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Technology and Learning Spectrum

Participants view three classroom video scenarios and categorize them as examples of literacy, adapting, or transforming uses of technology as outlined by Bernajean Porter's Technology and Learning Spectrum.

  1. Open the Technology and Learning Spectrum.pdf (see directions for locating this file below) document and provide a few minutes for participants to review the categories. If desired, the document could be printed and copied and then distributed to the participants. Locating the Technology and Learning Spectrum.pdf:
    1. Click the following link to go Bernajean Porter's website. http://www.bjpconsulting.com/spectrum.html
    2. After arriving at Bernajean Porter's website find and then click on Spectrum in the left navigation bar.
    3. Find in the body of the webpage the link that reads "Download One Page Grappling's Technology and Learning Spectrum". Click on this link.
    4. The PDF file should open.

  2. Play Video 1 that represents Classroom Scenario 1. While participants are viewing the scenario, ask them to consider the following questions (on chart paper or white board):
    • What is working in this classroom?
    • Does the technology add value to the lesson? Does it enhance or extend the teaching and learning that is taking place?
    • In what ways does your classroom resemble this scenario? (How do you know?)
    • Would you be pleased if your children (or your grandchildren) were members of this classroom?
  3. After each scenario has been viewed, ask participants to respond to the questions above, and ask participants whether it is an example of literacy, adaptive, or transformative uses of instructional technology. Encourage participants to explain the label they have placed on the scenario.
  4. Use the above procedure to examine Video 2, Classroom Scenario 2 and Video 3, Classroom Scenario 3.

This activity is adapted from the Ohio LIT curriculum. For more information about the OhioLIT project visit http://www.etech.ohio.gov/programs/ohiolit/index.jsp.