SAMR and 3rd grade...

Where to begin with technology usage in the classroom? Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition, this is what SAMR stands for, but how do we actually do this? How do we effectively bring technology into the classroom in a meaningful way? How do we do more project based learning but still prepare our students for standardized tests? How do we grade their process and not their product? All wonderful questions swimming around in my head; especially because, I will be student teaching in the 3rd grade, the year standardized testing starts. Do I throw out all testing in my classroom? To me this is unwise, to not have tests in class would leave students unprepared. (I'm getting a bit away from my main point but this is something I'm struggling with and I will eventually circle back) Do I give tests? Don't tests cause anxiety? What can I do about these things? How do I prepare my students for these big tests while also helping them to not stress about tests? The way I see it there are opportunities in a classroom. Places to integrate technology to enhance learning, ways to communicate with experts in something being studied, and so many more amazing things. Ways to use each step of SAMR to create a better learning environment. Is there also a way to use technology to help students get used to test taking? Can we not only teach content but also teach how tests are graded and what the tests are for? Could we use the technology to have students grade their peer's work, to actually interact with the grading process? So many questions and I believe the answer is (or should be) yes. I want to find a way to help students to see tests not as a monster that they have to vanquish, but as a natural part of learning. I want to help them understand that the grade on a test is not about their worth but about what they have learned and areas that we can go over again to help them to reach a higher level. As a teacher I want to equip my students to be able to face what ever challenges come their way. With that is mind I need to teach a number of strategies for a number of challenges, some of which will involve tests, and some of which will be much easier (or even possible) with the help of technologies available to my students.

This blog post is a little all over the place. This is a great example of thinking through my thoughts by typing them which is one way to process and could be useful to my students. The uses of technology are vast, and I'm sure I will always be surprised by the new things that are brought into my realm of knowledge., but I hope I will be adaptable to what is best for my students and that like the picture below I will be able to take my learning, my students learning, and our integration of technology to great depths.