Frameworks for Tech Integration

Blog #2: Technology Integration in Education

Image Source: Glenn Carstens-Peters, Unsplash

So this week I spent a good chunk of my time reviewing the frameworks for technology integration. I'll be completely honest, I have up until this point never heard of this and this felt extremely overwhelmed. Reviewing these frameworks was interesting to say the least, I learned a lot. The framework that I ultimately ended up choosing was the Triple E framework. I scored 13 out of 18 on the Triple E evaluation framework which meant that I have an "exceptional connection between learning goals and tools"(McKinley, 2020). I have to say I wasn't too surprised to have scored where I did. Last year with E-Learning I did my absolute best to ensure that tools that were used by students that I researched were beneficial, had student buy-in, connected to life outside of the classroom and would make learning fun for students. I figured with a score like that why not do a deeper dive into this framework and become more knowledgable. 

Image Source: Triple E Framework Blog

So what is the Triple E Framework?

The Triple E Framework was created by Professor Liz Kolb in 2011 while at the University of Michigan. The purpose of creating the framework was to bring together technology and education in classroom teaching practices. The framework is meant to measure how well technology tools are integrated and used for students in lessons created by teachers. The way they are measured is by using the 3 E's-they are engagement in learning goals, enhancement of learning goals and extension of learning goals. The 3 E's are a tool that educators should be using when considering tech tools for learning (Kolb, 2020). 

A Visual Breakdown of Triple E:

Image Source: Triple E Frameworks

Dissected Triple E Breakdown:

1. Engagement

Think about this, when we are in class and iPads get passed out, what is the first things that students typically do? Get Excited! My kindergarten students last year were jumping up and down because they were able to access technology that all day they had been asking to use. E-Learning in the classroom I was in was set up where students did not use their iPads daily because a camera was connected to a projector for students to see on the board, thus minimizing the iPads becoming a distraction. When technology is passed out to students the Engagement step initially takes place, students become invested in using the tech even when it is for educational related things such as seesaw or epic books! 

Image Source: Engagement, Triple E

Something important to take into account when thinking about Engagement is about the student, are they actively engaged in what they are doing or have they become distracted by it?

2. Enhancement

Engagement is the portion of the Triple E Framework where we can assess whether or not the technology being used is adding value to how students are engaging in the content being taught. This essentially means that the technology being used is aiding, assisting and supporting students by personalize learning. 

Image Source: Engagement, Triple E

3. Extension

Extension is where students are able to connect learnings to the real world and apply the learnings to the students everyday life. Heres an example, math and money. Students learn about math using money tools, thus being able to apply this to life outside of the classroom relating money to purchases for toys, candy, or tickets to things that they enjoy. (Relating these examples to a first grader)

Image Source: Extension, Triple E

Why is Triple E important and is it even reliable?

Based on research conducted in 2018 (a mixed method study) it showed that Triple E is valid and reliable. 

But why is it important? Technology is all around us, it is vastly growing and expanding. Technology is apart of the classroom today, we use it daily whether it's a smart board, videos for instructional teaching, or even games to enhance student learning. Technology surrounds us. With technology growing around us, it makes sense to integrate it into the classroom meaningfully. When integrating technology using Triple E, Engagement, Enhancement and Extension, we as educators are able to help support students by meeting and reaching their learning goals by providing quality lessons to students using technology. It is important to note that "as the U.S. has become focused on standardizing learning and outcomes, making sure that students are using their time to meet learning goals is even more vital when integrating technology.  This is where the Triple E Framework can help to extend the current models" (Kolb, 2020).

Resources for you:

Triple E Lesson Plan Template

Triple E Lesson Plan Sample

References:

Kolb, L. (n.d.). About the Triple E Framework. Triple E Framework. https://www.tripleeframework.com/about.html. 

McKinley, K. (n.d.). Triple E Printable Rubric for lesson evaluation. Triple E Framework. https://www.tripleeframework.com/triple-e-printable-rubric-for-lesson-evaluation.html.  

Kolb, L. (n.d.). Triple E Evaluation Rubric for lesson design. Triple E Framework. https://www.tripleeframework.com/triple-e-evaluation-rubric-for-lesson-design.html.

Schatzke, Sheila Erin. A Validation Study of the Triple E Rubric for Lesson Design: A Measurement Tool              for Technology Use in the Classroom, dissertation, May 2019;Denton, Texas.      https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505198/