The integration of technology in our lessons

         

As future teachers, for sure, we make ourselves the question how we can integrate technology in our lessons, and how do we know if we are integrating them in a way that we are fulfilling our purposes,that is to say,in a useful way.

Two models can help us to evaluate how we are using technology in the lessons:

The SAMR model  and the TPACK model:

The SAMR model,developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura,consists on four levels:

• Substitution: technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change.

• Augmentation: technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement.

• Modification: technology allows for significant task redesign

• Redefinition: technology allows for the creation of new tasks

The idea is that we,as teachers can work with technology at the level of modification and redefinition so as to use it in a meaningful way and not just as a substitute of other tool.

The TPACK model combines three knowledge areas: technological knowledge, content knowledge, and pedagogical knowledge.

1- Content Knowledge: what we are teaching (Math, English, Music, etc).

2- Pedagocial Knowledge: How students are going to be taught. The tools teachers use to teach them.

3- Technological knowledge: the technogy being used.The digital tools

In order to understand how these three areas overlap I consider very useful  to watch the following video,which explains in detail each area and how  they combine to integrate them successfully in the lesson.

In mi view, this two models are very useful in order to understand that  technology is necessary to appeal the new generation of students but it does not have sense if we use it as a means in itself. We should always have in mind that technology is a useful tool that must be integrated with the content we are going to teach and the way we are going to teach it. Using technology per se does not ensure that our lessons will be motivating and effective.