The
Technology Integration Matrix (TIM)
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| Super Robot from FCIT Florida Center for Instructional Technology |
What is it?
The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) is a tool that provides
educators a guided map in outlining and targeting the various ways technology
can be used in the classroom to supplement student learning. This model was
created by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology (FCIT). It looks
like this:
Learning Environments:
active
collaborative
constructive
authentic
goal-directed
Levels of Technology Integration
1.entry 2.adoption 3.
adaptation 4.infusion 5.transformation
*Each learning environment follows through each level of
integration.
Why should I use it?
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| Why emoji from Google images |
According to the Florida Center for Instructional Technology website, “the theoretical framework of the TIM is based in constructivist
learning theory and research related to teacher practice” (https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix/). Constructivism is just like it sounds.
Students construct or create their own ideas through observations and learning
through experience. With the increase in a technological world, there is no
better way to do this than through technology. In addition, this method is
solely based on analyzing a lesson, which is key to student success. The focus
is on student learning and not teacher performance. Another great reason to use
the Technology Integration Matrix is that it is user friendly. The website
guides a user through the matrix by a simple click in the box. Through the
“matrix” dropdown button, selections can be made by subject and/or grade level.
As educators, we know that saving time by having resources readily available is
a valuable asset to our role in planning.
Where am I in the TIM?
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| Teacher Created Assessment image |
Looking over the matrix and the many ways to use technology, I
would reflect on being in the entry level of each of the active, collaborative,
constructive, and goal-directed learning environments as a primary teacher. These levels are mainly used or guided by the
teacher mainly during instruction to relay information, such as showing a video
on using the communitive property and then allowing students to use technology,
like an app, to practice the concept. I found it very difficult to get past
this point with my second graders. I’ve discovered that not all students are
tech savvy or understand how to navigate the internet or apps. Even while
teaching them how, it became more of a time waster some days than beneficial to
the students, because of the repetitiveness of teaching them how to use the
resource. I did use what worked though and continued to use them, such as
educational websites they used in computer class.
Where will I go from here?
When I reenter the classroom (after taking a year-long maternity
leave), I hope to move to an upper elementary grade level where I can move
beyond the entry level learning environments. There is so much to use in the
technology world that can enhance any lesson and the learning of each student. I’m
eager to use them, even after discovering more just in the first 2 weeks of
this class. Furthermore, students at this age are more aware of how to use
technology and can better recall the steps in using new ones introduced. I
believe this will also help my method of using TIM more successful.
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| Google images |
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ReplyDeleteHi Lori! Thank you for providing information about the Technology Integration Matrix model. I find these models so beneficial to help teachers evaluate themselves using technology.
ReplyDeleteSometimes trying to apply a constructivist teaching approach can be difficult, but I agree that technology is a great way to apply this approach. I think now more than ever students need to get their hands dirty with learning as opposed to primarily receiving direct instruction.
I hear you when you mention some days feeling like time wasters as you are trying to help students use an app or navigate a site. I think feeling this way is one of the reasons why some teachers shy away from using technology. I think that it is important to have these troubleshooting/set-up days for students in order for them to learn how to use the technology feature. The more time spent on helping the students learn to use the technology, the more time you will have later to help them learn skills and content while using it. The learning can then move from the entry level to transformation.
Good luck to you with your goal of teaching students in the upper grades. You definitely will be able to implement more advanced forms of technology with them.
Great reflection of TIMs!
ReplyDelete