Wise Integration of Technology

TPACK, or the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Framework, is the technology integration framework that identifies and outlines three types of knowledge instructors should combine for successful integration of educational technology. Technological, pedagogical and content knowledge are the three types of knowledge and provide a map for understanding how and when to integrate technology into the classroom and do it effectively. The Venn Diagram below allows for an idea of the relationship each knowledge type has with another and can visually represent the similarities and differences between the concepts. TPACK is to help understand how to use technology to teach content and concepts in a way that enhances the student learning and doesn't detract from it. This framework is important because it shows that digital tools and technology alone cannot improve education. Instructors need to have knowledge of concepts, ideas, and theories, while also having a deep understanding about the processes and practices of teaching and learning and understanding how students learn. The blending of them with a sense of purpose is how one can think about how technology is being used in the classroom. 

 

 
 

 
 

Triple E Framework was developed in 2011 by University of Michigan Professor, Liz Kolb. The Triple E Framework is a framework that can bridge research on education and technology and teaching practices in the classroom, but it was also designed for educators to easily evaluate selecting the tools that would meet learning goals. Triple E measures the degree technology in a lesson helps student learn and focuses more on the learning goals. The research of Triple E draws on educational researching around effective and ineffective practices with technology tools over the last twenty plus years. 

The Triple E Framework is based around three components: engagement of learning goals, enhancement of learning goals, and extension of learning goals. Essentially it provides a benchmark or rubric of what educators should evaluate with considering technology for educational learning. Triple E is used more in the K-12 system for educators and administrators to help develop lesson plans and the evaluation of the use of possible technology tools within the lesson plan. 

The Triple E Framework has been proven to be both valid and reliable. It pulls in from Bloom's Taxonomy from the lower end and is a simple framework based upon research for teaching and learning practices while utilizing technology tools.  

 
 

 

While SAMR, TPACK, RAT have benefits within the K-12, and in some instances, higher education, none of the mentioned frameworks focus on how students achieve learning goals. Triple E focuses on learning first and technology second. It brings in instructional strategies, learning goals, and tool selection. Triple E looks to see if the tools are useful in leveraging learning goals. I feel this is a framework that can be successfully applied to K-12 and higher education learning and how technology can be integrated to leverage the learning goals from the lesson plan. It has made me reflect on how I teach my content in my First Year Seminar at the local community college, because I mostly teach online. Fall 2023 is the first time since Fall 2020 that I have taught a face to face class, and the 2020 class was hybrid - but I had decided to front load the face to face meetings, but didn't focus enough on how they could use the technology  once we went remote (we were really trying to do all 10 weeks in person because the community I live and work in, access to internet and a laptop/computer, might not be an option. This Wise Integration of Technology has made me think about the assignments in my First Year Seminar class. Summer 2024, I want to revamp how and why I teach the materials I do, and hopefully find better technology tools to improve student engagement and learning.