Introduction
This week, I was able to learn about both the SAMR and Triple E frameworks used to evaluate technology tools. It was very interesting to evaluate the H5P video I created and shared on week 2 using these frameworks.
SAMR Analysis
When compared to a lecture format of instruction, I think my H5P video falls in the substitution category, potentially augmentation. My video shows only a title and one yes or no question, which does not go much past what a traditional video or lesson would do. I think the check-in provided by the question is useful and although it could be included in a regular lesson, it is certainly absent in the video alone. I think looking at my video through the SAMR framework illuminated that there is room for improvement in my video. Adding more questions would certainly improve my video, as I explain how to make a logo using Canva. I think H5P is a useful tool and now that I am more familiar with it I can imagine myself using it to achieve the modification or redefinition level of the framework.
Triple E Analysis
When evaluating my H5P video with the Triple E Framework, I again noticed that there is room for improvement in my H5P video. As far as the Engage category goes, I think my H5P video is more engaging than it was originally, before the modifications using the H5P tool. For Enhance, I think my use of the question tool for my video is valuable. It helps students to check their understanding and ensure they are actively listening to the content at hand. Next, I think evaluation of my video with the Extend category showed that it could be better. I think that if I had expanded more on why a student might use Canva to create a personalized logo or image would help my video in this respect.
Canva
My video was about Canva, which has a wonderful free version of their software. For this reason, I think it’s a wonderful EdTech tool. While I do have the paid version, which unlocks more graphics and templates, the free version is wonderful and would be more than enough for most students. I think it is the best tool, as it is simple, easy to use, and free. Moreover, Canva has a specific program for teachers and students, Canva for Education, and many school districts pay for schools to have access to the paid version of the program. Canva is also useful as far as time cost, as it would not require much training and many students are familiar with the program already. I can imagine myself allotting time in my own classroom to support students to familiarize themselves with Canva, as it likely wouldn’t take an entire class period and could be used in other classes as well. Canva for Education is very conscious of privacy concerns, as listed in their Privacy Policy, and is designed to be compliant with major student privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). There are no ads, no data selling, and students’ designs are all private by default, only visible to the student and their teacher. Unfortunately, most of Canva’s data is stored in the United States, primarily using Amazon Web Services. However, data residency for larger institutions and some districts can sometimes be changed to keep data within specific regions, such as Canada.
Digital Accessibility
I think something I miss, and have missed in all my previous blog posts, is making my photos accessible. Now that we have discussed it, I will definitely be adding alternative text to my images in the future. Moreover, the WAVE tool showed me that there were 3 instances of low contrast in my blog, which I did not notice before. I think the low contrast is something that many wouldn’t think about or notice, and it should be more commonly used.