Sunday, July 6, 2014

Blog Post 3


Does technology really transform education? This question presents challenges to a dedicated program of technology use in the classroom or library.  Using the American Association of School Librarians (AASL)Best Websites for Teaching and Learning and the SAMR model (Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition), created by Ruben R. Puentedura, investigators conclude that mobile apps, technology, and websites are now more equitably accessible in libraries and classrooms. 

The SAMR model allows scaffolding of skillsets as students initiate web-based learning.  For example, for a book report students could use a digital camera to substitute for a paper and pencil report.  To augment it, students could use Zooburst.com to make 3-D pop-up books.  Librarians could guide these students through Animoto to make a slide show for book night in the library.  This is the modification level.  To redefine the activity, the students could use Touchcast, an augmented reality app, to create interactive videos.

The AASL websites are vetted for quality, productivity, access, skill enhancement, and student engagement.  There are 125 on the list now.  AASL is now looking at adding more sites that address mobile technology, specifically applications, to enhance access to more students.

In my classroom, I will use Gaggle.com for the first time. It is a cloud-based learning platform. It started out as just a student email provider, but is now able to offer digital lockers, discussion boards, instant messaging, blogs, class pages, assignments, calendars, a social learning wall, GaggleTube.  I think the students will be stimulated to participate in this site daily and I will monitor and assess their involvement each day.

A second strategy is to extend their computer class instruction in slide presentations to my own math/science classes by allowing them to group and use p\Powerpoints, Prezi’s, or other presentation tools for their group science reports.  They have practiced this in their enrichment class so this year they should be prepared to apply their learning in their content class.

Jacobs-Israel, M., & Moorefield-Lang, H. (2013).  Redefining technology in    

     libraries and schools. Teacher Librarian, 41(3), 16-18.  Retrieved from


     docview/1470785965?accountid=7113

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