Learning First, Technology Second in Practice: New Strategies, Research and Tools for Student Success

I like the book, very easy to understand

In this excellent follow-up to "Learning First, Technology Second," Liz Kolb goes even deeper into the Triple E Framework, helping educators get to the heart of each of the three elements in the pursuit of using technology effectively in support of their learning goals.The text includes a thorough review of current best practices in instructional technology usage, particularly for practicing educators who may not have the time and space to search out this research on their own.The text makes clear connections between the ISTE Standards for Students and the Triple E Framework, going as far as showing specifically how each element of the Triple E supports each standard. This has certainly helped me better understand the ISTE standards and eased their integration into my lesson planning.As a classroom teacher who encounters myriad new software, apps, and tools on a daily basis, particularly in these uncertain times, Kolb’s discussion of what actually matters in terms of engaging students in the classroom – and how technology can support that engagement effectively – has become a valuable part of my teaching toolkit. Her discussions of the methodology behind enhancing and extending understanding are equally thorough and effective.What makes Kolb’s book so effective, though, are the robust learning scenarios and authentic lesson examples demonstrating the Triple E Framework in action. The scenarios clearly demonstrate the concepts of each chapter in practice and include detailed rubric scores, evaluating the scenario presented according to the framework. In addition, the lessons from educators are carefully curated, span the elementary and secondary grades, and can be applied directly to work with students. However, they are also excellent archetypes for quality lesson design evoking the Triple E Framework, and have served as models for me as I develop my own lesson plans.This text joins the list of go-to pedagogical resources on my bookshelf; as we consider the massive shift toward distance learning that has occurred over the past few months, this text will become even more relevant to our practice.

After reading many books on the subject of technology in the classroom I was looking for something that would bridge learning and technology. Some books on the subject focus only on the technology and fail to give strategies or fail to discuss in depth some of the struggles we face as teachers. Some hype technology up in a way that makes you question if the author was ever in a classroom. This book is different. You connect immediately to Dr. Kolb as a real educator who has made mistakes and tried things that didn't work. She helps you let your own walls down so you can really join her on this journey of reflection and growth. With practical strategies, tons of examples, and ideas about which technology you can use for specific learning goals, you will leave with a deeper knowledge of how you can use technology thoughtfully in support of learning.In a recent professional learning community with 15+ educators, we made this book our grounding text. I am planning to do that again in September as it was a great experience. The focus on her framework helped to improve all of our lessons. I am a huge UDL fan and this book not only ties in well with UDL, but it can also help make some of UDL ideas even more potent. I highly recommend this book!

Diving deeper into her Triple E Framework, Dr. Kolb does a great job connecting to K-12 educators by showing effective ways to us technology without using it for the sake of the flash and dash of technology. Furthermore, she admits that she has made mistakes as well and that it is okay if we mess up as teachers from time to time. She also makes connections to the ISTE standards that are beneficial for the implementing technology into our classrooms.What I appreciate the most as a teacher are the examples that are provided. With Covid-19, this book is important for educators to read. Put it on your to-read list. Bravo!