Instruction
Part 1:
Link to Articles:
https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/part/9-pedagogical-differences-between-media/
https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-matters-most-when-youre-evaluating-edtech-tools
As you read through the articles consider the following reflection questions
What is the SECTIONS model, and how is it applied to media choices?
How will student accessibility impact my use of educational technology?
What are the interface limitations that need to be considered when choosing instructional software and technology?
Is cost an issue? What are ways in which I can make my choices cost effective?
What do I need to keep in mind as I evaluate the design of multimedia materials?
What kind of student interaction am I seeking with my media choices?
What kind of institutional support is needed for my educational technology choices?
How important is it for my students to network beyond the class/course, and what's the best way to do this?
How are digital citizenship, security and privacy issues being upheld through my educational technology?
Part 2:
Activity Overview
A critical skill for you as an educator will be the ability to successfully evaluate and select ed tech that will provide meaningful teaching and learning opportunities in your classroom. In this learning activity, you will get some practice doing just that! We've already covered some information regarding the evaluation and selection of ed tech in our background readings, but this activity takes it a step further.
In this activity you will explore at least three different technology apps/software/websites that you are currently using with students OR that you might consider trying out in the future.
Activity Instructions (Common Sense Media Search Tool)
1. Choose any 3 three educational technology resources (apps, blogs, software, websites, etc.; we're defining ed tech pretty broadly here) to use for this activity.
It is totally up to you how you search for and identify your tech resources. For example, this could be something you are already using with students or wanting to try out in the future. It could be something you've heard about from another teacher or a student. Dealer's choice!
If you need assistance locating resources, then Common Sense Media is an excellent one-stop-shop. Common Sense Media includes a great search function and top pick lists for educators. Access here: Common Sense Search Tool: https://www.commonsense.org/education/search?contentType=reviews
Note: you can refine your search using the options on the left side bar (e.g., grade, subject, price, platform, etc.)
2. Complete the rubric worksheet below to evaluate each of your 3 tech resources you selected in step 1.
3. Provide a short but specific summary for each tech resource you evaluated based on the rubric.
What are the pros and cons, with regard to the SECTIONS model?
Would you use it in your classroom and why?
Example summary:
Explain EDU does meet my criteria for implementation. The tool is approved for use by the school and district and has been purchased for students (a free "lite" version of the application exists as well). While it does involve a bit of a learning curve as a new tool, it includes tutorial support and many web tutorials exist to support students. Further, the app itself can be easily used for teacher-created tutorials for specific applications. It certainly facilitates collaboration within the course community through collaborative work across multiple devices, and the ability to create and share templates. At higher age levels the application could be used for publishing and collaboration with a broader community. By offering a range of options such as individual or group work, live or prerecorded presentations, the application meets the diverse needs of students and serves to enhance both the content and pedagogy of a unit of instruction when implemented appropriately.