After completing the LoTi quiz for last week's class, I was a little surprised about my LoTi level (the personal computer use level and current instructional practices level was fine- both were 7). I guess I can attribute the 4a LoTi level to being out of the actual K-12 classroom (and I have been for 6 years now). But, I thought I was answering the questions as I would have when I was teaching high school. It made me wonder- Do most teachers THINK they integrate technology to a much greater degree than they actually DO integrate technology? Once I looked at the LoTi site more thoroughly, I realized that they probably do. As a teacher 6 years ago, I had never heard of LoTi levels. I would venture to guess that most teachers have not (unless they are getting a degree in instructional technology). So, if knowledge is power, administrators need to ask their faculty to be more aware of their actual practices- not just what they think they are doing. Administrators should ask their faculty to complete this type of survey- in lieu of some other type of meaningless professional learning. I think it would open a lot of eyes.
On a similar note, pushing PBL would not be a bad move either. It would be much easier for teachers to make that transition from a LoTi level 3 teacher to a level 5 teacher if they were to implement PBL into their curriculum. We all know that students learn from real world, problem based learning... So much of PBL can be technology based- it really seems to be a no-brainer- implement PBL in your classroom and the integration of technology level should go up!
I know...my level was a 2!!! I couldn't believe it considering I use technology DAILY! But I chalked mine up to being out the classroom as well!
ReplyDeleteYou too!! I felt the same way. My level was a 3. I guess I am using the technology more than the students. So I definitely understand what you mean when you say that teachers "Think" we are using integrating it more than we actually do. Our technology integration chair asked us to complete the LoTI survey several years ago. I wish I could locate my scores and see they compare to my current scores.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the implementation of PBL in the classroom. However, training the students how to work together and to develop strategies to solve their problems is the challenge for me.
I completely agree with PBL. When you can develop uses for what they know I'm sure students have that "light bulb moment" where they realize there is a use!
ReplyDeleteMy struggle lately has been on how to teach them what they know to effectively participate in Project Based Learning. I've been excited about a course we're developing for finance. It's offered after high schoolers complete 9th-11th grade math. So there is a good base-knowledge to start with. But we are still feeling there is a necessary review component to make sure they have the math skills to investigate the real world problems.
And I also agree with the technology implementation. Students are surrounded by it in their "real" lives. However they're asked to put phones away and they don't have access to computers as much as I'd personally like. So it's really a mixed message. I was shocked my son - a freshman in college - is taking college algebra and now allowed to use a calculator. Lessons can certainly be expanded with use of technology!
My level was a 2! I couldn't believe it! I really struggle with letting go of control in my classroom, especially since I teach Spanish 1. I am curious to see what PBL looks like in a beginning language classroom.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you that most teachers probably think that they're better at integrating technology than they really are. PBL really does help kids learn better, and it goes hand in hand with technology... Maybe this will be something that will help me get that number up. :)
ChanMin: Jordan, what an excellent point/question: "Do most teachers THINK they integrate technology to a much greater degree than they actually DO integrate technology?" I agree with you in that teachers' conscious awareness of their own actual practices is important. Not only Knowing what technology integration but also actually practicing technology integration are important.
ReplyDeleteJordan, I shared your video about Dipity with several of my colleagues. They thought it was an excellent tool. Several have already started using it. One of my colleagues wanted to know if other people can view what you input. Do you know? Thanks for sharing this tool with us.
ReplyDeleteYes... You can share it on any social network, email the link, embed the timeline on a webpage, or it can be searched on the web. It is great for collaborating.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of LoTi levels before this class, either. I knew my "integration" level would be low...especially after taking all of these classes and seeing what was possible. I think balancing time and finding resources to integrate technology in the classroom is a work in progress, no doubt. The teachers that I know? They KNOW they don't integrate technology. I'll ask them what they do, and they'll tell me that they do nothing with technology and students. Give them time and resources, maybe it would happen -- but still, probably not. I work with a guy who has his students take all of their tests online becasue he is "done with grading." If he were asked, I'm sure he would say that he was integrating technology, when, really --- he isn't. Another co-worker takes her kids to the lab and they go through Q&A programs for science. It's more tutorial in nature. I don't think that's really integrating, either. ??
ReplyDelete