I was introduced to affordance analysis last semester. At first this seemed like a hard concept to
me as it was such a new way to think about the tools. I do think about what a technology could do
but I was not going as deep as what an affordance analysis can offer. I believe with much practice since that time
I look at tools a bit differently and a bit more deeply to what they can each
afford to the learning process. There
are so many different tools we can use and looking at all the affordances gives
a better picture of which tool would be the better choice. The tools are also changing, and I believe
also improving. Power Point is an example
of this where it has so much more abilities to do so many more things, so it
affords more possibilities.
I really like what was mentioned in class that using a tool
should be as seamless as possible when it is needed and appropriate for the
student to connect content and learning.
Sometimes I think we jump right into a tech tool when a pencil might do
the trick just as well. The article we read
by Bower describes the method not the prescription of choosing technologies to “scaffold
the learning” so that the “design process will be retained by educators rather
than subsumed by a mechanical process”.
There is so much to consider is the design process and
sometimes I do feel a bit overwhelmed keeping it all organized. I do feel that I am getting better a looking
at a tool and considering all the affordances it has. I know that many of the teachers I
collaborate with do not have the time to work it out or to try something new on
their own. Coming to them with a tool
and the affordances allows them to see the possibilities and they are willing
to get out of their comfort zone and take a “risk” with me. Sometimes it goes well and others not as much,
but learning is had by all.
Bower states, “Focusing on an affordance level draws the
educational designer’s thinking closer to the underlying attributes of the
technologies and how they support collaboration and cognition, allowing
selection to be based upon learning needs.” (p. 15)
Bower, M. (2008). Affordance analysis- matching
learning tasks with learning technologies. Educational Media
International, 45(1), 3-15.
Hi Angie,
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are so many different technology tools we can use with our students. The affordance example in the article on page 9 and 10 really helped me understand how to work through an e-learning design. By chosing the educational goal, the tasks we want the students to accomplish, and what tools are availalbe will help us make the best choice for the use of technology. I agree that sometimes picking up the pencil or pen works best. Keep it simple. I am amazed at my second graders and the things they can do on a computer. They catch on pretty quickly and amaze me daily.
I am sure our students feel just as overwhelmed at times as we do. This is why we need to keep it simple as you stated!
Hey Angie!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed using the technology we were given during our last class, and wondered of the applications that it can have for math. I never thought of technologies being "analyzed" to such a deep level, as shown in the Affordance Analysis tool, and I have to say, I struggled to write it since I had never had stopped to look at the little "passing thoughts" I had about how to deploy the latest gizmo to the kids. But, it is necessary to do, you need to map out how things will go, and you need to play and use and see for yourself how the technology works so that you are ready to answer questions and predict unusual situations. It's good design!
Angie,
ReplyDeleteI hope the teachers you work with appreciate what you're doing for them. Bringing the tool to them is OH SO helpful! It would be great if teachers were willing to voluntarily sit through PD once a month about a new tool...but that PD would have to be efficiently designed for teachers to be receptive.
I so wish I had someone like you in my building who would help work through these tools with me. You are right when you say we probably don't have enough time to work through it, I only get one chance to do my lesson with my kiddos, so I need to know my tool ahead of time. I would most definitely sit through a PD to learn about these different tools, since I don't have the time or resources to explore all of these tools on my own!
ReplyDelete