Wise Integration of Technology

I found the image above and found it incredibly informative and a great way to explain the SAMR model and ways in which is could be utilized within a classroom. These are not the only class tasks in which this framework could be implemented, but it gives enough examples to give a teacher an idea of ways it could be used. It could be tweaked in certain areas to be more appropriate for different ages levels as well.

Substitution -- is the stay of replacing a traditional method with a technological method. This is also where you would want to ask yourself if the replacement is beneficial or not. There are still many times when traditional methods will better serve your students, and this would be the step where that needs to be determined.

Augmentation -- this step, as well as the previous, traditional methods will be directly replaced with that of a technology method, however with enhancements to the student experience. Giving the students a bit more control, and trying to enhance their learning.

Modification -- the biggest question here is asking whether the technology significantly alters the task or not?

Redefinition -- does the technology allow educators to redefine students tasks, but in a way that will be beneficial to both the teacher and the student?

I chose this framework as one to discuss because I like that each step requires you to dig deep into how it will benefit the students, teacher, and the classroom in general. There is a whole process to go through that will enable educators to really pick apart whether or not the method they're considering implementing or the substitution they're attempting to make will actually yield beneficial results or not. In the end, many things must be attempted in the real world in order to determine how successful they'll be, but this framework provides some steps to follow to weed out any concerns before its taken into the classroom to be attempted.

I found the RAT model to be very similar to the SMAR model, however there are a few things that I like about this model that differ from the SMAR model. 

Replacement -- this is similar to the substitution step from above, but this is going to be similar among many models as the discussion is based on doing just that, replacing traditional methods. 

Amplification -- I like this step specifically and the way it is described. Increasing efficiency without any fundamental changes to the lesson. I think this is crucial and the examples given above are great. 

Transformation -- again, similar ideas to SMAR but putting it in a perspective of enhancing the students learning from the traditional methods.

Overall I think I prefer the SMAR method, because I think the steps dig a bit deeper into why you're making the decisions you are in regards to integrating technology, but they both lend some examples and ideas for educators to consider when going through the process of integrating technology into the classroom. 

Does Technology Influence Learning?

This question, stated above, in the title of this blog entry, has sparked a debate in the education realm of the technology world. Richard E. Clark and Robert B. Kozma both make valid arguments on both sides of this debate. Clark argues that media is essentially a vehicle that merely delivers instruction, but fails to influence achievement within the students. He also poses a question, does the media that is being utilized actually influence the students, or is it the method? Clark's question essentially being, are we changing our methods to incorporate media and in turn influencing change not through that media but through the change of method? Kozma's big idea is shifting the question from, "does media influence learning," to more of a how can we utilize media to influence learning. Kozma acknowledges the cons, but creates an argument more about shifting the mindset.

For myself, I see both sides. Growing up as a kid born in the 90s, I was not raised surrounded by media. We had a couple TV's in our home, did not get a desktop computer until I was in upper elementary school, and my teachers (until middle school, approx) still used old school projectors that rolled around on a cart. Teachers were challenged a bit more to use different and unique methods to get through to their students, however I have always been a visual learner, and as the years went on and technology grew, I felt I was able to become more successful in the classroom when technology was utilized in the right way. Math was never a strong subject for me, and I remember several computer-based games that I loved, but taught me math. My parents even credit many of these games for helping me improve in the area of math.

I take Kozma's side and agree with his stance, and here is why. In my personal experience, with math, and utilizing these computer games to help improve my skills in this area, I also realize that I needed more than just using media to be successful in math. I chose Kozma because I like his question and his idea of shifting this to how can we utilize media to influence learning, and I answer that by saying no relying on the media. My teachers and my parents did not rely on the media methods to help me improve in math, these used media as supplemental material, I still needed the instruction from the teacher. I think Kozma's argument supports this the best.