The Haas Homestead

When should I start the planning process to incorporate technology in the backward design guide?

The best case scenario is to work to the backward design first, then worry about selecting technology to integrate into the lesson. When it’s possible to pick technology as the last step, it helps to ensure that the technology fits the learning goal. Otherwise, it would be the learning goal fighting into the technology. (Mod 4: Where’s the technology?)

If the goal is to integrate technology into the classroom, why should it be the last step?

It’s important to have the learning objectives set before introducing the technological tool. Learning should always be the number one priority, and technology should enhance and transform the learning process. If we were to pick technology first, then we might get so carried away with all the cool tools available to us that we lose sight of the learning goals. The backward design, then choosing technology, helps us to stay on track! (Mod 4: Backward Approach to Design)

What is WHERE TO?

It is an acronym of questions, depicted in the image, that educators can use as a tool to evaluate the design of their classroom activities, and help make them successful. However, it is important to note that this acronym is not intended for the creation/ designing process. It is only intended for analysis. (Mod 4: The Learning Plan)