Integrating Technology in Classroom!

How can we purposefully integrate technology and design learning experiences to engage young adolescents?

Technology in classroom within the 21^st century is a whole new way of getting students to college and career ready. Majority of educators are now integrating technology to enhance student achievement and preparing them on the fast-pacing society that we lived in.  There are many ways that we can incorporate technology within our lessons. One of the models that was coined by Dr. Rueben Puentedura that I believed that could pinpoint the advantages of technology within classroom is called “SAMR Model”.   According to the Adobe Educational Leaders, SAMR Model is a guideline on successful technology integration (2012). The layout of the Model was mentioned within the article.  I will only address the last element of the model, which is Redefinition because it one the effective levels within technology integration.  

One of the highly element of the  “SAMR Model” is the Redefinition. Redefinition level is where the redesign tasks using technology (Adobe Educational Leaders, 2012).  This level is where students are utilizing technology with the notion of having the skills of redesigning a given task. An example can be “Google Docs”.  I encourage my students to use “Google Docs “when they do their group work assignment.  They were able to edit, add any missing information within their presentation or group paper.  This allows them to utilize the given tools and execute there given assignment.  By using  “Google Docs” this allows them to edit on the same document while at home or any place that have Internet access.  Which I believe makes learning more fun and productive.

Another element that I believe that relates to Redefinition is “online-forum posting”. Edmodo allows students to post on online forum, which leads to student collaboration.  For my US Government class, I utilized Edmodo since I have military training; this is one of the tools that I connect with my students.  I post assignments as well as activities for my students to work on while I am away for a short amount of time. These kinds of technology ideas can trigger a 21^st century student into learning.

With all the latest technology, we should find ways for students to engage within lesson by using technology. These gadgets are part of students learning and it is our job to integrate within our lesson plans.