Wellivers Instructional Transformation Model

This past year I have talked to various staff about how to integrate technology more frequently in my classroom. Some days I feel as though I do pretty well and then others I fail miserably. Wellivers Instructional Transformation Model sets goals and expectations for all teachers at whatever stage they are starting at. The five hierarchical stages start with familiarization, then utilization, integration, reorientation, and finally revolution. I feel as though I have reached stage 4, reorientation. Reorientation states “Teachers begin to rethink the educational goals of the classroom with the use of technology”.

#1 Familiarization: In this day and age most teachers should be aware of some uses of technology like email, word processing, and the ability to research online. More than likely a large percentage of teachers utilize many other forms of technology either personally or in the classroom. I believe that I am aware of numerous uses of technology and can integrate them into my classroom at some point if not already. It amazes me how much technology is out there and what many of us are already doing.

#2 Utilization: Last year, I was the culprit of trying to use a typing program that was to help teach our students keyboarding. There was a problem in our computer lab and frequently we could not log on and access it. My classroom only had 30 minutes in the lab and many times it would take us well over 20 minutes to finally get everyone on to the site and working on the skills. After a couple of months I gave up and found another way to teach keyboarding. I was required to teach keyboarding and even though there were many problems with the suggested program, I wouldn’t give up.

#3 Integration. This stage happened for me at the beginning of the past school year. I had some seriously technologically savvy students who challenged my way of thinking and how I would facilitate their learning. Whew….I was one tired teacher after nights of searching online to find interesting and interactive sites to include in some of my lesson planning. Some turned out well and some flopped but I started to see the benefits of using technology to differentiate and engage my young learners.

#4 Reorientation: This is where I am at now. My brain is swirling with questions and new ideas on how to incorporate technology into every subject I teach. Sometimes it baffles me how I am going to do this with seven subjects, but I know that I can and will. At first I felt as though I had to have a computer at the ready for each student but then I started to rethink what integration meant. As a facilitator of learning it is my job to find avenues to engage and motivate my students in ways that help them to become lifelong learners. Using a SmartBoard, incorporating virtual tours, using interactive sites for skill work in spelling and math, instructional clips in science, PowerPoints, video presentations, and a whole host of other ideas enhances student learning and empowers them for the future in this technologically driven world.

#5 Revolution: I will get here soon, but it may take me a couple more years. My classroom will eventually evolve into a completely technologically integrated learning station. Part of the evolution will come from my ability to seek out and utilize various aspects of technology comfortably and with ease. Part of this process will also come from the districts and schools ability to obtain appropriate and essential hardware and software to allow for continual student use. I am on my way!!!