Using the TechScaffold Platform for Making Decisions about Using Apps to Support Instruction
Richard Beach
University of Minnesota
Greg Klotz
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
John Scott
University of California, Berkeley
Keywords: technology integration, planning, apps, decision-making, professional development, instruction
Abstract
This presentation addresses the challenge of making effective decisions in selecting relevant apps for support instruction given the increasing number of educational apps. To support this decisionmaking process, building on previous research and publications on use of apps (http://usingipads.pbworks.com), we will demonstrate the use of TechScaffold tool (http://techscaffold.com), currently under development to be completed by July 1, that provides instructors in all K-college subjects with heuristics for making decisions in selecting relevant apps based on instructional goals, app affordances, subject focus, app platform, grade level, app difficulty level, app pricing, and teacher evaluations. Users enter in search terms triggering keyword matches to a database of about nine hundred apps. We will also share examples of units or projects demonstrating uses of app affordances to support instruction. Session participants will be given opportunities to employ this tool to share their own planning processes for use of apps in their instruction, as well as provide evaluative comments regarding uses of this tool for supporting instructional design.
Related URL: http://usingipads.pbworks.com
This handout provides links to the TechScaffold site http://techscaffold.com as well as some feedback questions for people to complete regarding their responses to their use of TechScaffold. By completing these questions by August 15, people are automatically entered into a drawing to win one of two $50.00 Amazon gift cards.
Author Biography
Richard Beach, University of Minnesota
Richard Beach is Professor Emeritus of English Education, University of Minnesota, and co-author of multiple books related to teaching English language arts, including Understanding and Creating Digital Texts: An Activity-Based Approach (http://digitalwriting.pbworks.com) and Using Apps for Learning Across the Curriculum: A Literacy-Based Framework and Guide (http://usingipads.pbworks.com).
