How technology can impact learning at different levels 3.1.4

The level to which one has integrated ICT in facilitating the learning process obviously varies from one individual to another. How this variation is measured has always been a challenge, at least, for me. This has made me settle at using ICT for what I now understand is in enhancement of tasks (substitution and augmentation) as categorised by the SAMR model. The SAMR also has another level of integration used for task transformation (modification and redefinition). I cannot say I have completely understood these level of categorisation but I know that the higher the category the more proficient you are at integrating ICT in your day to day activities as a subject teacher -- the higher the better. I am so impressed by the task transformation modes of integration i.e. modification and redefinition which provide for ICT significant task redesign and creation of new tasks previously inconceivable. This will provide for better learning especially for those who find it had to grasp certain categories of concepts. There is also greater participation by learners and yes, more fun!

Coming to the TPACK model, I now see that as you integrate ICT in your lesson you must see to it that the three areas are addressed:

A DISSECTION LESSON ON PROJECTOR

1. Your ability and learners ability to use the technology in question.
2. Your competence as a teacher to employ the right teaching methods using the said technology.
3. The content you are to share with your learners and the appropriateness of the ICT tool to deliver the content at hand. You should also look at how well conversant you are with this content.

How the Technology, Pedagogical and Content knowledge interact is also a matter to be put in clear perspective.

With all elements in the SAMR and TPACK considered in the lesson planning process, I see the teacher at a better position to effectively integrate ICT in the teaching learning process. I now see myself at a better position to integrated ICT more effectively because I know what it means to actually integrate ICT.

Lastly, there is a document which I think was is very helpful -- " The webb's depth of knowledge guide." This document has further made me know the levels complexity of tasking that have to be considered as we apply ICT or teach for that matter, the role the learner has to play and that the teacher has to do during the lesson. The potential activities provide a clear guide to be used in the lesson planning process.

Edward Ayo