Misty Kluesner / Digital Promise - Associate Director Learning Design

Leveraging Technology in the Classroom

To promote digital equity

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Introduction

In today's rapidly changing world, educators play a crucial role in preparing students for future success. This course will inspire and equip you to create equitable, innovative, and engaging learning environments through the power of technology. You'll explore digital equity principles, impactful frameworks like SAMR and TPACK, and practical strategies using Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By integrating technology thoughtfully, you'll empower every student to thrive in the modern world. Join us on this journey to enhance your teaching and transform education for all students. Let's dive in!

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Index

Learning Objectives

Module Overview

Part 2: Evaluating Learning Technology

Part 1: Digital Equity

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

Conclusion

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Identify 2 to 3 ways you could integrate technology into your classroom and provide a rationale

Understand some different frameworks for tech integration

Define digital equity and explain why it is important

Module Overview

3: Tech Integration Strategies

2: Tech Integration Models

1: Digital Equity

Explore effective strategies for integrating technology into your classroom using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences.

Learn how to intentionally evaluate and integrate learning technology using the SAMR and TPACK models to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Discover how ensuring digital equity can provide all students with the necessary technology, skills, and opportunities to succeed in our modern, interconnected world.

Part 1: Digital Equity

What is Digital Equity?

All individuals and communities have access to the information technology needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. This includes access to high-speed internet, devices, learning content, and digital literacy skills.

Part 1: Digital Equity

Why is Digital Equity Important?

Digital equity is crucial for providing all students with equal opportunities to succeed academically, preparing them for the modern workforce, and promoting social and economic mobility by reducing disparities based on race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

Part 1: Digital Equity

Part 1: Digital Equity

The Pillars of Digital Equity

For digital equity to be successful, technology and tools have to be available; learners and families have to be able to affordably maintain them; and learners and families have to have the information and skills to access the technology. Accessibility, affordability, and adoption must all exist and work together in order for communities to remain connected, and fully participate in the society and economy of the United States.

Part 1: Digital Equity

3. Adoption

1. Accessiblity

32 million Americans have limited or no digital literacy skills, including half of Black and Latinx/Latine workers.

An estimated 15-16 million K-12 learners do not have sufficient access to reliable, high-speed broadband and/or technology tools for learning.

2. Affordability

Households earning less than $30,000 per year are significantly less likely to have a computer than households making over $100,000.

Part 1: Digital Equity

Part 1: Digital Equity

Part 1: Digital Equity

Pause & Reflect

Think about how you use technology in your everyday life. What does it allow you to do? What activities or tasks would become more challenging or impossible to do if you did not have access to your technology?

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

Evaluating Learning Technology

The abundance of technology available to educators and students can be overwhelming. Rather than trying to use tech for "tech's sake", it's important to be intentional about what technology you integrate and why. Let's learn about two common frameworks you can use to evaluate learning technology: the SAMR Model and the TPACK model.

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

SAMR Model

The SAMR Model is a four-level taxonomy that describes how technology impacts teaching and learning. The SAMR model can be used to design, implement, and evaluate learning experiences.

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

TPACK Model

TPACK is a model for thinking about teaching knowledge and how the different types of knowledge a teacher has about the content they are teaching (Content Knowledge), the ways they teach the content (Pedagogical Knowledge), and the tools they use to support how they teach (Technological Knowledge).

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

Original Lesson Plan:

1. Walk through the cell's anatomy and the basic functions of each organelle, referencing the diagram in the textbook.
2. Break the class into small groups. Task each group with labeling their own diagram of cell anatomy and researching a single process to present to the class later on. You may want to choose the process for them to avoid duplicate presentations.
3. Have each group present the cell process they researched to the class.

Applying TPACK

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

Part 2: Tech Integration Models

Pause & Reflect

Which tech integration model resonates with you more - SAMR or TPACK? Why? How might you see yourself using these models in your planning and lesson design?

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

Tech Integration Strategies

Incorporating technology into the classroom can significantly enhance learning experiences, but it's essential to do so with intentionality and purpose. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework provides a powerful guide for educators to create inclusive and flexible learning environments that accommodate the diverse needs of all students. By leveraging technology within the UDL framework, teachers can offer multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

UDL: Multiple Means of Representation

What: Providing information in various formats (e.g., text, audio, video) to address diverse learning preferences. Why: Ensures that all students can access and understand the material, regardless of their individual learning styles and abilities. How: Use digital tools to present information in various formats

Interactive Simulations and Animations

Digital Reading Tools

Videos and Podcasts

Multimedia Presentations

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

UDL: Multiple Means of Action and Expression

What: Allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge through different mediums (e.g., writing, speaking, creating). Why: Offers students multiple ways to express their understanding, catering to their strengths and providing opportunities for creativity and self-expression. How: Allow students to demonstrate their learning through different digital mediums.

Multimedia Presentations

Digital Storytelling Tools

Interactive Infographics

Podcast Creation

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

UDL: Multiple Means of Engagement

What: Incorporating various strategies to motivate and engage students, such as gamification, interactive activities, and real-world applications. Why: Increases student motivation and participation by making learning relevant and engaging, which can lead to better educational outcomes. How: Incorporate interactive elements like gamified learning apps and virtual reality experiences to increase student engagement.

Immersive Experiences

Gamified Learning

Flipped Classroom

Collaborative Platforms

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

Impact: Tech Integration in Action

Text-to-Speech to Support Reading

Student Created Multimedia

Flipped Classroom Model

Students and educators demonstrate how text-to-speech converts digital text into speech, helping students overcome barriers related to reading and understanding text.

Educator Kate Summers engages her students by asking them to “teach back” chemistry concepts to their peers via online demonstrations created with tech tools like Google Docs, Keynote, and PowerPoint.

Educator Peter McIntosh helps his students to take ownership of their learning by using interactive subject-mastery tools like Khan Academy.

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Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

UDL + Tech Integration = A Great Starting Point

By using a UDL lens to design lessons, educators create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. This approach aligns directly with the principles of digital equity, ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have equal opportunities to succeed academically.

Incorporating technology into the classroom through the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework offers numerous ways to support and enhance student learning. While the examples we've explored provide a solid foundation, there are countless other strategies and tools available for intentional technology integration. The UDL framework is a great starting point, ensuring that all students have access to multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement.

“Technology will never replace great teachers, but in the hands of great teachers, it’s transformational.” -George Couros

Part 3: Tech Integration Strategies

Pause & Reflect

Write down one way you can intentionally incorporate technology into your classroom for each component of the UDL Framework:

• Multiple Means of Representation
• Multiple Means of Action and Expression
• Multiple Means of Engagement

Conclusion

Bringing it all together

As we conclude this professional learning module, it's essential to reflect on the interconnected elements we've explored and their profound impact on education. By understanding and addressing digital equity, utilizing effective frameworks like SAMR and TPACK, and integrating technology through the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens, we are not just enhancing learning experiences but also preparing our students for a future that demands a diverse set of skills.

SAMR & TPACK

UDL

Digital Equity

Conclusion

The Future of Work and Education

For instance, digital storytelling enhances creativity and communication, while collaborative online platforms foster teamwork and problem-solving. Adaptive learning tools cater to individual learning needs, preparing students to navigate a world that values personalized and self-directed learning.

According to the World Economic Forum, the skills in demand for the future include critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. By integrating technology thoughtfully and equitably, we are equipping our students with these essential skills.

"The future belongs to those who can think critically, solve problems creatively, collaborate effectively, and harness the power of digital technology." - Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum

Conclusion

By focusing on digital equity, utilizing robust frameworks like SAMR and TPACK, and applying the UDL principles, we can create learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, and future-ready. This holistic approach ensures that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. In embracing these strategies, we are not just enhancing our teaching practices; we are shaping a more equitable and promising future for our students.

The Path Forward

As educators, we have a responsibility to be intentional and thoughtful in how we integrate technology into our classrooms.

Let’s continue to champion digital equity and innovative technology integration, ensuring that every learner is equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Conclusion

Pause & Reflect

Refer back to your previous reflections. Use them to inform this closing activity.

Identify 2 to 3 ways you could intentionally integrate technology into your classroom and provide a rationale for doing so. Remember, we don't want to integrate tech for "tech's sake". How might these increase engagement, impact, access to information, etc.?

Conclusion

The Learning Doesn't Stop Here

Google's Generative AI for Educators Course

ISTE Standards

Common Sense Education

With Generative AI for Educators, you’ll learn how to use generative AI tools to help you save time on everyday tasks, personalize instruction, enhance lessons and activities in creative ways, and more.

The ISTE Standards are a framework that guides educators, leaders and coaches in using technology to create high-impact, sustainable, scalable and equitable learning experiences.

Common Sense Education provides educators with resources, tools, and curriculum to teach digital citizenship, helping students navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Learn more

Learn more

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Leveraging Technology in the Classroom

To promote digital equity

Course completed!

Digital Equity

A Foundation for Success

Digital equity ensures that all students have access to the information technology necessary for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. This access includes high-speed internet, devices, learning content, and digital literacy skills. By providing equitable access, we create opportunities for academic success, social mobility, and economic advancement, bridging gaps based on race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. This is not just about fairness; it's about preparing every student to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Learn more about digital equity from Digital Promise

Use collaboration tools like FigJam, Padlet, or Lucidspark for group projects and discussions, allowing students to work together in real-time.

These tools encourage collaboration and communication among students, fostering a sense of community and collective problem-solving.

Use tools like PhET Interactive Simulations or educational animations like Khan Academy to visually demonstrate complex topics.

These tools help students grasp abstract ideas by providing dynamic and interactive visual representations, making learning more concrete and engaging.

Implement flipped classroom strategies using video lecture tools like Edpuzzle, Loom, or Pear Deck for students to watch instructional videos at home and engage in hands-on activities during class.

This model encourages active learning and better use of classroom time for interactive, collaborative activities, ensuring students come prepared to engage with the material deeply.

Use VR tools like Google Expeditions or Oculus Rift to take students on virtual field trips to historical sites, museums, or scientific environments.

Virtual field trips provide experiential learning opportunities, making abstract concepts more tangible and providing immersive experiences when actual field trips are not feasible.

TPACK Enhanced Activities

After walking through the different parts of a cell’s anatomy, break your students into small groups and have them collaborate on completing a Check for Understanding quiz via your LMS. Include an interactive question that provides a diagram of a cell with blank labels and requires students to drag and drop the proper labels in place from an answer key.

Give each group a device with recording capabilities. Have each member of the group choose an organelle to personify and have them record each other explaining who they are (or which organelle they are) and why they are important for the cell. Finally, have them upload their videos to a media album so your students can watch each other’s videos on their own time and leave comments.

Instead of researching a cell process (e.g., cell respiration, energy production, etc.) in one type of cell, have your students compare the process between animal and plant cells and make conclusions regarding the differences they find. Require each group to construct an artifact of their research by creating a one-page brief, a flowchart comparison, or a video explanation.

Use audio recording tools like Audacity, Soundtrap, or GarageBand for students to create podcasts on topics they are learning about.

Podcasting provides an alternative way for students to share their thoughts and demonstrate their knowledge verbally.

Use multimedia platforms like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or NearPod to create presentations that combine text, images, audio, and video.

Multimedia supports diverse learning styles by presenting information in multiple formats, making it easier for students to understand and retain information.

Use graphic design software like Piktochart, Canva, or Genially for students to design infographics that visually represent their research and findings.

Infographics enable students to synthesize and present data in a visually compelling way, enhancing their ability to convey complex information concisely and effectively.

Integrate videos from educational sites like YouTube, TED-Ed, or podcasts related to the subject matter into lessons.

Providing auditory and visual learning opportunities caters to students who benefit from hearing information or seeing it in action, thereby reinforcing learning through multiple sensory channels.

Use platforms like Adobe Express, Canva, or Book Creator for students to create digital stories, combining text, images, audio, and video.

This allows students to express their understanding creatively and narratively, catering to those who thrive in visual and auditory expression.

Implement text-to-speech / speech-to-text tools like TextHelp, text differentiation programs like Diffit and NewsELA, and digital textbooks like CK12.org and OpenSciEd.

These features enchance accessibility for students with visual impairments or reading difficulties, allowing them to customize their reading experience to meet their needs.

Kate Summers teaches at Impact Academy in Hayward, California, a small charter high school that is a member of the Envision Education network. Impact Academy uses project-based learning across all subjects and focuses on 21-century leadership skills.

Have students create presentations using tools such as Google Slides, Canva, or Prezi, integrating various media formats to showcase their learning.

This encourages students to organize and present information in a coherent and engaging manner, developing both their technical and communication skills.

SAMR & TPACK

Frameworks for Effective Technology Integration

The SAMR model guides us in understanding how technology can transform teaching and learning through four levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. By moving beyond mere substitution to redefining learning tasks, we can create more meaningful and impactful learning experiences. Similarly, the TPACK model helps us consider the integration of Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge. By balancing these three domains, educators can design lessons that are not only technologically sound but also pedagogically effective and content-rich.

Learn more about these frameworks from The University of Calgary

Incorporate gamified learning platforms like Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Classcraft to turn quizzes and activities into interactive and competitive games.

Gamification increases student motivation and participation by making learning fun and interactive, promoting healthy competition and active engagement.

UDL

Creating Inclusive and Engaging Learning Environments

Through the UDL framework, we ensure that our technology integration strategies are inclusive and flexible. By offering multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement, we cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. This approach not only supports students with varying abilities but also fosters a more equitable learning environment.

Learn more about UDL from CAST

Students and educators demonstrate how text-to-speech converts digital text into speech, helping students overcome barriers related to reading and understanding text.

In the first six months after moving to blended learning by integrating Khan Academy tools, Peter McIntosh and former Oakland Unity principal David Castillo noted a dramatic shift in student test scores, along with students taking more responsibility for their own math education.