Innovative Uses of Technology

Innovative Uses of Technology

1. Definition

   • Innovative
     • New, original, creative, inventive, or experimental
   • Uses of
     • applications, operations, deployments, or utilizations of
       • used for the purpose of improving student outcomes
   • Technology
     • equipment, devices, machines, or tools

2. Factors for successful implementations - Zhao

   • The Innovator
     • Tech. proficiency
     • Tech. compatibility with pedagogy & philosophy
     • Social awareness
   • The Innovation
     • Distance from...
       • School Culture
       • Existing Practice
       • Available Resources
     • Dependency on...
       • Others
       • Tech. Resources
   • The Context
     • Human Infrastructure
       • Tech Staff
       • Tech "Translators"
       • Administration
       • Policies and Procedures
     • Tech Infrastructure
       • Failures can have a chain reaction for a project
     • Social Support
       • Peer support
       • Trust between teacher & admin
       • Needs to be highest when dependence on others is high

3. Differences from Traditional Teaching & Learning

   • Broader & faster access to information
   • Delivery can be less dependent on Lecture
   • Assessment can be less dependent on traditional testing
   • Increased collaboration opportunities
   • Sometimes it should simply broaden existing frameworks

4. Hinders or Enhances Teaching & Learning

   • Students are attracted to technology
     • Can be motivating & engaging or distracting
   • Can open opportunities for more authentic learning
   • Can help deliver content
     • Teachers can help students in place of lecturing
   • Strong possibilities for differentiated learning
   • Feedback may be more carefully tailored & expedient
   • Can aggravate digital divide
   • Parents may balk at online exposure

5. Recommended Speed of Change - Zhao

   • "...evolutionary rather than a revolutionary appraoch" (p. 512)
     • Stay close to existing practices & culture
     • Avoid excessive dependence
     • A successful innovation can influence other teachers

6. Advantages and Limitations

   • Advantages
     • Meeting student needs
     • New modes of learning
     • Efficiently and accurately assess understandings
     • Access to information
     • Motivation of students with interesting tech
   • Limitations
     • Costs - Time & Money
     • Technical problems
     • Potentially distracting or disruptive
     • Tech is only as good as the teacher using it