Part B: Learning and Technology Theories Reflection
Technology in classrooms was not even really a ‘thing’ until I was well into
junior and senior high. I remember when our school got new whiteboards
rather than chalk it was a big deal! Therefore, the example of the most
ineffective use of technology in a classroom comes from my time here in
university. I had a professor for an Anthropology 207 class, who had access to
eClass, email, PowerPoint, iclicker, video, Internet etc. and refused to use any
of it. He would simply stand at the front of the lecture and talk. I still enjoyed class, but it was not the most engaging lectures I have ever experienced. The only tech he allowed into his classroom was type term papers, rather than hand written. In regards to the SAMR model, he only barely reached the Substitution phase in swapping hand written for typed assignments. In consideration of the TPACK model, he had an immense repertoire of curriculum knowledge (CK). He also refused to change any of his pedagogy (PK) since the 1970’s nor would he integrate any new tech (TK) into our classes together.
If you are unfamiliar with RMR’s here is a sample:
Module 5: Technological Frameworks
Part A: TPACK Diagram
I have created my TPACK diagram using Prezi, since it was easy to visually lay out a lot of information, there is a screen shot to the right that you can click on to access it!
On the other hand, even though tech wasn’t a large aspect of my educational journey, my most effective use of technology (aside from this class!) comes from my High School experience. My Social Studies 30-1 teacher once had us study, create and share our own version of a “Rick Mercer Rant” (RMR) when learning about how technology has influenced global politics and aspects of freedom of speech. With the SAMR model, this assignment would fit into the Modify category. We could have done this as a classic presentation in class but it was taken a step further being recorded and shared. With TPACK, even though she was well into her late fifty’s, she was always changing and adapting the way she taught (PK). She also had been teaching for a lot of years in Social Studies and had a large knowledge of the content for the classes (CK). Finally, she also was always getting us to “use [our] swipy phones” laptops and other personal devices to enhance class.