Case Study: Digital storytelling in Argentina

Let me present you with the Wiki of a school in Argentina. The coordinator together with the teachers have decided to leave coursebooks aside and to design materials that uit their students interests. Their curriculum includes analyzing and commenting on famous art works, filming themselves, going out to the streets and taking pictures of different graffitis
and againg making a video sharing what they liked best, and the one I shared with you here, the recreation of parts of "A midsummer night's dream", by Shakeapeare.
Obviously this teacher applies both the SAMR and TPK models, because she not only presents students with activities that will create learning in a way that could not be achieved without the use of technology, but also, she makes it fit softly, without pushing or presenting technology just because.
Would you dare do what she has? Would you leave your coursebooks aside and make your own materials in a way learning is actually meaningful and motiviting for your students?

The SAMR Model

 Have a look at this vey interesting flow chart:

It shows the different steps from substituting pen and paper for the computer to actually create learning from technology quite easy... But why isn't it like that in real life? In my opinion, teachers should attend courses where they are trained on how to use important IT tools that can help them on a daily basis as well as understand how meaningful this change can be in their lessons.
According to what Hornby says in her blog it is important to take into account several aspects before planning a class or using a tool in the class, like analyzing if the use of technology adds value, if it gives students something extra, and most important if the students will benefit from it.
In my experience, by using EDMODO, students feel the classroom is always open, they can post questions or get material at all times and, as opposed to e-mails, all the information is there for everyone. They can hand in their homework and get it back without having to wait until our next meeting. Another advantage is for students who are absent, they can check what we have covered in class and see videos we have seen in class. In a way it substitutes, but in others, the use of the tool is essential to keep us connected and on the same page.

What do you think? Do you think it is possible for Argentinean teachers to teach through computers?