Now that you have selected the technology that you will integrate into your teaching and learning, it is good practice to assess its fit beyond your learner challenge definition, to include other factors around support requirements.

For this activity we will use the SECTIONS model framework developed by Tony Bates and shown here for reference. It is one of many frameworks that can help you make effective decisions about the choice and use of technology (and media) for teaching and learning.

It is important to note that while the design thinking around technology integration is learner-focused, it is also important to ensure that the tool you’ve selected is a good fit for your students, course, program and institution and the SECTIONS model can help with this.

Chapter 8 of the open textbook Teaching in a Digital Age, by the SECTIONS developer and author Dr. Tony Bates, provides a full description of the model.

Technology and media selection SECTIONS model.
The SECTIONS Model by Anthony William Bates
is licensed under CC BY-NC.

To do:

  1. Map your chosen technology to the SECTIONS model through the “Map your technology to the SECTIONS model” exercise below. Enter your answers directly into the blank spaces.
  2. Click the right pointing arrow beside 1/9 to advance to the next step of the SECTIONS process. Once you advance past the first step you will get a left arrow you can use to go back to another step if you need to review your answers.
  3. Once you have completed all of the steps, choose the “Export Text” button to save your work as a Microsoft Word file.
  4. In your response to this activity, upload your exported text from the SECTIONS Model tool or provide a shareable link to your work’s location.
  5. After you make your submission, save the web address to your response (found in the green confirmation box) so you can use it later for your badge submission form.

 


 Additional Resources


This activity is part of the Ideate section of the Technologist Module.

Example for "Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool":
http://extending.hjdewaard.ca/2018/05/which-tool-to-use/

Which Tool To Use?

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  • “Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool” Activity
    by David Schenk (@dschenk)

    Please see attached word document (text extracted) “Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool” Activity

  • Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool – Padlet, Google Docs, etc.
    by Andrew Molas (@amolas)

    Please see attached document

  • SECTIONS
    by Ridhima Bhatia (@Ridhima)

    For my target audience if I will be using a specific tool such as padlet, yes my learners can have access to the padlet. Easy to support by the institution. Easy to access anywhere with the stable connection to the internet.

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  • Kahoot use for increased engagement
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    https://h5p.org/node/100161 Enter your “Students” response: The Kahoot software will be accessible to students, because it only requires access to a computer and internet, which most students have. Students will be supported because the institution will be providing the access to this tool, and it is very easy to use. If students have any issues understanding more… »

  • Evaluation of Mural technology
    by Heather Melo (@Heather)

    I have chosen to use Mural to support in-person classroom discussion and student engagement. Some students are uneasy about participating due to fears and previous instructor expectations related to in-class discussion participation. I know that students will benefit through engagement and hope that the use of Mural will assist!

  • MS Teams Whiteboard
    by Valerie McQueen (@Vmcqueen)

    I plan to use MS Teams Whiteboard in the classroom, both as an icebreaker, but also for collaborative things like creating groups, and brainstorming. I like it as even though it is slightly limited in functionality, it has a lot of good sticky note templates for games and problem solving and is part of the more… »

  • Google Docs for collaborative sharing
    by Lorinda Seward (@Lorinda)

    In order to keep track of the various post-secondary tours and information, I’m investigating the use of Google Docs. Google Docs is easily accessible on computer and mobile device, is seamless across platforms and the information can be shared between users. 

  • SECTIONS evaluation of LucidSpark
    by Kelly Brennan (@kmbrennan)

    Using Dr. Tony Bates SECTIONS evaluation model, this activity examined the use of LucidSpark as a technology response to my learner challenge. 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    6 Responses to “Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool”

    1. Martina Kolodzey

      I would like to create an interactive video with exercises from H5P to help students become familiar with the online learning environment.

      Reply
    2. DR FREDRICK ODONDO OLUM

      I have decided to use you tube to address my learner challenges.

      Reply

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