Category: Assignment 1 – Blog Posts

TPACK

TPACK stands for Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. It is a framework that is used to identify necessary educator knowledge to integrate technology within the complexities of the larger context of teaching (Kirkland, 2014). In TPACK, Technological Knowledge (TK) is most effective when it is combined with deep Content Knowledge (CK), which means curriculum subject matter, and Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), meaning teaching strategies and knowledge (Kirkland, 2014). This combination provides an effective filter for educators to examine the way that they think about technology integration (Kirkland, 2014). To watch a quick summary about TPACK, click on the video provided below in Figure 1.

SAMR

The SAMR is a model that is categorized into four degrees of classroom technology integration. It stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (Kirkland, 2014). This model provides a framework for assessing the richness of the technology tasks used for learning. To watch a quick summary about SAMR, click on the video provided below in Figure 2.

SECTIONS

The SECTIONS Model is a framework that allows educators to evaluate the effectiveness of applying certain technology in their classrooms. SECTIONS refers to 8 unique areas. These are known as Students, Ease of Use, Costs, Teaching and Media, Interactivity, Organizational Issues, Networking, , and Security and Privacy (UBC, 2021). To learn more about SECTIONS, click on the video in Figure 3 which provides a quick overview about SECTIONS.

References

Michell Acala. (2016, September 22). SECTIONS MODEL [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zgx9eonXGI

Candace R. (2013, May 30). SAMR in 120 Seconds [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us0w823KY0g

Candace R. (2013a, April 26). TPACK in 2 Minutes [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FagVSQlZELY

Kirkland, B. (2014). SAMR & TPACK – Design for Learning: A Discovery Guide for Librarians. By the Brooks Design for Learning. https://sites.google.com/site/bythebrooksdesignforlearning/samr

The University of British Columbia (UBC). (2021). SECTIONS Model – Assessing Technologies in the Classroom | Scarfe Digital Sandbox. Scarfe Digital Sandbox. https://scarfedigitalsandbox.teach.educ.ubc.ca/sections-model-assessing-technologies-in-the-classroom/

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion refers to all students being educated together. Studies show that students with disabilities can greatly benefit from inclusion because it allows them to learn from their peers. In addition, everyone benefits when support and services are provided in a typical classroom setting (Heartland Community College, 2022).

Students with disabilities might need individualized support to benefit from learning opportunities. However, that does not mean they require different experiences or activities to learn (Heartland Community College, 2022). High quality education for all children requires coordinated efforts in general and special education, healthcare, mental health, and social services. Collaboration is the key to achieving high quality inclusive services (Heartland Community College, 2022).

Why is Inclusion Important in Education?

Here are some reasons why inclusion is important in education (Heartland Community College, 2022):

• Students with disabilities attend the same school as their neighborhood friends.
• Provides more opportunities to meet new people and build friendships.
• Prepares students for adult life.
• Maintains family structure.
  – Siblings can be educated together at the same school.
  – Parents do not have to commute between multiple schools.
• Enriches learning environment.
  – Diverse teaching strategies for all students.
  – There are additional resources available to all students such as special educators and therapists.
  – Students with disabilities can learn from their peers who act as their role models. This can also help them develop from communication skills.

I remember when I was in elementary school, one of my neighborhood friends was not able to attend the same school as the rest of us because she had a disability. As a result, I believe inclusion is crucial in all schools, but especially in elementary schools. This is because it encourages children to develop a comfortable way to interact with students with disabilities and build friendships (Heartland Community School, 2022). It also allows children to have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people since a very young age.

Not only would going to the same school benefited us students, but also my friend. It would have allowed her to meet new students and feel connected with them rather then being separated in a different learning environment due to her disability.

References

Areadne. (2015). Towards the Inclusive Classroom: Best Practice [Illustration]. Areadne. https://www.areadne.eu/course/towards-the-inclusive-classroom-best-practice/

Heartland Community College. (2022). What is Inclusion? | Heartland Community College. Heartland. https://www.heartland.edu/heip/family/inclusion.html

Heartland Community College. (2022b). Why is Inclusion Important? | Heartland Community College. Heartland. https://www.heartland.edu/heip/family/inclusionimportance.html

Instructional Design

Instructional design, also known as Instructional Systems Design (ISD), is referred as the creation of learning materials and experiences in a way that enables people to apply their knowledge and skills (ATD, 2022).

Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is an instructional design theory that was developed by John Sweller. It relates to the way that we process information and the amount of information that working memory can hold at one time. As mentioned by Sweller, working memory has a limited capacity, and therefore instructional methods should not overload it with activities that do not directly relate to the learning (Mind Tools, 2022). CLT helps design learning materials that reduce the demands on learners’ working memory, which also helps make learning more effective and efficient (Mind Tools, 2022).

Poster on Canva

Canva is a graphic design tool that is used to create visual content such as presentations, posters, and documents. To learn more about Canva, watch the short introduction video provided below.

In this week’s hands-on activity for EDCI 337, I created my own multimedia such as a poster on Canva about telemedicine. As a Health Informatics student, telemedicine has always been a topic of interest. To learn about telemedicine, check out the poster I created below.

I have created many infographics on Canva for school courses. As someone enjoys doing art, I found assignments that involved creating posters as an opportunity to be creative and have fun while learning new material.

References

Association for Talent Development. (2022). What is Instructional Design? | ATD. ATD. https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-instructional-design

Canva. (2019, December 9). Introducing Canva | Canva [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE7KTszVCRU

Eagleman, D. (2018, March 1). Cognitive Processing: What Is It and Why It’s Important [Illustration]. BrainCheck. https://braincheck.com/articles/cognitive-processing-what-it-is-why-important/

Mind Tools. (2022). Cognitive Load Theory: Making Learning More Effective. https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/cognitive-load-theory.htm

VSee. (2021, January 20). What is Telemedicine? All You Need To Know: Explained. https://vsee.com/what-is-telemedicine