Unfortunately I had to miss class last week due to my
school’s curriculum night. I was really looking forward to discussing LoTi more
and understanding the different levels. However, I did go back and listen to
the archive. I do feel better now that Won explained each level and gave an
example of each one. My biggest struggle was between the levels 3 and 4. It
seems like a level 3 is teacher-centered and students do not have much choice.
But level 4 is student-centered and students have more choice and ownership of
the project at hand. Knowing more about these levels, I will be able to narrow
down my decisions about my project more this week I hope. I will also be able
to find more examples and confidently be able to identify their LoTi levels.
I
took the LoTi Questionnaire last week and it was interesting to see what I
found. It turns out that I am a level 6 for my personal computer use. This
makes sense because I feel like I have to trouble shoot technical problems at
my school quite a bit since I am the Media Specialist. Also, I enjoy using
technology, so this would make my level higher than someone who tends to shy
away from using it. My other levels were pretty low. This was not a shock too
much to me since I do not have a group of students I consistently teach on a
day-to-day basis. My current instructional practices level was a 1 and my LoTi
level was a 2. Again I think this is due to the fact I do not teach students
everyday. The questionnaire said that my goal should be a level 3. However, I
am striving for a level 4 since that is the minimum level our project should
be. I think it would be interesting to find out how other Media Specialists
compare and what they do to increase their levels.
I'm so glad that you were able to get clarification on the LotTi levels (the explanation in class helped me too)! Even with the clarification, I am struggling to find 10 examples...hopefully you will have an easier time! I agree with your reasoning behind your personal computer use being a level 6 - our poor media specialist has to deal with so many technology issues in our building that I am sure don't technically fall under her job description! I
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good understanding of the difference between LoTI level 3 and 4. I am having more difficulty determining the difference between 4a and 4b. Based on conversations in class, our readings, and discussions with classmates, it seems like Level 4a is more forced and less consistent whereas 4b is a more natural integration of technology in the classroom (the students are familiar with the technology and are comfortable with the process). Is that your understanding as well?
ReplyDeleteI actually thought I was at least a 4 before taking the questionnaire. I was surprised when it said I was a 3. After going back over the descriptions, I think my issue is more one of consistency. I love letting the kids play with technology, but I do not do a good job making it a natural part of the classroom.
You asked for another media specialist and so you shall receive ;-) don't know how much I can help with the LoTI level though. I took the quiz as a media specialist not as a teacher and the questions were more about supporting the teachers and their technology integration. I don't know which option you chose, but if you get time go back through it as a media specialist. It may or may not change your scores, I was a 2, 2, and a 7, so not far from you. You won't be able to change your levels until you change your teachers levels. The hard part isn't the technology, it's the rigor and relevance of the assignment and assessment. You know cool toys you can put in the kids hands to raise the technology level, it's getting the teachers to teach at that higher level that's the biggest hurdle. I've found working with an instructional coach at my school and cherry picking teachers who want to take the leap, makes getting engaging projects to happen. Once other teachers see they work, then they are more likely to jump too. Then I rapidly run into the wall of (un)available technology and it stings ;-) Someone once said for technology integration to work technology has to be consistent, ubiquitous, and invisible. I believe this. We need to get past the tool to concentrate on the teaching.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that my explanation about LoTi was helpful. Yes, in the level 3, activities are mostly determined by a teacher and students do not have much autonomy. However, in the level 4, students have more choices and a teacher serves more as a facilitator. I think you got the point, Diana! Please let me know if you have any further question.