Frameworks of Educational Technology

Beauty - the intersection of knowledge, pedagogy, and technology. 

Technology has reshaped the relationship between learning and teaching. Debates concerning this change are irrelevant. The reality is that we, as teachers, have what was once unfathomable at our fingertips. Our students now have tools that can provide immersive experiences that were not possible when we sat in those same desks many, many years ago. It is for these reasons that understanding educational technological frameworks only strengthens teachers’ abilities to effectively meet their students’ educational needs. 

The inter-relationship between content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge is known as TPACK. TPACK can only be fully realized when Dr. Ruben Peuntedura’s SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) is an active component of technological knowledge. In order to choose the correct technology to use within a learning segment, teachers must understand what, how, and why they have decided to implement the technology. For example, does the technology substitute, augment, modify, or redefine the assignment or activity? It is only with this knowledge that teachers can effectively integrate technology into the classroom. 

Teachers do not need to be technological experts. What they must have is an openness to play, learn, and step outside of their previously defined learning cultures. Embracing and redefining these learning spaces opens the doors for them to intellectually and emotionally travel with their students to places and ideas once thought impossible.

 For example, studying a Shakespeare Sonnet can be a moving experience if taught by a teacher who lives and breathes poetry, Shakespeare’s England, and the dynamism of language itself. Integrate the use of TouchPress’ iPad app Shakespeare’s Sonnets into the experience, students have the opportunity to see world renowned Shakespeare actors and scholars perform his sonnets. For many students, the experience of hearing and seeing the sonnets performed will reshape how they define Shakespeare’s approachability. By hearing, seeing, and reading along in the text, students see that even though the words are spelled differently, they sound the same. They also avoid the mistake many new poetry readers make because they are having it modeled for them. While modeling is an essential part of teaching, something has to be said for having David Tennant or Sir Patrick Stewart execute the modeling for the day’s sonnet reading. Think of it as having a guest speaker in your class segment. 

TouchPress’ Shakespeare’s Sonnets, if used to the extent of its functionality, can be considered an augmentation (SAMR). When used by a teacher with solid content knowledge and strong pedagogical knowledge, a TPACK at its finest is formed. It does not act as the center of instruction. Instead, it is a vital component of a balanced, thoughtful, and informed educational technological framework.