Integration of Tech Into the Curriculum

Effective Professional Development Using Androgogical Principles When designing technology training for adult learners, it’s important to recognize that adults have different needs, motivations, and learning styles compared to younger students (Fox, 2020). Andragogy, the art and science of teaching adults, is a term popularized by Malcolm Knowles in the 1960s. Knowles’ six assumptions of adult learners provide a foundation for effective professional development (PD) design (Fox, 2020). Understanding and applying andragogy principles is crucial for improving educational technology training for adult learners. First, adults need to understand why they should learn something before investing time and effort (Fox, 2020).  For example, when introducing a new learning management system, trainers should demonstrate how it will facilitate communication with students and parents.  Additionally, adult learners are more likely to learn effectively when given autonomy (Fox, 2020).  T...

As educators, we're always looking for ways to better engage our students and meet the diverse needs in our classrooms.  The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework provides guidance on how to proactively design learning experiences that remove barriers and allow all students equal opportunities to learn (CAST, 2010). Incorporating technology to enhance classroom engagement, aligns well with the UDL framework. When selecting and integrating learning apps, we must consider how they address the three UDL principles – multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement (CAST, 2010; Morra & Reynolds, 2010). Similarly, Gronseth & Hutchins (2020) highlight that using technologies to support UDL’s engagement principle can improve learner motivation and persistence, which is crucial in both K-12 and workplace learning settings.  Today, I will be sharing some learning apps and resources that has helped me put UDL into practice: Nearpod Nearpod enables ...

Enhancing Learning with the TPACK Framework The use of technology in the classroom is considerable changing the way education is delivered. Teachers must comprehend the effective utilization of technology in order to enhance student engagement and accessibility in learning. A valuable example of this concept is the TPACK framework, created by Punya Mishra and Matthew Koehler. This model integrates Content Knowledge (CK), Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), and Technological Knowledge (TK) to create TPACK, the ideal intersection for incorporating technology into teaching (Koehler, 2017). Components of the TPACK Model Content Knowledge (CK) :   This refers to the teacher's comprehension of the subject material, encompassing principles, theories, and information within a particular field (Truong, 2024). Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) :  This emcompasses the understanding of teaching and learning techniques. This requires a grasp of student learning, how to manage a classroom, plan lessons, a...