Eclectic Technology

There are many models one can look to when integrating technology into the curriculum and one that is often spoken about is SAMR. SAMR allows teachers to learn how to move from enhancing curriculum to transforming curriculum.

Think of climbing a ladder.

The bottom rung of the ladder would be substitution.

The second step would be modification.

The third step would be augmentation.

The fourth step would be redefinition.

The video takes an example and shows how it changes as it moves up the ladder.

There are also a number of reflection questions provided that may help you understand how to evaluate each of the areas and move your students to use more high order thinking skills (HOTS) as well as impact student achievement.

There are many videos available that explain SAMR. This one does an excellent job and provides some extra tips...and it in just over 4 minutes in length!

Are you looking for "practical and engaging ways to use specific technology tools to enhance student learning"? You might want to check out this link from graphinte (a part of Common Sense Media). There are 23 workshops that were each 15 minutes in length and covered 3 apps, games, websites or Common Sense Media resources. Below are some of the workshops.

* Best Elementary ELA Common Core Apps and Websites (also one on Math   and one on Science Apps and Websites as well as one for middle/high school in the same three areas).

* Ready for Research - Best Websites Across K-12

* Formative Assessment Tools to Rock Your World

* Digital Passport: Digital Safety Games for Kids (This is a free game from Common Sense Media that is great for students in grades 3 - 5.)

* Digital Citizenship + PBL = Cool Programs for Teens

You will find many great resources that may be of use to you during the next school year. Have fun exploring!

Common Sense Media is a great resource for teaching digital citizenship. A day or so ago I scooped a new song they had created on digital citizenship. This poster is a digitial citizenship pledge, one that you may talk about with your student and have each sign...and it has two extra spaces where you may choose to add one or two new rules. If you click through to their website you will also find a lesson plan on this. Common Sense Media does require  you to log-in to access all their materials (for download) and they have excellent resources.

Flocabulary and Common Sense Media have teamed up and created a great rap that will help students understand why it is important to think about what you post and not to overshare information. If you have never explored vocabulary take the time to check out their website.

Within the post you will find a link to a page that shares the lyrics, challenge questions and a fill in the blanks form.

Common Sense Media has just published an infographic and a report that looks at how children ages 8 and under are using media. They did a similar report two years ago so you will see some major shifts in how current technology is being used.

Areas covered in the infographic include:

* Access to mobile technology

* Tech savvy toddlers

* Screen time

* What kid's are doing with mobile devices

* Television time

* Digital Divide

and more. There continues to be debate over how much screen time is appropriate for young ones. This infographic may provide some information that surprises you. To access the summary or the full report, "Zero to Eight: Children's Media Use in America 2013"

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/research

Graphite has just been launched by Common Sense Media. If you have not used resources from Common Sense Media it is worth your time to check the site out. They are an ad free site with a focus on education. This new website will help you find digital learning products that have been rated by "professional educators – early childhood development experts, doctorates in education, and teachers with hands-on classroom chops." 

What will you find at this site? Information about websites, games and apps, with ratings "based on our detailed rubric that scores each product on 15 dimensions. Plus, we tag each product for subjects, skills, and grade band and map them to Common Core and other state standards."

You can become a member for free and have access not only to Graphite, but also to many other great resources!