Journal #5 - LoTi Turns up the Heat - IV, V

Moersch, C. (2010). Loti turns up the heat. L & L - Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25239&DirectListComboInd=D

LoTi was first introduced in the year, 1994 as the Levels of Technology Implementation framework. The intent was to create a tool to help district leadership quantify how teachers were using technology in the classroom.  After serving 15 years as research framework, LoTi has decided to change its focus.  LoTi original focus was framework that provided a validated model for school systems to measure the effectiveness of the implementation of technology. However, with the emergence of new standards, things needed to be changed. Instead of using Levels of Technology Implementation framework they changed their program to the Levels of Teaching Innovation framework.

            LoTi includes the same stages that were in the original framework, but the newer model emphasizes powerful learning and teaching, as well as the use of digital tools and resources in the classroom. Each level or stage of the new LoTi framework addresses unique attributes of the pedagogical continuum. The other two frameworks that the LoTi model is comprise of, are current instructional practices (CIP) and personal computer use (PCU), which have also been upgraded based on the NETS-T. Along with the revised LoTi framework comes the new LoTi Digital-Age Survey, which provides classroom teachers with a valid and reliable snapshot of their LoTi and their CIP and CPU levels. LoTi also provides teachers with a personalized professional development priority profile aligned to the NETS-T. The Levels of Teaching Innovation that are now used,  measure how much students and teachers are using and understanding LoTi are Level 0—Non-use, Level 1—Awareness, Level 2—Exploration, Level 3—Infusion, Level 4a—Integration (mechanical), Level 4b—Integration (routine), Level 5—Expansion, Level 6—Refinement.

 

Would a district usually use the LoTi system to measure a teacher and her use of technology?

            I truly don’t know if a district would ever use this program. Most schools have computer lab workshops once a week which give the chance for every classroom to learn how to use computers but I’m not quite sure what the teaching standards are for computer technology or even if there are any. Teacher need to teach children how to use certain programs that are a necessity in life but going above and beyond that is based on the teacher’s preference.

 

Are there standards that need to be met for teaching children technology?

            I am not quite sure the answer to this question but I would believe so. Children are learning how to use computers at a very young age now and many teachers require their students to use the web and Microsoft Office for projects that they assign. Children cannot use these programs if they have not been taught how to properly use them; therefore I am sure that there are certain requirements in each grade level that a teacher has to meet so that his or her students know how to properly use certain programs.