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Sunday, December 25, 2016

#EdTech, #TechEd, #MediaLit, #DigCit #DigLit - Where Do You Fit In?

[Editor's Note: This post is being updated as we continue the conversation and dig into some common understandings and definitions. Share your 2 cents in the comments.]

 You may have noticed the conversation about ed tech vs tech ed and the confusion about what each is or if there is even a difference.

This is understandable.

The International Society for “Technology Education” calls themselves the largest teacher-based non-profit organization in the field of “educational technology,.”

Wait?
They’re the society for “tech ed” but they are in the field of “ed tech” and have “ed tech” standards.

Ah, but there is a subtlety that can easily be missed* The preposition "in." So they're not actually the International Society for Tech Ed as stated above, but rather the International Society for Tech "in" Ed. But then why not just be the International Society for Educational Technology?

 Confusing!

You don't want to be someone who confuses how to using technology in education with technology education.

 The Innovative Educator is here to help you understand the difference, as well as determine where you fit in this whole picture.  To follow is your handy dandy guide.
Where do you fit into the big picture of technology in education?
Ed Tech
Ed tech is using technology to enhance teaching and learning process across all subject areas, and to support college, career, and personal success. This is comprised of:
1) Using apps and software across subject areas and integrating into the existing scope, sequence, and standards of that subject area.
2) Using productivity tools like docs, excel, and presentation tools. There is a demand for a scope, sequence for this work.


Tech Ed
Tech ed is teaching technology. This is comprised of three general areas:
1) Computer science and coding
2) STEAM: Areas such as design, robotics, and making.


Pretty simple, right?  
Now that you have that straight there are a few more areas to understand.

 Digital Literacy & Citizenship
Digital Literacy and Citizenship are usually taught together. Sort of like reading and writing. Here is what each addresses. 
1) Digital Citizenship: Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world. They act and contribute in ways that are safe, responsible and will lead to academic, career, and social success. Common Sense Education identifies these eight components: Information Literacy, Relationships & Communication, Cyberbullying & Digital Drama, Digital Footprint & Reputation, Internet Safety, Creative Credit and Copyright, Privacy & Security, Self Image & Identity.   
2) Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively rate, review, evaluate, compare, and critically think about, analyze and understand how to select and use digital resources that support learning, understanding, productivity, communicating, and creating. 
Media Literacy
Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of media and technology. They develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of  media, the techniques used, and the impact of these techniques. It also aims to provide students with the ability to create media products.
And let’s not forget the people who make this all possible.


Computer technicians
  • These are the people who make technology just seem like electricity. They make sure when you turn it on, it works and can access the internet.  Sometimes people think that those who teach tech are technicians.  They are not. In fact in most places providing technician, electrical, custodial, support goes against teacher contracts.  
What do you think? Do you agree with this perspective? Anything you’d like to add?  New insights?
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Want to learn more? Read this:

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*HT to @ehstechsmith for pointing out the "in" in ISTE.

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