Quality digital learning environments are vital to the success of a classroom when integrating technology. It takes more than a good learning management system (LMS) to fully saturate a class digitally. It takes buy in from all stakeholders and a commitment to shifting the way we teach, assess, and learn. Quality digital learning should be able to expand beyond the classroom and empower students with the resources to maximize their learning and develop 21st century skills that will be useful in whatever dreams they may want to pursue. Above is the banner page for Mr. Lim's Chemistry Class at South Gate High School. We started learning about Google Classroom and began integrating it into his class near the end of the 2015 school year. Since they use Lenovo Think Pads, this solution plays well to Mr. Lim's current technology environment.
The Power of Choice and Student Input
As classrooms evolve and become more tech immersed, teachers will find that the more choices we offer students, the better the product those projects will become. It is important to offer variance in topics, as well as options of how to assemble and display these projects. Often, the best products are the ones that are not on your initial list!
This leads to another issue that must be addressed. Our students are tremendously creative and innovative. If we are not harnessing their expertise and allowing them to lead and teach, then we are limiting our resources, and failing to engage students in the most enriching ways. In a great classroom, everyone can be a teacher, and everyone can be a student.
This leads to another issue that must be addressed. Our students are tremendously creative and innovative. If we are not harnessing their expertise and allowing them to lead and teach, then we are limiting our resources, and failing to engage students in the most enriching ways. In a great classroom, everyone can be a teacher, and everyone can be a student.
Dr. Puentadura visits us for a discussion on SAMR
In March of 2016, our initiative had the distinct honor of having the Father of SAMR, Dr. Ruben
Puentadura come and present to us. He was more concerned about answering any of our
questions about the SAMR model, and how it pertains to classroom instruction. It was one of
the most interesting hours I had spent this year. The gist of his message centered around the
true use of his model. The goal is not to make everything about modification or redesign, but
focus on the depth of the work, and the technology will inherently be transformative. SAMR is
more like a gauge than a goal. Ultimately it is how one designs the lessons and aligns them with
what we want them to gain from the activities and technology embedded in the lessons.
I cannot emphasize enough how gracious and accommodating Dr. Puentadura was during this
hour with us! Definitely a career highlight! Thank you Dr. Puentadura!
Puentadura come and present to us. He was more concerned about answering any of our
questions about the SAMR model, and how it pertains to classroom instruction. It was one of
the most interesting hours I had spent this year. The gist of his message centered around the
true use of his model. The goal is not to make everything about modification or redesign, but
focus on the depth of the work, and the technology will inherently be transformative. SAMR is
more like a gauge than a goal. Ultimately it is how one designs the lessons and aligns them with
what we want them to gain from the activities and technology embedded in the lessons.
I cannot emphasize enough how gracious and accommodating Dr. Puentadura was during this
hour with us! Definitely a career highlight! Thank you Dr. Puentadura!