Do you feel overwhelmed at the choices available in technology and apps? Do you use the same technology all the time? Are you unsure that what you chose is the best one for the job? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you might consider looking at the Padagogy Wheel

visual of padagogy wheel from the provided website

The Padagogy Wheel starts at the centre asking you to consider what level of Bloom’s taxonomy you want the students to be working at – it might be a step or two below the level you set the assessment, these might be formative activities that you are developing. Using the wheel, you can trace the connection between the level of the learning outcomes, and the type of activity that would be appropriate for that level of outcome. The wheel then points you towards the types of technology that might support that level and type of activity.

By connecting through the wheel you are guided through the types of actions and activities that students could undertake in order to achieve your intention, linked to Bloom’s taxonomy. The technologies are almost secondary, in a way.

Linking through to the very outer section of the wheel you are also lead through the SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) which connects to a broader framework for the use of technology in learning and teaching. The SAMR model, explained here in the context of the LMS, asks you to not only consider why you are using the tool (eg. to apply knowledge), but also how you are using the tool. Is it replacing something you would have done in class, such as using a collaborative Word document instead of butchers paper? Or is it augmenting by adding functionality – like where Microsoft Planner might replace a to-do list – but adding the functionality of organising in categories and assigning to individual students?

While a lot of the tools, apps and technologies suggested through the wheel are not UTS-supported, it can prompt you in some of the similar supported tools. Or, if you were keen to use something new, we recommend that you think about:

  • Support – how will students and staff using these tools be supported if something goes wrong? 
  • Is there a tool that does a similar function that is supported? For example, instead of using YouTube in ‘Evaluate’, consider using Kaltura or H5P to share videos.
  • Is it sustainable? If someone else is teaching this subject next year will they be able to access the tool to clear student answers, or reset the question? 

Using the Padagogy Wheel can be a useful framework for choosing a technology, or to use as a prompt for why you are using a tool. Take a dive deeper into this colourful resource at our upcoming Tooltime session on Wednesday 1st July via Zoom.

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