# data[].attributes.body
2 TPACK Examples

Parlay

Prezi

# data[].attributes.body
Quizlet is a tool that helps students learn and study by creating and utilizing digital flashcards and other study tools.

With Quizlet, I can create study guides for my students or they can create them themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Flip is a technology tool that teachers can use to create interactive videos.

I can use this tool to create engaging tools for the students. Instead of the students just watching, the students will have the opportunity to interact with the video by responding to questions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Flipgrid is a video discussion tool quite like no other as it's designed with the might of Microsoft to work specifically for teachers and students in a digital classroom.

The idea behind this education tool is to use video to create an open platform of discussion and learning that doesn't require a physical classroom to get everyone involved. That makes Flipgrid an ideal remote learning tool as well as a powerful homework based application for students to use with each other.

Flipgrid is designed to allow students to speak to the group but without the same fear that might constrict responses in a real-world situation. Students can re-record responses, removing the pressure of answering in class, on the spot. Of course, it's also a great tool for use when learning remotely.

So, in more detail, what is Flipgrid and how does it work in education?

What is Flipgrid?

At its most basic, Flipgrid is a video tool that allows teachers to post "Topics" that are essentially videos with some accompanying text. This is then shared with students, who can be prompted to respond.

The response can be made using the software's camera to create videos that are then posted to the original Topic. These videos can be recorded as many times as needed before uploading, and can have the addition of emoji, text, stickers, drawings, or custom stickers.

The service works online so it can be accessed via web browser from nearly any device, or through the app, making it good for laptops, tablets, smartphones, Chromebooks, and desktop computers. The only requirement on any of those devices is a camera and has enough processing power to back that up.

Flipgrid is free to use and can be accessed using a Microsoft or Google account.

What's Good About Flipgrid?

One of the best things about Flipgrid is the ability to interact using video, such as face-to-face in the real world, but without the pressure of a live classroom. Since students are given the space and time to respond when they're ready, it makes educational engagement possible for even more anxious students who might ordinarily feel left out in class.

The ability to add rich media encourages students to be creative and, potentially more importantly, expressive. By adding emoji, text, and stickers, students can engage with class content as they might interact with friends using social media platforms.

This aspect can help students feel less apprehensive and more empowered to express themselves openly, engaging more deeply with the task. Ultimately, that should result in deeper learning and better content recall.

On a software level, Flipgrid is great for integration. Since it works with Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Remind, it's easy for a teacher to integrate into the current virtual classroom setup.

How Does Flipgrid Work?

The process is pretty straightforward to get set up and start using Flipgrid. A teacher can simply go to Flipgrid to get signed up by using a Microsoft or Google account.

Then it's time to create your first Topic. Select "Add a Topic." Give it a title and you can post a video, such as a YouTube clip, right there. Optionally, add a "Prompt," which is text to describe what's going on and what you want in response.

Then add the emails of those students you want involved by adding a student username if they're not using email. This can be setup by adding a student and sending them the required link and code. Add an optional password, if needed.

Select "Create Topic" and then you are given a link to share with the option to copy as well as to quickly pick what platform you want to auto share to, including Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and so on.

Students can then login and use the myjoincode to get into the Topic directly to watch the video and post their response. The video response then appears on the page below the original Topic Prompt. These can be commented on by other students, using text, but permissions can be set and controlled by the teacher as they see fit.

Flipgrid currently offers more than 25,000 lessons and activities, and more than 35,000 Topics, helping you to create new Topics or use existing ones quickly and easily.

Flipgrid Features

While Flipgrid keeps things minimal, making it easy to use, there are still plenty of useful settings that you can tweak. Get your offering just right and it can be tailored to get the best engagement possible with the class.

Here's some lingo guidance and tips to help you understand what's available to use.

Flipgrid Grids

A "Grid" is the term used by the Flipgrid community to describe a group of learners. In the case of a teacher, a Grid could be the class or a small group.

This is where you can create a custom Flip Code that is then used to share with anyone you want to enter into that group.

Flipgrid Topic Guests

Want to integrate more than your own Topics? It is possible to use Topic Guests, aka, Guest Mode, to allow others to input.

This is ideal if you want a specialist speaker, for example. Equally, this is a powerful option if you want to include guardians in the process, since this is online and that becomes a real possibility.

Flipgrid Shorts

This video tool allows teachers and students to create their videos for a custom finish rather than simply uploading a YouTube clip.

Users can upload and edit video, add more clips, cut, and segment as well as enhance with emojis, stickers, and text. Add arrows to a graph image as you talk over that section of the video, for example, as a great way to get in-depth information across.

Shorts is, essentially, a really simple-to-use video editing tool that can produce a powerful result, depending on how creative you want to be.

Flipgrid Video Moderation

One way to stay in control of the content submitted by students is to set the Video Moderation mode to on when you post a new Topic. In doing so, any video uploaded will not be posted until you have checked and approved it.

This is a useful tool when starting out, but once trust has built and you're confident, it's also good to have this setting off to save time on moderating. When it's off, students can also enjoy more freedom of expression in real-time.

You can always select individual videos to hide or delete at a later time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Flipgrid and How Does it Work for Teachers and Students?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Flipgrid is a video discussion tool quite like no other as it's designed with the might of Microsoft to work specifically for teachers and students in a digital classroom. The idea behind this education tool is to use video to create an open platform of discussion and learning that doesn't require a physical classroom to get everyone involved.

# data[].attributes.body
Khan Academy provides several tools for teachers to use. Chunk text, lesson plans, question generator, and multiple choice quizzes are just a few of the tools it provides.

I can use Khan Academy to help me create lesson plans or I could even use it to create a rubric for an assignment that my students completed.

# data[].attributes.body
Buncee is a creation and communication tool for students and teachers to create interactive content.

I can use this to either create content that will engage the students or students can use this as a performance task and create something to share with the class.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Creativity,
made easy

With over two thousand templates to choose from, you can unleash your creativity in no time. Ranging from education to business to personal use, Buncee Templates gives you a jump start on any creation, but with the freedom to add your personal touch. Choose from our in-house templates, or select a custom template uploaded by your admin on Buncee for Schools and Districts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Buncee | Create, Present and Share Engaging Multimedia Lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buncee is an easy-to-use tool for your school's creation needs. Empower student voice, create engaging class materials, enhance school communications, and more!

# data[].attributes.body
Duolingo is a language tool for students to learn English. It provides a gamified and personalized learning experience, allowing teachers to track student progress, assign lessons, and adapt to individual learning needs.

I can use Duolingo for my ESL students. The students can use it as a free choice option, they can go to Duolingo and practice their English.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Duolingo is the world's most popular way to learn a language. It's 100% free, fun and science-based. Practice online on duolingo.com or on the apps!

# data[].attributes.body
Storybird is a technology tool where students can create picture books, comics, poetry, and flash fiction.

I can use this tool and have the students create a book over what they learned from a specific topic. I can also use this tool to create a classroom book and each student would get a page to create

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Storybird - Read, write, discover, and share the books you’ll always remember.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Become a better writer with Storybird’s creativity tools. Online courses, challenges, and reader feedback will help you improve your writing.

# data[].attributes.body
Blooket is an online trivia and quiz game designed for students that aims to make learning more engaging through gamification.

I can use this tool design game-based learning sessions instead of just doing the generic worksheets.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Search and discover new sets from a large collection created by users.

# data[].attributes.body
ClassDojo is a school communication platform and classroom management tool that helps connect teachers, students, and families.

I can use this tool to track student behavior, facilitate communication between home and school, post announcements, or share projects and videos that the students have been working on.

# data[].attributes.body
Knowt is a technology tool that is essentially just like Quizlet but free. Quizzes, tests, bell ringers, study guides, assignments, and AI chatting can all be created on it

I can use this tool to help my ESL students. I can create notecards and study guides over the vocabulary that they are learning or they can create the notecards/study guides.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Trusted by 3 million students & teachers. Bring your Quizlets over and study them with unlimited learn mode, matching game & more! Get started now.

# data[].attributes.body
Quizalize is a tech tool that teachers can use to create and deliver engaging, interactive quizzes to students.

I can use this to turn assessments or homework into fun, engaging games that still obtain the information that I am looking for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teachers, log in with Google or your email and password.

# data[].attributes.body
Socrative is an interactive tech tool that engages students in assessments and learning activities.

I can use this to create and assign quizzes, polls, space races, and exit tickets for the students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Effortlessly assess and engage your students while visualizing learning progress in real-time with instant results.

# data[].attributes.body
Seesaw is a learning platform for elementary students that connects teachers, students, and families. It provides a digital portfolio, tools for interactive lessons, and communication features.

I can use this tool to keep parents updated on their child's learning and create fun, interactive lessons for my students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Seesaw creates a powerful learning loop between students, teachers, and families

# data[].attributes.body
Gimkit is a tool that allows teachers to create interactive review games that students can play in real time or at their own pace.

I can use this tool to engage students in fun review games before a quiz or test.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Gimkit is a game show for the classroom that requires knowledge, collaboration, and strategy to win. Get started for free!

# data[].attributes.body
Padlet is a technology tool that students can use to share content, collaborate with each other, and organize ideas.

I can use this tool as a differentiation tool; instead of having them write their answers out they can just answer on Padlet. I could also use it as a place for students to brainstorm different ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
Animoto is a technology tool that you can use to create video presentations or slideshows.

Instead of making a Google Slides presentation, students can use this to create a video presentation or they can use it to create a normal slideshow and then add voice-overs to it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Log in to your account to start creating videos.

# data[].attributes.body
Quillbot is an AI tool that includes a paraphraser, grammar checker, AI detector, translator, and more.

The main thing I would use this tool for is the summarizer option. I can take complex readings and summarize them for the students who would benefit from it. I can also use this tool to paraphrase longer paragraphs for my students who are slower readers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Paraphrasing Tool (Ad-Free and No Sign-up Required) - QuillBot AI

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
QuillBot’s AI-powered paraphraser helps students and professionals rewrite, edit, and change the tone of their text to improve clarity and comprehension.

# data[].attributes.body
Speechify is a tool that can take any written text and read it aloud to you.

I can use this tool with students who struggle at reading or who read very slowly. It would allow the students to worry less about reading and be able to focus more on the actual task they need to complete.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Speechify: Free Text to Speech & Voice Typing AI Assistant | 55M+ Users

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Speechify reads anything aloud to you. Listen to books, PDFs, or web pages anytime with natural voices. Try Speechify free.

# data[].attributes.body
Magic School AI is a tool that offers different tools to help teachers create lesson plans, rubrics, worksheets, choice boards, and more.

There are so many tools within Magic School, I can use them for anything. One thing I have enjoyed using it for is creating choice boards. Another cool feature it has is a text leveler so I can use that to adjust a reading section to a student's level.

# data[].attributes.body
MindMeister is a collaborative mind-mapping tool that allows students to visualize, share, and present their thoughts and ideas.

I was thinking that I could use this tool for students to "word vomit" on. Maybe we are starting a new topic and I want to know everything these know about it. Or I could use it after and have students write words/phrases that they think are important to the topic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Verifying you are human. This may take a few seconds.

# data[].attributes.body
Parlay is a tech tool that helps teachers create and facilitate meaningful, measurable, and inclusive classroom discussions.

I can use this tool to create written and verbal formative assessment discussions among the students. I can also use it to track which students do most of the talking during discussions and which students do not talk as much.

# data[].attributes.body
Mentimeter an interactive presentation, quiz, assessment, or survey where students can answer different questions or have discussions.

I can use this tool as a formative or summative assessment. I can create different questions that the students can answer to assess their knowledge on a topic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interact with your audience using real-time voting. No installations or downloads required - and it's free!

# data[].attributes.body
Edpuzzle is a tool that allows teachers to create interactive video lessons by embedding questions, voiceovers, and links directly into videos.

I can use this tool to turn a longer video into an engaging and interactive lesson by embedding different questions and discussion points.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Easily create beautiful interactive video lessons for your students you can integrate right into your LMS. Track students' progress with hassle-free analytics as you flip your classroom!

# data[].attributes.body
Teacher Interview with Jennifer Weber

# data[].attributes.body
Breakout EDU is a game-based learning tool that combines the excitement of escape rooms and what students are learning in the classroom.

If I am doing station rotations, Breakout EDU could be at one of the stations that the students do.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breakout EDU - Educational Games for the Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Breakout EDU gamifies learning to create an engaging and empowering experience for students of all grade levels.

# data[].attributes.body
GoNoodle is a way that teachers get students moving with short, fun, interactive activities.

I can use GoNoodle as a fun brain break if I notice that I am losing the students. It could be used as a reward such as the students get to do a GoNoodle if they all bring back their permission slips signed.

# data[].attributes.body
Quizzes is a tool where you can make formative and summative assessments more interactive and engaging. You can create assessments, quizzes, lessons, passages, flashcards, and interactive videos.

I can use this tool as a substitution for a written assessment. It can make learning more engaging and fun because the assessment is gamified. I can also use this tool to create flashcards for the students to study before a quiz/test.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wayground - The world's most engaging learning platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find and create gamified quizzes, lessons, presentations, and flashcards for students, employees, and everyone else. Get started for free!

# data[].attributes.body
Online Voice Recorder allows you to record yourself talking and you can save it to your computer.

I could use this tool to record myself explaining the instruction and then attach it to an assignment so the students could go back and listen to it if they forgot the instructions. The students could also record themselves talking as a form of formative assessment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online Voice Recorder - Record Voice from the Microphone

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Please allow access to your microphone to continue…

# data[].attributes.body
Book Creator is a fun tool to create many different types of books.

I can use this tool and have students create picture books or I can use it as a tool in my lessons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Book Creator - Love Learning - Book Creator app

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teachers love it. Students love it. Book Creator is the simplest, most inclusive way to create content in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Follow/Learn/Share - Different ideas and ways to use technology in the classroom

# data[].attributes.body
Pear Deck is a tool where you can use any already created PowerPoint or Google Slides to make interactive slides. You can also create formative assessments and have opportunities for student engagement.

Students could use this to create interactive slides for their peers as a performance task.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pear Deck is on a mission to help teachers create powerful learning moments for every student, every day - using the tools you already know and love.

# data[].attributes.body
Piktochart is a tool that lets you create visual content like infographics, presentations, resumes, and posters.

Students can use this tool to take notes or create group presentations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Log in and start using Piktochart’s templates and drag-and-drop editor to create stunning visuals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Log in and use Piktochart to create beautiful infographics, posters, reports, presentations, flyers, or social media graphics. No design experience needed

# data[].attributes.body
Prezi is a tool for creating interactive and collaborative presentations that can be used by either the teacher or the students.

Prezi could be used in the classroom if the students need to create a presentation, but I would like it to be interactive with their peers. It could also be shared between two classrooms and the students from both could work together to create something.

# data[].attributes.body
Canva is a teaching tool that students can create on, communicate on, and engage with different prompts on. There are options from brainstorming activities to social emotional learning activities.

I could have my students create storyboards, comic strips, or a story book as an option for a performance task.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teacher essentials - Canva Design School

# data[].attributes.body
Tech Lesson Plan #2

Students will be creating their own Prezi.

# data[].attributes.body
Gamma is an AI tool that can create any presentation for you.

I could use this to create a presentation over a certain topic that we are talking about in class. I would need to preview them and adjust before I show them to the students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gamma | Best AI Presentation Maker & Website Builder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Design stunning presentations, websites, and more with Gamma—your all-in-one AI-powered design partner. No code or design experience needed.

# data[].attributes.body
Kahoot is a fun tool that you can use to create study guides. You can also create a Kahoot via video for distance learning and student-paced challenges. Students can also create their own Kahoots for their friends to play.

Before a test or quiz, I can use Kahoot as a fun studying tool for the students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn – any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

# data[].attributes.body
Diffit is an AI tool that you can use to create materials for your students. You can create multiple question and short answer questions, open-ended prompts, vocabulary words, and visuals, or use it to make adaptive reading for lower/higher reading level students.

I could use this tool to make adaptive reading levels in my classroom. I could also use it to create quizzes or tests.

# data[].attributes.body
TPACK aka Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, is an approach that looks at what teachers know, how they teach, and how technology is used. How you teach and plan a lesson; a way of thinking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TPACK is the knowledge teachers use to integrate technology in their teaching. Each of the seven components of the TPACK framework are explained.

# data[].attributes.body
Nearpod is a presentation tool that can help you create interactive lessons for students. Some things that can be created on it are quizzes, slide shows, polls, and videos.

Students could use this to create interactive Google Slides to use as a presentation for an assignment. The students can also join a Nearpod lesson provided by the teacher to engage in different classroom activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Tech Lesson Plan #1

Students are using Padlet to answer questions.

# data[].attributes.body
The SAMR Model outlines best practices for implementing technology in the classroom. Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
SAMR is a framework developed by education researcher Dr. Ruben R. Puentedura that outlines best practices for implementing technology into the classroom.

The SAMR model specifically focuses on four tiers of tech integration: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition:

Substitution: Technology acts as a direct substitute, with no functional change.

Augmentation: Technology acts as a direct substitute, with functional improvement.

Modification: Technology allows for significant task redesign.

Redefinition: Technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable.

The SAMR model is intended to progress almost like a staircase or a ladder, with Substitution as the starting point and Redefinition as the end goal. Substitution and Augmentation are also referred to as Enhancement Stages, whereas Modification and Redefinition are the Transformation Stages.

One issue with viewing SAMR as a progression or a staircase is that sometimes Substitution is best for the assignment. Sometimes it just makes the most sense to use tech to replace a non-digital lesson, and there's no need for transformation.
Sometimes you just need to keep it simple. And that's okay.
In terms of Enhancement vs. Transformation Stages, I read this great analogy that breaks down the differences in a digestible way (pun, unfortunately, intended):

"Think of the difference between seasoning an old family recipe (Enhancement) and creating an entirely new, original dish (Transformation)."

Now that we've covered the SAMR model broadly, let's take a look at each of the stages, along with some examples.

Substitution

"Substitution" means replacing traditional assignments and activities with digital versions. The go-to example of "substitution" is having students complete digital worksheets, rather than printed ones.

Example: Students create science reports about cells in Google Docs.

Augmentation

"Augmentation" takes "substitution" up a notch, incorporating multimedia and interactive digital elements. Though the lesson is not too different than previously imagined, "augmentation" does allow for students to utilize and benefit from interactive digital elements.

Example: Students create science reports about cells in Google Docs, incorporating multimedia elements like videos and images.

Modification

Modification, as we previously covered, is a part of the Transformation portion of the SAMR model, meaning that this stage focuses more on redesigning a lesson. For many teachers, Modification looks like using a learning management system (LMS) to distribute, collect, grade, and provide feedback on assignments.

The Modification Stage can also consist of having students collaborate with each other.

Example: Students create science reports about cells in Google Docs and provide peer feedback using Comments. Students submit their work in Google Classroom, and teachers provide feedback using the rubric feature in Google Classroom.

Redefinition

Redefinition is all about completely reimagining a lesson with the use of technology. An example that is often discussed in the context of the SAMR model is taking a virtual field trip to a place students otherwise might not be able to visit: the Great Barrier Reef, Machu Picchu, or the Egyptian pyramids.

Example: Students are given the choice to select their preferred content creation tool, like Minecraft or Stop Motion Studio, to create a digital model of a cell. Students upload an image or video of their work to Padlet, and give each other feedback via comments. Students create their final reports in Google Docs, incorporating multimedia elements and peer feedback. Students submit their work in Google Classroom, and teachers provide feedback using the rubric feature in Google Classroom.

SAMR Model Benefits & Drawbacks

The SAMR model has its benefits, most of which, in my opinion, are tied to helping us examine and reflect on how our lessons integrate technology. The SAMR model prompts us to think about how we can improve our lessons and amplify learning through the use of technology.

For this reason, the SAMR model might work best as a framework for teachers to reflect on how technology is used, instead of relying on the model to design lessons and curriculum.

Another benefit is that the SAMR model also provides us with a shared language to discuss the role that technology plays in the classroom and in our lessons.

This model, however, does come with its criticism.

The biggest drawback that I notice is that the model seems to (whether inadvertently or not) emphasize technology over learning goals. In my mind, technology improvement or transformation isn't the priority when designing lessons.

Instead, I prefer to focus on learning goals first. Then, I try to find ways to embed technology into the lessons in order to amplify the content and actual learning that takes place to consequently meet those goals.

At the end of the day...

As a teacher of your students at your school, you are the expert. I'm not. The SAMR model might work well for you. It might not. Or, you might find that some parts work for you, and that's great too.

SAMR does remind us that we don't need to be, what one author calls, "app-tastic."

We don't need to use all of the tools, all of the apps, and all of the tech, all of the time.

We can be intentional with our use of technology. We can use a framework to guide us. And we can aim for transformation - for modification and redefinition - but we can keep it simple when we need to.

Thank You

If you are interested in learning more about the intersection of technology and pedagogy, next week we'll be discussing TPACK, another tech integration model that focuses more on content.

What do you think about the SAMR model? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at myedtechclassroom@gmail.com, DM me on Instagram @edtechclass, or leave a comment down below.

Resources

I used several resources when conducting research for this post. I am grateful for all the authors who have shared their wisdom with us online! I was inspired by the following posts:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All About SAMR: A Teacher's Guide to the SAMR Tech Integration Model

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SAMR is a framework developed by education researcher Dr. Ruben R. Puentedura that outlines best practices for implementing technology into the classroom. The SAMR model specifically focuses on four tiers of tech integration: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition: Substitution: Technology acts as a direct substitute, with no functional change.Augmentation: Technology acts as a direct substitute,...

# data[].attributes.body
Experiential Education is a hands-on form of learning that begins with a concrete experience. After solving a problem, students reflect on the process and are able to apply lessons more broadly to their lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By engaging in experiential learning, you can positively impact your life and the lives of those around you, while building confidence and character along the way.

A Look at Experiential Education

Understanding what experiential education is will be the first step of your journey. Simply put, experiential education is a way of framing the learning environment to focus on you, the learner. With experiential education, you become the lens through which all things are viewed. You take a pivotal role in shaping your learning environment, working either one-on-one or in groups to experience, problem-solve and analyze the ideas set before you.

As a broad methodology, experiential education doesn't conform to just one type of learning or one type of environment. In fact, experiential learning is effective in nearly all facets of life. It is applicable at K12 schools, colleges and universities, summer camps, work retreats, mental health programs, employer training facilities, substance abuse/addiction centers and many other settings.

The most common types of experiential education programs revolve around wilderness therapy, adventure education, corporate development training and classroom-based learning (primary, secondary and higher education).

Four Stages of Experiential Learning

Educational theorist David A. Kolb is credited with developing the Educational Learning Theory model, first published in 1984. There are four stages of learning in this model, and each one builds upon the previous in a holistic, well-balanced manner. Here are the four stages you will encounter in experiential learning:

1. Concrete Experience: In this first stage, the learner takes part in some type of activity, actively engaging with hands-on learning. It could be indoors, such as in a classroom or gymnasium, or it could be outdoors in an urban or rural setting. Regardless of the environment, the learner is encountering a new experience and actively absorbing new material.

2. Reflective Observation: During the second stage, the learner has completed the activity and now takes time to reflect back on the experience. Critical thinking does not occur at this stage. Rather, it is a time for observing what lies before and around the learner as a result of the activity.

3. Abstract Conceptualization: By the third stage, the learner has begun to think about the experience, to conceptualize a personal theory about what the experience meant or how it could be repeated (or modified).

4. Active Experimentation: In the final stage, the learner once again dives into an activity, applying the conceptualized theory to determine if the outcome is similar or different to what was first experienced. The learner will make decisions and problem-solve to determine how the best outcome could be achieved.

Key Principles of Experiential Education

Experiential education - the process used to achieve learning - involves several key principles that guide its overall approach.

Active learning, when the learner shapes the educational course through questions, experiments and creative thinking. The learner develops curiosity in all materials, taking time to solve problems and put forth conceptualized outcomes.

Learner initiative, when the onus is placed upon the learner for guiding the experience. It also means the learner takes responsibility for outcomes and will be held accountable for the successes and failures of each.

Holistic focus, when the learner's mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs are taken into consideration.

Personalized experience, when the learning results are unique to each learner. The personalized results will also guide future experiences and shape the way the learner chooses to engage with participants, educators and community members.

Nurtured relationships, when the learner deepens a connection and learns to encourage reciprocal benefits. The most common relationships are between learner and self, learner and acquaintances/family, and learner and society as a whole.

Joint value, when the learner and educator both gain from the experience. Some of this value focuses on the actual successes and failures, while other aspects focus on the degree of risk-taking and unknown outcomes.

Safe learning environment, when the educator devises an experience in which the learner is able to question, problem-solve and learn in a safe, stimulating environment. The educator is responsible for presenting the initial experience, leaving the learner to take hold of the reins from that point forward.

Unbiased approach, when the educator focuses solely on the learner and the learner's perspective, refraining as much as humanly possible from personal biases, presumptions and judgments.

Taken together, these principles help shape the experience for every learner and every educator in turn. Your journey is never one of isolation; rather, you'll find it is a joint venture in which all parties benefit and work in tandem to enhance their own lives and sense of purpose.

See also: Experiential Learning in The Classroom Infographic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is Experiential Education Infographic - e-Learning Infographics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By engaging in experiential learning, you can positively impact your life. With experiential education, you are the lens via which all things are viewed.

# data[].attributes.body
Google Slides, Sites, and Draw are all tools that students can use in the classroom.