Technological advancements have allowed for the improvement of structured learning and the overall productivity of students in education. The infusion of technical digital learning tools in classrooms maximizes student participation in education by further enhancing anticipation and excitement. E-learning platforms have the potential to increase the rate of learning and in turn, promote educational productivity while consequently reducing costs and improving the quality of education offered to students. This essay, therefore, aims at exploring three pedagogical frameworks to determine the most effective and useful tools in teaching Computer Science in high school.
The Triple-E framework is used to measure the effectiveness of each technology infused in a classroom. It is, therefore, primarily focused on identifying and measuring the degree of efficiency of the technology used and is not focused on the specific tools used during learning. The Triple-E's suggested include the engagement, enhancement, an extension of the specified learning goals and whether tech tools or educational apps are useful and effectiveness in achieving the latter ( About, n.d) . It comprises of a theoretical foundation that guides teachers to understand what works best for the students and hence has remained effective over time.
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The Digital Literacy model, on the other hand, focuses majorly on categorizing lesson plans for teachers depending on students’ age and grades. These plans introduce the children to the use of the internet and platforms such as social media platforms while educating them on the pros and cons of the latter as well as how to deal with the challenges associated with social media ( A Digital Literacy Framework , 2016). Grades K-3 are introduced to searching for content on the internet, while grades 4-6 are taught internet safety. The following grades further focus on the internet and how to remain safe online as well as other emerging factors such as cyberbullying.
Developers of the TPACK model aimed at integrating pedagogy and content and hence a critical understanding of the complicated relationship between the two. According to the founders of the model, Pedagogical Content Knowledge is described as a framework for guiding teachers on how to tailor content and ensure active learning for the students ( Ministry of Education, n.d) . The model emphasizes on the use of critical thinking to assess and curate online information which leads to content creation and eventually sharing of content and thus useful in the digital era as they are used to develop and promote creative talent.
Pros and Cons
Triple E Model
As mentioned earlier, the Triple E framework is centered on engagement, enhancing, and extension of learning goals and thus evaluates the effectiveness of specific technology tools in use within a classroom. This framework allows teachers to determine the tools that best meet their students' needs and is thus considered efficient ( About, n.d) . Another advantage associated with the Triple E's is the involvement of additional theoretical Frameworks to assess a tool for effectiveness and is, therefore, research oriented. Various disadvantages have been associated with the model, such as the fact that it is time-consuming.
Digital Literacy Model
Consequently, the Digital Literacy model is considered useful within a classroom based on the fact that despite improving students' learning, it further enhances a teacher's professional development as they continuously gain new insight. Students have the freedom of self-exploration as teachers authorize their internet access while allowing them to explore websites at their convenience and learn practical ways to overcome challenges associated with the latter ( A Digital Literacy Framework , 2016). Nevertheless, one disadvantage attributed to the framework is cyberbullying and trolling that is common within social media platforms.
TPACK Approach
Research suggests that the TPACK approach is easy to understand and therefore, tailored to specific classroom needs ( Ministry of Education, n.d) . Similarly, teachers are exposed to a wide range of information as they are not only required to understand the content they present to students but also have a complete mastery of the same. It can further be applied to a variety of subjects and thus considered flexible for beginner students who are being introduced to the internet. However, scholars contend that the model remains at a disadvantage based on the fact that it follows a permanent structure which may be challenging to adopt for some teachers and hence not as useful for others.
In the process of teaching computer science to students ranging from grade 9-11, this text finds that the Triple E and Digital Literacy frameworks are the most useful. Despite the minimal disadvantages associated with each model, they both involve comprehensive infusion of the technological world into a classroom which is vital for Computer Science students. Similarly, understanding the best approach towards specific areas of the subject is enhanced by the Triple-E's, which further improves the quality of learning as well as participation from students and overall performance and productivity.
In conclusion, this text aimed at evaluating the three pedagogical frameworks used in education to identify the most useful and practical for a Computer Science class. The essay has discussed the Triple E's model as well as its advantages and disadvantages while consequently comparing the same with other frameworks such as TPACK and Digital Literacy model. The text finds that the incorporation of both the Digital Literacy model and Triple E's will prove significantly useful in improving learning and productivity.
References
About. (n.d). Triple E Framework. Retrieved from: https://www.tripleeframework.com/about.html accessed on July 12, 2019.
Ministry of Education. (n.d). Literacynumeracy . Retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/CBS_LiteracyConnected.pdf accessed on July 12, 2019.
USE, UNDERSTAND & CREATE: A Digital Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools. (2016). MediaSmarts . Retrieved from: http://mediasmarts.ca/teacher-resources/use-understand-create-digital-literacy-framework-canadian-schools accessed on July 12, 2019.
