mars

Various frameworks and theories are important to consider when integrating and evaluating technology. The framework by Johnassen focuses primarily on "mindtools" to engage learners in critical thinking. According to Jonassen, mindtools are "computer applications that, when used by learners to represent what they know, necessarily engage them in critical thinking about the content they are studying" (Jonassen, 1996). Jonassen advocates that technology has previously been used to deliver instruction and often times "replace the teacher" however it should be used as a tool to further critical thinking.
Another concept discussed to evaluate the integration of technology is by our own professor Joan Hughes. The "RAT" concept is a self-assessment tool to evaluate if one's own use of technology has replaced, amplified, or transformed their curriculum. In discussion today we discovered that there are many ways these terms can be interpreted and applied. It all depends on self-evaluation and the context of the lesson. Evaluating our own lesson will be far more beneficial than observing someone else for one class period. When observing someone for a short time we miss out on many important aspects the teacher may have covered or is planning to cover. Futhermore, the connotation of these terms was discussed. For example, is replacement necessarily bad? Questions were discussed and as with anything, it is clear that various perspectives and contexts should be considered before deciding what frameworks to implement.