ABSTRACT

With transformational learning through technology integration as the goal, teachers need ways to determine the impact on their lesson design. During planning and after implementation of technology into instruction, taxonomies are helpful frameworks to evaluate the impact of lesson design. Three taxonomies designed to evaluate technology integration in K-12 classrooms and student learning are SAMR, RAT, and T3. The Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition (SAMR) taxonomy increases evaluation of technology from enhancing to possibly transforming student learning. The Replacement, Amplification, or Transformation (RAT) framework addresses the effect on student’s learning, instructional practices, or content goals. The T3 Framework challenges teachers to elevate instructional practices with technology tools to maximize student learning through three stages of translational, transformational, and transcendent understanding. The goal for student learning with technology is not to substitute one instructional practice with the same instructions but only add the use of a digital tool. T3 provides a framework to extend beyond the use of technology as transformational but encourages another level of critical thinking to encourage higher-order thinking in all students. This chapter describes the importance of student evaluation using research-based tools.