Cheers,
Lesley
If you haven't heard about the SAMR (pronounced "Sam-er") model, it's time to check it out. Basically, the SAMR model presents a framework for teachers to use as they think about incorporating technology into their classroom. As technology has been progressing at CAT, I know many of you have already from Substitution to Augmentation which is a great step towards enhancing learning; however, our goal should be to transform learning. That's when we want to get to Modification and Redefinition. Now I could write more about the SAMR model, but I really think this 120 second video would be more beneficial. After all, I'm sure you're all quite busy, right? Hooray for new beginnings and opportunities to use the SAMR model! Cheers, Lesley (p.s. Please don't miss the above link to the article: Educational Technology and Mobile Learning: SAMR Model. It gives classroom examples of the SAMR model, so I know you will come away with ideas of how to transform your classes!)
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"Technology has to adapt to humans, rather than have humans adapt to technology." ~Dr. Richard Mayer Some people believe that technology will do all of the work for them. I want you all to know that is false. Dr. Richard Mayer, a Psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), pointed out how in the 1930's people thought radio was going to change education. In the 1950's, they thought television would change education and then in the 60's and 70's, people thought programmed instruction via computers could take the place of teachers. As I'm sure you've figured out, none of those changes stuck. Technology should not drive instructional decisions and new technologies do not change the way people learn. As Dr. Mayer said, "What makes a computer or a book effective is the instructional method being used." Knowing that means our question becomes: How can we use the technologies available to us to enhance learning? Now I must admit that I may not have the answer for you, but one newer learning theory may help: connectivism. If you've never heard of it, here's a great video that demonstrates how connectivism can be used in the classroom: Personally, I've been trying to add elements of connectivism into my classroom by teaching students about social bookmarking (I usually promote Diigo, but Evernote is another popular option), Google Scholar, EBSCO (with Andrea's help, of course!), and we've been doing some blogging as well. I definitely don't have it down to a science (but does anybody ever really reach that kind of perfection when your students change from year to year?), but I'm excited about making some changes next year that I believe will help my students be successful in the future. But more on that later. :-) For now, just think about how connectivism could work in your classroom and with the tools you already have available to you.
Cheers, Lesley I actually found these particular iPad video tutorials almost immediately; however, they are copyrighted and I would need written consent to reproduce them. Womp, womp. Nevertheless, I don't think it's a problem if I pass along the links, so here you go.
Apple iPad Tutorial Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLzCXB-BD9g Content: "Getting Started: Powering and Locking, home screen layout, volume controls, home button & multitasking, keyboard, wi-fi, web browser, saving contacts, calendar." Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EjA6tZgSTs Content: "Applications and Customization: Appstore Setup and Use, Brightness and wallpaper, Notifications and Sounds, Home Screen Customization." Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfqJ955s1XMContent: "Email and Security: Adding an Email Account, Adding an Email Account Manually, Email Composition & Inbox Management, Email Settings, Removing an Email Account, and Passcode Lock." Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0ozI9xEA1I Content: "Additional Content (final section): iTunes Store, iPod, YouTube, Netflix, Google Maps, Photo's and Video, Picture Frame, Restrictions, International, Bluetooth, and Factory Data Reset." The background music is pretty funky and perhaps distracting at times, but the videos are very thorough and probably the best I've found. If you have some time, please do watch the ones that interest you and feel free to skip parts that you may have seen from the "iPad Intro" videos. Cheers, Lesley |
About the AuthorLesley is an English teacher who is passionate about using connectivism in the classroom and preparing students and teachers for using the tools that are available to them on a regular basis. This blog will focus on iPad apps and Web 2.0 tools that can enhance and diversify learning. Leave a comment and let me know what you think or what you'd like to learn about! Archives
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