Eclectic Technology

Are you looking for a resource that might help you determine if you are "correctly integrating technlogy" in your classroom? If so, you may want to check out the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) put out by the Arizona K-12 Center at Northern Arizone University.

"...the TIM is designedto assist schools and districts in evaluating the level of technology integration in classrooms and to provide teachers with models of how technology can be integrated throughout instruction in meaningful ways.”

Briefly, the TIM "illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance for K-12 students. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaning learning environments: active, collaborative, constructive, authentic< and goal directed."

The full version of the matrix also contains some lesson plans and a short video of the lesson.

Although these four questions are written for a district to answer they are also questions we as teachers should answer before we consider ways to use technology in our classrooms. The first question, "What are the ultimate goals for student tech proficiency? In the area of technology, what would a well-educated student from your district know and be able to do with technology by the end of 12th grade?"  Take the time to read the article and additional questions and how they may impact your classroom this year.

Are you thinking of flipping your classroom? Do you see a flipped classroom as watching videos? Think again. Peter Pappas suggests that a flipped classroom is "really about creating more time for in-class student collaboration, inquiry, and interaction. It's also is a powerful catalyst for transforming the teacher from content transmission to instructional designer and changing students from passive consumers of information into active learners taking a more collaborative and self-directed role in their learning."

He provides a "slide deck" that has strategies, resources, lesson and more to help you make this transition.