Joy Egbert’s Engagement Principles

Sunday’ plenary was exactly what teachers in a lot of contexts need nowadays – a beautifully put reminder that technology is not the magic wand that the teacher uses to ensure students are learning. Instead of the technocentric approach, Joy Egbert proposes five principles of task engagement, careful studying of one’s students, their strengths and weaknesses, and the technology that is available and will best engage the students as well as improve the learning process.

(slides from Joy Egbert's presentation)

Technology can never be central in the process, teachers must be aware of their central position. The role of the teacher is as important as before the time of technology if not even more important when technology is involved in the learning process. I couldn’t agree more.

 

The Technology Integration Matrix

I have been browsing The Technology Integration Matrix http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php).

I came across the matrix during “Digital Tools in the Classroom“ TESOL EVO professional development course, where my task was to reflect upon where I am and where I would like to be according to my educational context.

The matrix, originally created to help support the integration of technology in schools in Florida, associates the characteristics of meaningful learning environments with the levels of technology integration.

I think my use of digital tools in the classroom is on Adoption and Adaptation levels, although I would like to find myself more in Infusion and Adaptation cells in the future. My students are actively engaged and collaborate, but I'd like to help them with more constructive learning, doing authentic tasks and integrating school assignments into their lives outside school.

I believe the times we live in and teaching “digital natives“ are good reasons for teaching with the help of technology, but reflecting, discussing and learning with and from peers, help us make the most of it.

So, where do you see yourself in the matrix?