Teaching 2.0 Challenging the Interactive Generation by Christopher Moersch

For my virtual session, I choose to view the ISTE Vision programs from the NECC Conference in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago. I viewed the session by Christopher Moersch, Teaching 2.0 Challenging the Interactive Generation. You can read up on the session on Moersch's blog http://lotiguyspeaks.blogspot.com/.

I found Moersch's discussion on the LoTi Connection (Levels of Technology Implementation) much like that of Bloom's Taxonomy. The LoTi model was first introduced by Moersch in 1994 as a resource that would help assess what he calls "authentic classroom technology use" (http://loticonnection.com/lotilevels.html). LoTi is often used to measure how teachers implement elements of  "digital-age literacy" referred to in the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T)  (http://loticonnection.com/lotilevels.html). The model focuses on helping teaches balance classroom instruction, alternative assessments, and "the effective use of digital tools and resources" all believed to help promote and enhance higher order thinking skills.  Moersch belives that his model could help motivate and engage students in the learning process  (http://loticonnection.com/lotilevels.html).

Moersch's session is about an hour long but well worth the time. He provides short video clips to demonstrate how real teachers implement the LoTi model and provides examples on how teachers could use the H.E.A.T. model in their classrooms. Moersch defines H.E.A.T. as

• H = higher-order thinking
• E = engaged learning
• A = authentic assessment
• T = technology

He argues that educators need Teach 2.0 because of the four mega trends in our society:

1. Globalization = the world has become flatter; students need to compete in a technological world
2. Digital Natives Entering Schools = students are comfortable with technology; demand information quickly
3. Internet became interactive = social networking i.e., wikis, blogs, MySpace, Facebook
4. High stakes testing took control = education reform more focus on standardize testing - NCLB and RTI (http://loticonnection.com/lotilevels.html).

Overall, I found this session very thought provoking and useful for SLMS in collaborating with teachers to integrate technology and inquiry-based learning activities into the curriculum.

Moersch's lecture materials can be found at:
http://www.lqhome.com/necc_09/C_Moersch_NECC_2009.pdf
http://www.lqhome.com/necc_09/NECC_2009_Teach_20.pdf

Source:

Moersch, Christopher. LoTi: Heating Up 21st Century Learning. Loti Connection, Inc., 2009. Date Accessed July 20, 2009 (http://loticonnection.com/lotilevels.html).