"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."- W.B. Yeats
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| Photo taken by Nicole E. Muchowicz, Arcadia, Michigan, 2013 |
When I first heard the acronym, ACOT, my response was "Huh?", then my mind traveled to the first cognizant word association: apricot. Wrong, fruit...
ACOT was a study done by Apple, Inc. in the 1980's, which was funded by the National Science Foundation. ACOT stands for Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow. The study performed, involved providing several classrooms with computers with little training and observing the results.
The teachers were expected to maintain a journal with their attitudes regarding the new technology as they learned how to navigate and utilize the technology. Following the concluded results of the study, the progression of the the teachers as they integrated technology into their classroom were coined, the Stages of Technology. They are defined as follows:
*Stage #1:Entry: Aware that the technology is present but does not interact with it; maintains a mindset that technology cannot improve already existing skills or teaching; technology is not trusted during this phase; an attitude of "leaving technology to the tech teacher" or science girl/guy; not interested in further technology training.
*Stage #2: Adoption: Adopts one or more tools that are convenient or related to "personal productivity"; reluctance to allow students to explore computers, since the teachers themselves are unsure of how to troubleshoot.
*Stage #3: Adaptation: Explorative attitude concerning technology (tries different activities with students); strong use of word processing documents or singular programs; technology does not replace lessons, but adds to the already planned lesson (i.e. writing a draft on paper in class, then using the tech lab to type it out, almost as a novelty); frustration stage- many teachers go back to adoption stage when technology becomes too daunting or errors occur.
*Stage #4: Appropriation: High confidence levels; embeds technology into all lessons or activities ("stage of 'excess'"); wants access to all technology available; sometimes wasteful of technology resources.
*Stage #5: Innovation: Selective with their choice of technology used; technology becomes a tool that is included when appropriate, not excessively nor absently; students begin to have a choice whether they want to use technology or not with their intellectual products.
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| Photo taken by Nicole E. Muchowicz, Arcadia, Michigan, 2013 |
So Where Am I?:
When I first heard the term, Stages of Technology Integration, my stream of consciousness ebbed to some sort of slow and painful metamorphosis that involved the confluence of humans and computers on an excessive basis. Personally, this would obviously place me in the "Entry Stage" of Technology Integration. I have always been resistant to the abundance of technology. I have held the attitude that nature and organic presences are to be valued above wires and technology. I did not appreciate the preference of online communication and books over intimate conversations and the smell of an old paperback. I felt the internet and technology encouraged a disconnect to real life, to the here and now, and thus, I had a disconnect to the internet. What artifacts could the internet leave us? Would our future ancestors be able to unearth our lives and work in a tangible way or would the entire world be the heir to our lives via html.? These were the questions that lead to my suspicions of technology.
However, as a constant learner and future teacher, I wish to be enlightened. I do not want to remain ignorant on a matter, especially if I have an opinion on it. Luckily, I soon was exposed to teaching which demonstrated the value and community aspect of technology, as well as, a creative outlet. I am also fortunate to be enrolled in an "Integrating Technology into the Curriculum" course at Dominican University, where I learned that the Stages of Technology Integration were a progression, much like many life aspects. When I think about my teaching philosophy, I want to incorporate Holist ideals. I want to address the well being of the whole individual while enlightening, provoking, and encouraging. If I want to stay true to my teaching philosophy, I must recognize the presence and importance of technology integration. The benefits of technology does not only apply to teachers, but all of those who integrate technology into their areas of life, work, and study. That includes myself and my students in their present and future lives. My students deserve a knowledgeable resource to an aspect that will be ever present in their lives. Therefore, I find it valuable to inform myself and explore, no matter what my initial attitude. Being exposed to blogs, also allowed me to experience the creative benefits of technology. By using both a photography blog and a written blog, I am able to express myself, share my work and ideas, and receive feedback. Creativity, collaboration and communication is possible with technology and using it responsibly and in conjunction with 'real world' activities could prove to be a great benefit to my students and myself as lifelong learners. Thus, I feel that I am constantly in a fluid state between the stages of technology. I have certainly graduated beyond the "Entry Stage" and find myself able to incorporate technology when appropriate, so I would currently find myself on the spectrum between the "Adaptation Stage" and the "Innovation Stage". After all, a creative experience, online or on paper, is still a creative experience.
Is There an Easy or Difficult Stage? |
| Photo taken by Nicole E. Muchowicz, Arcadia, Michigan, 2013 |
Change is difficult and technology brings change. Because of the nature of technology and the planned obsolescence of so many technological devices, it is natural to be constantly entering different stages on the technology integration spectrum. However, if a stage were to be referred to as "easy", I would say the Innovation stage would be the easiest, since all of the hard work has paid off. During this stage, an individual maintains an attitude of confidence and cautiousness and is able to use their good judgement naturally when it comes to technology. All of the previous stages of integration have been endured and this stage allows for the most creative and communicative agency, which is where the pleasure of using technology comes in.
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| Photo taken by Nicole E. Muchowicz, Arcadia, Michigan, 2013 |
Is There a Stage Missing?
A very important stage, that I think is missing from the Stages of Technology Integration is that of Maturity. The use of technology should be accompanied by good judgement and a maturation with the acquisition of knowledge. Teaching responsibility and encouraging a mature online presence are not always accompanied with technology programs. Someone with a technological naïveté may not wish to learn about technological safeguards and personal protection and could possibly reveal information about themselves to the entire world for an eternity of internet scowlers. A huge and upsetting problem is cyber-bullying and that is also due in part to technological immaturity. Technology can be a permanent tool and it is important to take the idea of a "digital tattoo" to heart, whenever dealing with technology. This stage of appropriate technology use behooves all users.
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| Photo taken by Nicole E. Muchowicz, Arcadia, Michigan, 2013 |
Instances of Stages of Technology Integration:
As a current graduate candidate, grant researcher, and substitute teacher, I have encountered many (including myself) individuals with different technological abilities and placements within the Stages of Technology Integration. I know some people who wish to stay far away from their computers, and for good reason; I know some people who are always on their computers, and for good reason. I have observed that just like technology itself, the stages of acceptance and fluency are fluid and the Stages of Technology Integration vastly vary for it's users.
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| Photo taken by Nicole E. Muchowicz, Arcadia, Michigan, 2013 |
Other Links:
Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Study
The above link is the full ACOT study.
On a Personal Note:
Since I am progressing in my attitude and knowledge in regards to technology, I wanted to be Innovative and share an online video of someone I am very proud of. My cousin, Matt Benes, is a recent graduate from Southern Illinois University, where he excelled in track and engineering and overcame many things. His attitude is an inspiration. Please see his visual story on the video posted below:
Matt Benes: Saluki Spotlight Video *
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| (Photo taken from Southern Illinois University: Track and Field) http://www.siusalukis.com/allaccess/?media=446421 |
Resources:
*(Zumpano, Nicole. "Stages of Technology Integration"Lecture on Prezi (5/8/14). Dominican University. EDU 560.)
*(Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Research Study. http://www.apple.com/nl/images/pdf/acotlibrary/rpt7.pdf)
Love your post. Stay true to your philosophy it will make you a better person and teacher.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautifully written post, Nicole. I can really relate to your initial resistance to the abundance of technology and get a sinking feeling when I think about children only reading on their kindles and having no desire to turn the pages and get lost in a well-loved physical book. I think you make a really good point about maturity, and this relates to our discussion of the (sometimes scary) digital footprints we are all leaving behind. You're so right when you say that encouraging a mature online presence is not always accompanied with technology programs- this we need to change with our future students!
ReplyDeleteA very introspective post. An open mind is much needed by educators. The beauty is finding a balance between what works for us and what works for our students. Thanks so much for including the video, too!
ReplyDelete