What are the steps to designing effective educational technology experiences using the TIP model?

1 Relative advantage

The first step of the TIP model is to identify the relative advantage of using educational technology for a specific learning goal. Relative advantage refers to the benefits that technology can offer compared to traditional methods, such as increased motivation, engagement, differentiation, collaboration, feedback, or creativity. To identify the relative advantage, you need to ask yourself how technology can help you address the needs, interests, and abilities of your students, and how it can support the content, skills, and processes you want them to learn. You also need to consider the costs and challenges of using technology, such as access, compatibility, reliability, and ethical issues.

2 Objectives and assessments

The second step of the TIP model is to decide on the objectives and assessments for your educational technology experience. Objectives are the specific and measurable outcomes that you want your students to achieve by the end of the experience. Assessments are the tools and methods that you use to measure and evaluate your students' progress and performance. To decide on the objectives and assessments, you need to align them with the relative advantage of using technology, and with the standards and curriculum of your subject area. You also need to ensure that your objectives and assessments are clear, realistic, and relevant for your students.

3 Integration strategies

The third step of the TIP model is to design the integration strategies for your educational technology experience. Integration strategies are the instructional methods and activities that you use to deliver your content and engage your students with technology. To design the integration strategies, you need to select the appropriate technology tools and resources that match your objectives, assessments, and relative advantage. You also need to plan how to use technology in a meaningful and interactive way, such as through inquiry, problem-solving, exploration, or creation. You also need to consider how to scaffold and support your students' learning with technology, such as through modeling, guidance, feedback, or collaboration.

4 Instructional environment

The fourth and final step of the TIP model is to prepare the instructional environment for your educational technology experience. Instructional environment refers to the physical, social, and emotional conditions that affect your students' learning with technology. To prepare the instructional environment, you need to ensure that you have the necessary equipment, materials, and infrastructure to implement your integration strategies. You also need to establish the norms, rules, and expectations for using technology in your classroom, such as safety, etiquette, responsibility, and accountability. You also need to monitor and adjust your instruction based on your students' responses, feedback, and outcomes.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?