Digital Concept Map

Digital Tools

By Amanda Stumfall

Educational Technology Trends

Educational Technology Trends

Educational Technology Trends

Educational Technology Trends

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

Instructional Strategies

Models & Frameworks

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

Instructional Strategies

Models & Frameworks

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

Instructional Strategies

Models & Frameworks

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

Learning Theories

Cognitivism

Connectivism

Constructivism

Behaviorism

Instructional Strategies

Models & Frameworks

Digital Concept Map

Models & Frameworks

One instructional design model that aligns to behaviorism is Madeline Hunter's Direct Instructional Model. This method includes expert modeling of the content, guided practice, and independent practice. A second instructional design framework that aligns to behaviorism is Scripted Instruction. This model consists of highly structured learning, modeling, and repetition. Word-for-word scripts and standardized curriculum are intended to deliver the desired behavior outcomes. In these models and frameworks, students take on a more passive role in their learning.

A second educational technology trend that aligns to cognitivism is learning analytics, which allows educators to understand students' learning processes through data collection (Bui, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing authentic learning experiences that deepen content mastery by helping them identify student challenges and reflect on content delivery to improve instruction. From the data, educators can customize learning experiences to meet students' cognitive needs.

Learning Analytics

Microlearning

One educational technology trend that aligns to cognitivism is microlearning, in which students learn through videos, quizzes, flashcards, and interactive content in small bursts at a time (Bui, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing active learning experiences that deepen content mastery by delivering content in an engaging way. Students interact with the content according to their individual cognitive abilities and attention spans.

Models & Frameworks

One instructional design framework that aligns to cognitivism is Webb's Depth of Knowledge. According to this framework, there are four levels of thinking. Higher-order thinking skills require students to use their cognitive skills to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information. A second instructional design framework that aligns to cognitivism is Gange's Nine Events of Instruction. This model consists of a series of nine steps to deliver instruction in which educators state learning objectives, provide strategies for students to engage with the content, and assess learning (Northern Illinois University, n.d.). In this model, students are encouraged to make real-world connections to internalize new knowledge.

Instructional Strategies

One digital instructional strategy that aligns to connectivism is Learning Menus. With learning menus, students have choices in how they want to show their learning. Learning Menus can include digital options for demonstrating learning. A second digital instructional strategy that aligns to connectivism is Brainstorming. Students can brainstorm ideas and make connections by collaborating on digital concept maps.

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

One technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports behaviorism is using Nearpod to deliver a math lesson. The teacher can model a lesson with direct instruction, ask student to work with a partner to solve a problem, then try a few problems by themselves. A second technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports behaviorism is using Edpuzzle to practice memorizing letter names and sounds. By uploading a video from YouTube, students can practice memorizing letter sounds through a song before answering comprehension questions.

A second educational technology trend that aligns to behaviorism is artificial intelligence (AI), which can automate simple activities in education, such as grading multiple-choice questions (Bui, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing active learning experiences that allow students to demonstrate their competency and monitor their own learning by providing helpful feedback on student progress. Additionally, students can seek help from AI tutors to deepen content mastery.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Video-Assisted Learning

One educational technology trend that aligns to behaviorism is video-assisted learning, in which students learn through videos to enrich understanding (Bui, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing active learning experiences that deepen content mastery by reinforcing content in a fun way. Animated videos, for example, are highly engaging and offer a visual aid to support learning.

Instructional Strategies

One digital instructional strategy that aligns to behaviorism is I Do/We Do/You Do. Interactive digital presentations could guide students through these steps in a lesson. A second digital instructional strategy that aligns to behaviorism is Memory Drills. Students can use digital tools to sing songs that help them practice rote memorization.

Another educational technology trend that aligns to constructivism is gamification, in which students learn through play. This trend will support educators in developing active learning experiences that deepen content mastery by transforming learning into a fun and engaging process (Bui, 2024). With a sense of competition, students are motivated to improve personal scores to gain achievements in their learning.

Gamification

Immersive Learning (VR/AR)

One educational technology trend that aligns to constructivism is Immersive Learning, in which virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) provide experiential learning to construct reality or enhance images (Bui, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing active learning experiences that deepen content mastery by helping explain complex concepts that simple images or experiments could not show. With Extended Reality (XR), students build understanding through interactive learning experiences that blend technology with the environment (Martin, 2024).

Description

Cognitivism focuses on the mental processes that occur when people think, suggesting that learning is influenced from both external and internal factors. This theory has been developed over time and highly influenced by Jean Piaget, who focused his work on how internal structures and thought processes impact learning (Western Governors University, 2020).

Another educational technology trend that aligns to connectivism is Open Educational Resources (OER), in which affordable and engaging learning materials are accessible to students on the Internet (Bouchrika, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing authentic learning experiences by offering cross-curricular resources, such as project-based learning, to deepen content mastery and student expression of learning.

Open Educational Resources (OER)

STEAM Education

One educational technology trend that aligns to connectivism is STEAM Education, in which science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics are used to solve real-world problems (Bui, 2024). This trend will support educators in developing authentic learning experiences that deepen content mastery and allow students to demonstrate competency by providing hands-on learning and creative design activities. STEAM also fosters student agency by developing a sense of curiosity in a safe learning environment that encourages them to think outside the box and collaborate with ohers.

Models & Frameworks

One instructional design model that aligns to connectivism is the Substitution/Augmentation/Modification/Redefinition (SAMR) Model. In this model, four levels of technology integration help students make connections across multiple forms of media (Terada, 2020). A second instructional design framework that aligns to connectivism is the Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) Framework. In this framework, teachers integrate technology into their carefully planned content knowledge and instructional practices to enhance learning experiences (PowerSchool, 2022).

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

One technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports cognitivism is recording thinking on Screencastify. For example, students can solve a math problem by recording their screens and voices to show each step as they solve the problem. A second technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports cognitivism is using Goosechase to collaborate on assignments. For example, students can use their higher-order thinking skills to complete a digital scavenger hunt as they explore the causes of the American Revolution.

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

One technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports connectivism is creating a digital choice boards. For example, students can use Canva to create a presentation or record a video on Flip to share the theme of a book they read. A second technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports connectivism is collaborating on digital concept maps. For example, students can use Popplet or Lucidchart to brainstorm ideas for a project-based learning product.

Description

Connectivism is the latest learning theory that explores how learning is acquired in the digital age, where knowledge resides across a network and in a diversity of opinions (Reviglio, 2017). According to connectivism, learning is a process of making connections between ideas, which can happen through interacting with other people or within an occupation (Western Governors University, 2020).

Models & Frameworks

One instructional design model that aligns to constructivism is the Active Learning Model. In the Active Learning Model, students engage in learning through collaboration, investigation and creation to practice problem solving skills (Cornell University, 2024). A second instructional design framework that aligns to constructivism is the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Framework. In this framework, students construct knowledge by designing solutions to problems and working with others. In these models and frameworks, students take on a more active role in their learning.

Instructional Strategies

One digital instructional strategy that aligns to constructivism is Ask Three Then Me. In this strategy, students ask three peers for help before asking the teacher. For a technological connection, students can use three digital resources to find answers before asking the teacher. A second digital instructional strategy that aligns to constructivism is the Tell/Ask/Give (TAG) Strategy. In this strategy, students provide feedback to one another by stating something positive, asking a question, and providing a suggestion for improvement. Students can practice this strategy by providing feedback to one another on digital platforms.

Description

Costructivism suggests that learners build upon previous experiences as they construct their own understanding. According to constructivism, learning is an active process and unique to each individual based on their life experiences (Western Governors University, 2020).

Description

Behaviorism suggests that learning behaviors are influenced from external forces and interactions with the environment (Western Governors University, 2020). This theory has been continuously developed since the 19th century based on classical conditioning observed in Pavlov's dog, which suggests that behaviors are positively reinforced and motivated by rewards (Western Governors University, 2020).

Instructional Strategies

One digital instructional strategy that aligns to cognitivism is Think Aloud. With the Think Aloud strategy, students verbalize their throughts when completing a task or solving a problem. Students can use digital tools with voice and screen recording features to share their thinking. A second digital instructional strategy that aligns to cognitivism is the Talk Walking strategy. Students share their thinking by talking to a partner. In a virtual learning environment, students can meet in breakout groups on Zoom. In a physical classroom, students can use digital tools to record their conversations with a partner.

Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activities

One technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports constructivism is using Book Creator to showcase learning in a digital portfolio. For example, students can create a book to demonstrate their writing skills in a multimedia personal narrative. A second technology-enhanced classroom activity that supports constructivism is using Padlet to share work and provide feedback to peers. For example, students can post an art assignment and comment of posts to provide specific feedback to one another.

Use Epic to gather data on student reading interest and set classroom reading goals with positive reinforcement, such as rewards or competition.

Use ReadWorks to gather data on student progress toward informational text comprehension.

Digital Tools

Use Google Sheets to gather data on student progress toward letter sound fluency.