Let me begin by saying that I really love the Technology
Integration Matrix. It reminds me a
great deal of the Inquiry Matrix that we use when planning and evaluating
inquiry in science lessons. I also
really appreciated the videos that could give you a visual real world snapshot
of what each level looked like. That
being said I have to give a disclaimer.
I currently teach in a classroom with a smartboard, a teacher computer and
7 slow (and let me emphasize slow) old computers with limited software. Because of this I am limited on what I can do
as it relates to technology integration at this point. But next year my students will have either
netbooks or iPads and that is why I am working hard to prepare to use these
awesome tools to their full potential.
On the following Characteristics of the Learning Environment
(Active, Collaborative, Constructive, and Authentic) I would rate myself in the
Adoption Level. I do use my technology all the time. However, I would say that when I looked at
the Transformation videos I am not far from allowing the freedom to choose,
collaborate and control learning that each of these environments potentially
have with the addition of technology. We
currently use guided to open inquiry and students do direct a great deal of
their learning, their research, their problem solving and their final
projects. They are just currently old
school (posters, some powerpoints or prezis), but the transition with our
current curriculum next year should not be too difficult to move towards
transformation.
In the area of Goal Directed, I am a little closer to entry
level and think I will find this one harder to move from. I say this because I am still struggling with
how to allow students freedom to set goals while still meeting all the
standards necessary for their grade level.
However, I currently do have the students do a great deal of reflection
with their work and this along with additional training to move in the
transformation direction will help me get there as well. Ultimately I do want to do what’s best for
the kids.
I agree with you on so many things, Linda. It sounds like your heart is in the right place, and that you will continue to look for ways to give kids meaningful interactions with technology. I think that as long as you are open-minded about it all (and it sounds like you are), once you are 1:1, you will definitely move within the matrix!
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