Where in Tech are We?

In this lesson I have learnt how to apply or integrate technology in my teaching. I have discovered that technology can be integrated into teaching starting with the simplest and basic ideas and moving onto the more complicated and modified forms of integration. Slowly by slowly it is easy to introduce the learners to this method of teaching and learning without scaring them into thinking they are getting into something that is more modified and challenging.

I have learnt the four stages into technology integration substitution, augmentation , modification and redefining from watching the SAMR model videos.  The first stage of substitution is not any different from the old way of teaching because you only get the students to transfer what they could have written down in pen into a microsoft word document.  A simple process but captures the interest of the students since they are doing it hands-on. Then Augmentation which is also similar to substitution improves a bit on the original format of task i.e allows the learners to do spell checks using the computer, access online dictionary and using clip art or digital pictures where they would have done it manually. Modification on the other hand allows for complete transformation of task through redesigning it such that the students can do the task but cannot complete it without using technology. e.g creating something like a book report or comic out of a book report. Redefining is almost similar to modification but it emphasizes use of technology. The students have to do something with technology in order to complete task/assignment. In this case the students would need to have all the materials they are to use lined up. In this process, the more one interacts with the technology the more they get used to it and the more they feel at ease with it. The process is simple and clear and it keeps taking you into the next step and by the time you realize it you are already there and ready to use TPACK.

TPACK is basically integration of technological knowledge with content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. In integrating the three there is need to have the technical knowledge and know how it relates to content. Know what it is that you want to pass to your learners. What is that that you wish them to learn. After which you should know how to teach, what technology you are to use to teach the content you want to pass on.