So, what exactly does that mean?
In the beginning, tech integration was all about the shiny new tool that worked on a shiny new device. The teacher was tasked to figure out where to insert that tool into the curriculum. The tool was the focus.
Now, the tool has moved aside and standards and learning outcomes are the focus. That important shift builds on an educator's training and experience and enhances it with digital tools. For many educators this shift has brought the teacher back into the equation. I have observed classroom teachers hesitating to embrace new technology partly because they felt lost or overwhelmed with learning the tool, or using technology just for technology's sake. When we shift the focus squarely on the learning - then teachers are building on what they know.
What does that look like?
Those attending the CLE15 conference took part in an experience lead by Gina Rogers, Technology Consultant at Grant Wood that helped them explore this shift . She helped the teachers unpack a standard, specifically focusing on the verbs. Each of the verbs was placed on the Bloom's Taxonomy. Many teachers had experience with that practice. But, Gina took it a step farther by helping them match a technology tool to the verb described in the standard. This last step brought the tools to life. They were no longer using technology just to be using technology - but to accomplish a learning outcome described by Bloom's.
When all is said and done, I think this tweet by Tony Vincent sums up the idea perfectly! It is time for us to move beyond tools and "marry the ability!"
Don’t marry a tool!
#ticl2015 pic.twitter.com/3llW22IQw2
— Tony Vincent (@tonyvincent) June 16, 2015
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