### *Education on the Horizon: Teaching and Learning with Technology*
## Week 2: How to Evaluate ICT for Teaching?
===
#### Dr. Yizhen (Eejain) Huang
###### Department Erziehungswissenschaft, University of Potsdam
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### First, some house cleaning...
- Any remaining questions about the [syllabus](https://edutech.netlify.app/post/edutech_syllabus/)?
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### What is ICT?
- More than IT (informational technology)
- Information and communications technology (ICT)
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### The dilemma of modern educators
- Too many ICT tools that come out too fast
- Yet we have little guidance when making choices
- Will _der Wegweiser_ leads us to a wise path?
<img src="/media/signpost.jpeg" width="300"/>
<!-- we could not find anything that "simply works" when we need them the most -->
<!-- and finding a way when you are in a hurry is not a good idea -->
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### Search for a solution in a hurry?
<img src="/media/googlsearchresultfortools.jpg" width="400"/>
<!-- hoping for a sighpost when we needed it the most is not a good solution for solving problems, instead we should prepare a toolbox beforehand -->
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### Prepare a toolbox beforehand!
- All tools have learning curves, do your preparation early
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### Our goal for preparing the toolbox
<style>
.multicol{
display: flex;
}
.col_l{
flex: 4;
}
.col_r{
flex: 4;
}
</style>
<div class="multicol">
<div class="col_l">
<img src="/media/toolbox_complex.jpg" >
</div>
<div class="col_r">
<section>
<img src="/media/toolbox_simple.jpg" >
</section>
</div>
</div>
<!-- generic tools that suits many cases and scenarios, knowing how to fish -->
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> To teach someone how to fish is better than to just give them a fish
<img src="/media/teachfish.jpeg" width="500"/>
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### Selecting a tool: Backward design
- Like always, plan your instructional goals first
- Then think backwards: what kind of tools would you need to fulfill your instructional objective?
- I want students to be able to...
- This tool should help students to...
- Adjectives describing this tool
<!-- general strategy -->
---
### Example of using backward design
- I want students to be able to memorize molecule structure
- This tool should help them to reconstruct key elements in the structure
- Therefore, it should have the following feature:
- interactive 3D modeling (to reconstruct)
- easy to use (for students)
- Search for "easy interactive 3D modeling software/app"
- Viola, Google gives you many candidates
<!-- next step: evaluate these tools to see whether they are really fitting -->
---
### Evaluating a tool: SAMR model
- Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition
- Four types of reasons to use new ICT tools over old ones
- A framework to consider: Do you really need the new tool?
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> All that glitters is not gold
<img src="/media/goldglitter.jpg" width="500"/>
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### Example of using SAMR
- Use SAMR to make a sentence
- I *substitute* the paper-based flashcards with [Quizlet](https://quizlet.com/) to teach German, because...
- it *augments* the existing function of flashcards by linking an image or video to the card;
- it *modifies* the function of flashcards by adding possibility of setting deadline for learning the cards and compare with class mates
- it *redefines* flashcards because users can make cards together with anyone in the world.
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### Create our own ICT toolbox
- Content tools: facilitate delivering certain content. Khan Academy, Google Arts & Culture
- Assessment tools: evaluate what students know. Kahoot, Google Forms
- Community tools: enable group and collaborative work. Hypotes.is, Diigo, Notion
- Creative tools: allow students to create their own work. Canva, Adobe Spark
---
### Workflow
- Everyone will [pick one category of ICT tools ](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10Yyvj4CGUOinyswBB7jx9eqXbUTb-1Rg35n99tZoVhI/edit?usp=sharing) they are most interested in using.
- You will work together with other classmates who’s also interested in this category of tools.
- During the semester, you will collaboratively gather and evaluate the ICT tools according to SAMR model.
- At the end of the semester, you will present your selection and evaluation of ICT tools as a group.
- The presentation can take a variety of formats, including (a) regular slides presentation; (b)hands-on workshop; (c) simulation of real lesson; or any otherformats you find appropriate.
---
### Resources
- [A good example of ICT showcase](https://blogs.umass.edu/onlinetools/)
- [A data base for edtech tools](https://database.edtechhub.org/tools/)
- [Additional reading](https://edtechbooks.org/digitaltoolsapps/teachingwithdigital)
- Don't overwhelm yourself, think about backward design :)