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Engage, Enhance, & Extend Learning Goals

The Triple E Framework is used to measure how well technology tools are integrated into lessons with a focus on the learning goals rather than the technology tools. It was developed in 2011 by professor Liz Kolb and explained in her book Learning First, Technology Second. Below are resources to help you learn more about this framework which highlights engagement in and enhancement and extension of learning goals. 

Grades K-12

OK2Ask Archive: Transform Your Lesson Plans with Triple E & TeachersFirst Part 2

Enhance your understanding of the Triple E Framework with this recording of a recent webinar. You will learn about the Triple E rubric and strategies and tools to help evaluate the effectiveness of the technology you use to meet student learning goals.

Grades K-12

Twitter Chat: Engage, Enhance, Extend: Creating Authentic Lessons

Explore this Twitter chat archive to learn about the main components of the Triple E Framework. Find great tools and resources to integrate technology into your lessons while keeping the focus on learning goals.

Engage in Learning Goals

Engaging students in learning goes beyond just an interest in the content and leads students toward motivating them to become part of the learning process. Selecting the right technology allows students to focus on the task of the assignment or activity with less distraction. Here are two tools to assist with student engagement.

Grades 1-12

Quizlet

Create virtual flashcards (with read-to-you options), play learn-and-review games, and take practice tests. Use Quizlet to engage students with little distraction and with interactives that motivate them to be active learners.

Grades 4-12

Semantris

Semantris offers word association games. This tool for engagement allows for opportunities using different instructional strategies, different answers based on student thinking, and motivation by offering a variety of activity options for students.

Enhance Learning Goals

Enhancement occurs when the technology goes beyond replacing a traditional method of instruction and begins to add value in ways that traditional (non tech) tools cannot. The technology may be more personalized and helps students to have a deeper understanding of the content, often by scaffolding the learning of concepts and ideas. Below are two examples of tools to enhance learning.

Grades 6-12

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Virtual field trips offer a great opportunity for the learning to become more personalized and relatable to the individual learner. At this site, students visit Mount Vernon virtually, adding value beyond simply viewing images in a textbook.

Grades K-12

EdPuzzle

Leverage EdPuzzle to make content easier to understand. This tool allows you to add voice or text comments and questions to existing video as digital scaffolds.

Extend Learning Goals

Extending the learning refers to the ability for students to relate through real-world connections. The technology may create opportunities for students to learn outside of their typical school day, create a bridge between school learning and everyday life experiences, or allow students to build life skills that they can use in their future. Three such tools are shared below.

Grades 2-12

Banzai!

Learn financial literacy with these simulations, interactives, and "choose-your-own-adventure" style situations. This tool encourages students (ages 8+) to build bridges between school and life, plus build skills to use in their everyday lives.

Grades 1-12

UTellStory

Extend the learning goals with this multi-media tool that allows you to create and share stories with audio, images, videos, and words. Sharing with the UTellStory community allows for real-world collaboration options such as working with another class.

Grades K-12

Google Drawings

Collaborate and connect with Google Drawings. Use the various tools to add shapes, lines, text, and more. Use the share option to allow others to edit. Having your students share with a community provides additional opportunities for extended learning.

This Week at TeachersFirst

Our winter OK2Ask® virtual workshops continue this Tuesday March 10th with Digital Storytelling 201. We also highlight a blog post focused on the Triple E Framework. And finally, we kindly ask you to share your thoughts in our weekly poll.