How Are You Using Technology?

In most everything I see regarding technology and how teachers are using it, the SAMR model comes up. Now I'm not saying this is not a good measure of use, but it's not the end all of tools to measure a teacher's use of technology. 

I have been spending my "lunch time" doing professional reading (this was a goal of mine when we started back in January) and am reading "The Innovator's Mindset" by George Couros. (Can't say enough times how much this book is speaking to me right now!) and in Chapter 10 he refers to educator Bernajean Porter and her idea of moving from literate, to adaptive, to transformative.

"If I am literate, I am able to manipulate a device. I know how to turn it one, work with i, and turn apps on. 

If I am using the device in an adaptive way, I am doing something with this new technology that I used to do in low-tech way. For example, I am taking notes on the iPad or reading a textbook on the device.

If I am using the device in a transformative way, I am doing something with the device that I could not do before, such as creating video, connecting with people around the world through a blog, or sharing items with other students in the classroom at any time, from any place." 

This is written so easy to understand and interpret, I knew I wanted to get it out there for my colleagues to see.

We are continuing to increase the number of devices in classrooms, which is pushing some teachers out of their comfort zone. They are looking for ways to adapt and integrate these new tools.  I can honestly say everyone in the building can use their devices in an adaptive way. What I would love to see, and be able to share with those outside our walls, is teachers sharing their move to transformative, and how students are being pushed to the transformative level as well, to show their learning. 

Many students are probably already doing the transformative activities for their personal interests, now we just need to take that knowledge, that passion, and encourage them to use it in an educational setting. How can a student connect their love of Minecraft to the novel they just read in Advanced Literature? Or they passion for coding to their Physical Education class? It's all about educators being open and innovative to new ideas.

What innovations are happening in your building? I would love to hear some!