Assignment 1 Personal Reflection
Even though this course and assignment focuses on the evaluation of digital technologies, we began by first considering whether implementation of an LMS is justified by putting aside personal biases and assumptions. While keeping in mind that the effectiveness of an LMS is difficult to predict without prior data, we chose a cautious approach in choosing potential LMSs and our evaluation focused on removing as many obstacles in implementation as possible and leaving plenty room to collect data and correct course if needed. Under the SAMR model (Puentedura, 2010), we envision supplementing face-to-face teaching with the possibility of eventual partial substitution. For example, in our scenario at a physical school, the goal is not for all lessons to be taught online asynchronously but allow differentiation for students to review at their own pace or to enrich their learning with extra content. As a result, cost of implementation was one of the primary factors in our recommendation of an LMS.
Effective technology integration is not just about the functionality of an LMS but also about its usage in a specific context, stakeholder needs, and strategic implementation. In the development of our learning environment rubric, we drew from theoretical frameworks such as the SECTIONS model (Bates, 2014) and MIT CITE and IIM framework (Osterweil et al., 2015) as we found these to be comprehensive and multifaceted evaluations with consideration for various stakeholders. We had to choose and prioritize certain criteria based on the needs of our specific context. For me, it was also a scenario outside my direct experience which further pushed me to think critically about contextual factors, such as school values and teacher readiness. Rather than focusing solely on advanced functionalities (e.g., teaching tools or media selection), we emphasized usability and integration, as these were most critical for ensuring high adoption rates in a school with no prior LMS experience. Apart from the application of theoretical frameworks from the course readings, it was also a valuable learning experience to learn from other secondary educators about different experiences with educational technology, views, challenges, and successes.
References
Bates, T. (2014). Choosing and using media in education: The SECTIONS model. In Teaching in digital age. Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/part/9-pedagogical-differences-between-media
Osterweil, S., Shah, P., Allen, S., Groff, J., & Sai Kodidala, P., & Schoenfeld, I. (2015). Summary report: A framework for evaluating appropriateness of educational technology use in global development programs. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts & The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. Retrieved from https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/115340/Summary%20Report_A%20Framework%20for%20Evaluating%20Appropriateness%20of%20Educational%20Technology%20Use%20in%20Global%20Development%20Programs.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=yLinks to an external site.
Puentedura, R. (2010). The journey through the SAMR model. IPad Educators: Sharing Best Practice in the use of Mobile Technology. Retrieved from https://www.powerschool.com/blog/samr-model-a-practical-guide-for-k-12-classroom-technology-integrationLinks to an external site.