Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The New LoTi Digital-Age Survey

Some of my colleagues have shared their concerns about the potential "drop" in scores on the new LoTi Digital-Age Questionnaire. I expect the LoTi "scores" to drop somewhat in schools throughout the country; this is not a surprise based on the following events:

1. The LoTi Digital-Age Questionnaire was recently aligned to the new NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) for Teachers that were released in July, 2008. These standards set expectations for digital age learning at a significantly higher level than the previous 2002 NETS-T. Unfortunately, the bar has been raised dramatically.  Our job is to ensure that the LoTi Survey align with the latest national standards.

2. The results of our latest validation study suggested that the survey response rubric change from teacher's perceptions about their implementation of technology to their actual use. For example, in prior years, the statement, "My students use the classroom digital tools and resources to engage in relevant, challenging, self-directed learning experiences that address the content standards," would have been ranked by the teacher as either "Very True of Me, Somewhat True of Me, Somewhat Not True of Me, and Not True of Me" depending on personal perception.

In the New LoTi Digital-Age Questionnaire, that same survey statement is ranked by the teacher based on frequency of implementation, not personal perception using the scale, "Never, At least once a year, At least once a semester, At least once a month, A few times a month, A least once a week, A few times a week, and At least once a day."

These changes to the survey would account for any dip in the LoTi Levels. Please keep in mind that assessments sometimes change from year to year to reflect changing standards. One example of this phenomenon is standardized tests. Many states change both the types of questions as well as the "cut scores" for standardized tests to reflect updated standards as well as expectations.

May the LoTi Be With You Always!

Chris 

MassCUE & M.A.S.S. 2009 Technology Conference

Greetings!

Thank you for attending our session entitled, Using H.E.A.T. to encourage Academic Excellence. Provided below are links to resources discussed during the session.

MassCUE H.E.A.T. Presentation

Big Idea #1

Big Idea #2

Big Idea #3

Big Idea #5

Big Idea #6
• Plan - Next Steps Action Plan

Big Idea #7

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Mohonk Technology Retreat

Good afternoon!

Thank you for attending the Mohonk Technology Retreat. As you participate in my session entitled, Teach 2.0: Challenging the Interactive Generation, I wanted to provide links to specific resources and/or exemplars that illustrate the "big ideas" discussed today.

Big Idea #1:

Big Idea #2:

Big Idea #3:

Big Idea #4:

Today's Interactive Generation:

Teach 2.0:

Teach 2.0 Continuous Improvement Plan:
• Plan - Next Steps Action Plan

Research-based Support:

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Blended Learning Environments

Good Morning!

Today, I wanted to share some thoughts on designing blended learning courseware for K-12 classrooms at a LoTi 4 and higher using either a one-to-one or virtual one-to-one learning environment. Remember that as you increase the LoTi level of the learning experience, the potential to generate more student H.E.A.T. similarly increases.

Where to get started?
Step 1:
Know thy LoTi/H.E.A.T. levels! Understanding the LoTi/H.E.A.T. model can help you process the targeted LoTi level for a learning experience based on the content and the level of desired student cognition.

Step 2:
The next step in planning a blended learning environment at a LoTi 4 and higher is finding authentic connections to the content. This step can be accomplished using a professional development intervention called Tic-Tac-Toe. This activity enables the instructional designer to process connections between the content and the real world. A companion activity to Tic-Tac-Toe is a quick review of 21st Century Skills/Themes.

Step 3:
The next step is selecting an instructional model that can be easily adjusted to any content area or grade level. An easy-to-use model that works extremely well in a blended environment is the 5E Model. If you are unfamiliar with this model, check out the links below:


Step 4:
Step 4 involves becoming proficient with some fundamental tools used to promote a collaborative learning environment. I have identified these tools below. Take a few minutes to consider their efficacy and utility to your blended learning environment. You are also invited to conduct a S.W.O.T. analysis of any one of these web-based tools.

Higher-order Thinking Tools/Strategies:
Bloom's Taxonomy
Questioning Toolkit
Webspiration
Bubbl

Engagement Tools/Strategies:
Survey Monkey
Gaggle
ePals

Authenticity Tools/Strategies:
21st Century Learning Revisited
Google Earth
Scorecard

Technology Use Tools:
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
Interactivate
Illuminations
Dabble Board
Gliffy
Blogger
Wikispaces
• Garageband
Audacity
Project Websites:

Step 5:
Next, you will need to decide the type of collaborative learning environment for your blended instructional module. Your campus may already have a learning management system available such as Blackboard, Moodle, or FirstClass or you can create your own using an online social network such as NING. Probably the easiest way to get started is by using a simple blog or wiki if no other options exist.

Step 6:
The last step is to begin creating your blended learning environment. The ratio of face-to-face versus online needs to be based on your students' background with the content as well as experience within a blended environment. Please take a minute to review the samples below.

(Enter lotiguest as your user name and password)
Life Science: Simulation - (Click on Guest Entrance)

May the LoTi Be With You!

Chris