tool, we have to remind ourselves so that we don't turn it into crutches. We can't just hand everyone an iPad and expect them to magically learn.  If it was as easy as that, we would all be out of a job.