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Technology integration should be purposeful. That very simple statement is at the heart of the 4 Shifts Protocol. When we use digital technologies for learning and teaching, those uses should be intentional and targeted and not simply ‘tech for tech’s sake.’ We continually ask the question, ‘Technology for the purpose of what?’ With that in mind, we set out to create a template of questions that would allow educators to think critically – and purposefully – about their technology integration and other instructional (re)design goals.

• Learning Goals. Who selected what is being learned?
• Learning Activity. Who selected how it is being learned?
• Assessment of Learning. Who selected how students demonstrate their knowledge and skills and how that will be assessed?
• Work Time. During the lesson/unit, who is the primary driver of the work time?
• Technology Usage. Who is the primary user of the technology?

For so long the education system as been primarily factual recall. Low-level procedure knowledge. We are suffering from information overload. Low-level knowledge work is 80-85 percent of what students do and is not developing critical thinking, analyzing, doing, thinking, making, interacting, collaborating, communicating, and problem-solving. Working on real-world problems gives them self-direction, self-autonomy, and self-choice and empowers them. That can be more easily done with technology. When we give students the opportunity and tools to excel they will!