Welcome to Topic 6! This week we will talk about two useful frameworks that can assist us in evaluating educational technologies now and into the future. For our hands-on lab time, we will learn to use a low-tech and then a high-tech tool to perform a similar educational task and then reflect on their relative appropriateness using the two evaluation frameworks we discussed.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the SAMR theory of technology adoption, and evaluate some of the technologies we are using in EDCI 336 using this framework
  • Explain how the Triple E Framework’s three facets (Egnage, Enhance, Extend) might help us evaluate the usefulness (or not) of Educational Technology in any particular situation
  • Use the SAMR and Triple E Framework to critically evaluate the appropriateness of an EdTech game for inclusion into your curriculum
  • Use a Canva to create an effective infographic by summarizing information into graphical representations in a narrative that is aesthetically pleasing and compelling

Class Time

Evaluating Educational Technology Tools

The SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model of technology adoption gives us a useful framework to evaluate the potential benefits of new educational technologies:

What is the SAMR Model? (4 min)

When evaluating a multimedia learning tool, please ask yourself, where on the ladder of the SAMR Model of technology integration does it evaluated fall (see the infographic below)? If the new educational technology does more than “substitute” another technology, are the additional benefits the tool provides worth the investment of your time, your learners’ time, and school budget compared to other tools already in use in your school district?

Please read this excellent but concise SAMR article to round out our formal learning on this tool: SAMR Model – A Practical Guide for EdTech Integration (~5 min). 

REFLECTION – Please reflect on the H5P instructional video you created:

  1. Compared to a lecture format of instruction, where does the H5P video you created sit on the SAMR spectrum?
  2. Could you modify your video or H5P interactivity to move your H5P video higher on the SAMR spectrum?
SAMR Model
SAMR model, illustrated by Sylvia Duckworth

Evaluating Educational Technology Tools: Triple E Framework

Let’s take a look at the Triple E Framework. It was developed by Dr. Liz Kolb at the University of Michigan, has become a favorite among K-12 administrators and “tech coaches” because it focuses on the learning rather than the “bells and whistles” of the software.

  • Engage: Does the tool help students focus on the learning task?
  • Enhance: Does it help students develop a more sophisticated understanding?
  • Extend: Does it connect classroom learning to the real world?

(11 min)

The Triple E Evaluation Rubric provides a structured framework for educators to assess the educational value of various digital tools and websites. This system measures technology based on three core pillars: engagement, enhancement, and extension. Educators use a scoring scale to determine if a resource effectively motivates students to focus on tasks, deepens their understanding through unique supports, or bridges the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications. The rubric categorizes results into green, yellow, and red light levels, indicating whether a tool possesses exceptional potential or requires additional teacher intervention to be effective.

Why has the Triple E Framework become a popular tool for evaluating EdTech tools? In the current era of AI, many tools “Engagement” levels are off the charts, but their “Enhancement” is often low (students just let the AI do the thinking). The Triple E Framework is being used to filter out Generative AI tools that do the work for the student, favoring tools that use AI to Enhance the student’s own cognitive process.

Which Model Should I Use: SAMR -or- Triple E Framework?

While models like SAMR describe what the technology is doing, Triple E measures how well the technology is helping the student meet a learning objective. I’d recommend you use both as they complement each other and can help you develop a fuller picture of how useful, or not, a particular educational technology will be to your learners.

REFLECTION:

  • Please reflect on the H5P instructional video you created a few weeks ago – What are the strengths and weaknesses of your H5P video when evaluating it using the SAMR & Triple-E Frameworks?
  • Are there any important additional considerations to evaluating educational technologies that are not included in the SAMR or Tripple-E frameworks?
    • Cost in money for the EdTEch tool? How would you calculate the cost relative to other alternatives?
    • Cost in time? How much training would be required. Do teachers have time for that amount of training?
    • Privacy considerations? Where is the data stored. Does it require personally identifity information from students (like email address)?

Hands-on Lab Time

Now we will get hands-on and you will make your own infographic, both of which you can post on your OpenEd.ca WordPress blog. Let’s dive in!

Infographics

(1 min)

(2 min)

(14 min)

Work through the Libraries’ DSC workshop, Infographics with Canva. Please ask Rich if you have any questions.

Homework

  1. Work on and hopefully complete your Critical Reflection to document your learning in class (incorporate either a photo, audio, video, and screen video capture into your blog posts this week).

Bibliography

Duckworth, Sylvia. (2015, April 2). New #sketchnote The SAMR Model @karlyb @ICTEvangelist @ShakeUpLearning #elemchat @TheTechRabbi #ipaded #ipadedchat http://t.co/1lJAqEE6my [Tweet]. @sylviaduckworth. https://twitter.com/sylviaduckworth/status/583778319235031041

H. L. (2017). SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for EdTech Integration. Schoology Exchange. https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration

Selecting Educational Technologies: A Checklist | UNT Teaching Commons. (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://teachingcommons.unt.edu/teaching-essentials/teaching-technology/selecting-educational-technologies-checklist<