I first learned about the Triple E Framework through ISTE. A new book, Learning First, Technology Second, was being published about a framework…my ears perked up. The geeky tech coach that I am, collector of technology frameworks, was interested. I had a chance to meet Liz Kolb, the author of the book and the primary researcher behind the Triple E Framework at a book signing. I read the book as part of a book study and realized that this framework was going to be a great tool for me to use with teachers.
For those of you who are new to our series, as a coach, I use frameworks as a tool to communicate concepts with teachers. I tend to vary the framework of reference depending on the teacher, the focus of our work together and the instructional needs in their classroom. Additionally, there are frameworks like TPACK that I might use when discussing something with another coach, but not necessarily when talking with teachers.
I was really impressed with the Triple E Framework, and the conversations that it could facilitate with teachers and I decided to host my own book study here at TeachersFirst. There are a number of concepts that we’ve been discussing that have changed the way we are looking at lessons and lesson planning. For example co-use of technology. Co-use – or using technology together – adds a social component as a factor in the learning process. Students – or a student and an adult – have the opportunity to discuss and clarify what is happening as they use the technology together. This adds to both the engagement in the activity as well as facilitates peer-to-peer learning. A few of our participants have submitted explainer videos on the concept of co-use. You can see them here.
Beyond a discussion of what true engagement is, the Triple E Framework can be used to remind us that technology should be used to ENHANCE our curricular goals and EXTEND student learning beyond the classroom walls. Many times I have had a teacher come to me excited about a new tool with an expectation that I can help get it implemented. With the Triple E framework, we can have a discussion to determine if the tool should be used and how it supports existing objectives or provides additional opportunities for engagement.
Are you interested in learning more about the Triple E Framework? Here are some resources for you:
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