2. Using Technology in the Classroom
"Effective integration of technology is achieved when students are able to
select technology tools to help them obtain information in a timely manner,
analyze and synthesize the information, and present it professionally. The
technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions --
as accessible as all other classroom tools." (National Educational Technology
Standards for Students, International Society for Technology in Education)
4. Examples of
Technology Usage
Within the
Classroom
• GOOGLE CLASSROOM
• EMAIL
• BLOGS
• SOCIAL MEDIA
• WEBQUESTS
• PODCASTS
• MULTIMEDIA
PRESENTATIONS
10. Conclusion
Other Technology Ideas
Ipod/Ipad Use for
books on tape and
podcasts
Television/Projecto
for videos
Ipods and speakers
for period and
cultural music
Smartboards
Drawing
tablets/analog
projectors
Smart Pens
11. Conclusion
Utilize
Utilize additional technological resources found in your library, around the
classroom, borrowed from other teachers, make requests purchased from
your budget, and even brought in from your home
Find Find Software programs and websites that promote lessons
Use Use classroom computers, 1 to 1 laptops, and handheld devices for
assignments, lessons, and to distribute information
12. References
AZCentral.com (ND). Retrieved from http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/put-writing-projector-screen-
13877.html
Edutopia, (2007). “What is Successful Technology Integration?” Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
Gradelink, (2016). “Six Top Tips for Managing Technology in the Classroom,” Retrieved from
https://www.gradelink.com/blog/6-top-tips-for-managing-technology-in-the-classroom
Powerup, (2018). “Conducting Research- Teach with Tech,” Retrieved from
https://powerupwhatworks.org/strategy-guide/conducting-research-teach-tech
TeachHub.com, (2017). 12 Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.teachhub.com/12-easy-ways-use-technology-your-classroom-even-technophobic-teachers
Editor's Notes
The importance of integrating technology can not be stressed enough. We are trying to create 21st century students within our classrooms. “When technology integration is at its best, a child or a teacher doesn't stop to think that he or she is using a technology tool -- it is second nature. And students are often more actively engaged in projects when technology tools are a seamless part of the learning process.” (Edutopia, 2007) Integrated technology is when educators become familiar with and utilize a variety of means of technology in order to enhance instruction.
When used effectively, technology can be a powerful extension to the learning process within the classroom. Such examples of this include:
-The accessibility of current information
-A more effective way to collect and record data
-An efficient means to collaborate and communicate inside and outside of the classroom
-The ability to express material knowledge through various means
-A valuable lesson planning tool which is capable of bringing exciting, new, and more effective lessons and activities into the classroom; this can also be said for assessments as well
(Edutopia, 2007)
This presentation is an example of using technology to convey instruction while building intrigue and promoting collaboration. This presentation is done via a website known as Slideshare. Slideshare is an interactive site that allows presenters and their audiences the opportunity to share and receive a large amount of information in a cohesive entertaining format. This format is easy to use and share, while still maintaining a professional and intriguing appearance. This application might work well for instructing or project sharing within your own classrooms.
The following tools enable students to use their classroom computers in a myriad of ways. Most of these usages are fairly simple to use and demonstrate. Additionally, most teachers are already very familiar with them. All of which can be used as activities to teach and assess students within the classroom. (TeachHub.com, 2017) (Retrieved from my own TCH505 presentation)
Understanding what technology to use, when to use it, and how to manage it are all aspects of technology integration that need to be considered. Most schools have Mobile Device Managers (MDM) worked into their wireless systems in order to help manage what students are using the internet for and how they are using it. Additionally, teachers could utilize the following techniques to help manage technology usage: Creating an electronics usage policy, creating nondisruptive consequences, walk around the room and get a visual of what the kids are doing with the technology, use spyware software in order to view the students’ computer screens from your own laptop, begin the actual assignment offline, use phrases to garner your student’s attention, and ensure students are accountable for work directly related to the time given. (Gradelink, 2016)
Group activities add a dynamic to the learning environment. It teaches a variety of skillsets to include social skills, problem solving, collaborating, work through differences, and the list goes on. So, being able to do this through technology use, just adds to the capabilities of learning. Technology can help students collaborate online through social websites and applications. There are also a variety of interactive group activities online that students can work together on. Depending on the access to technology, the following activities can be utilized via cooperative learning groups or students can work independently:
Inkle
Story Bird
Bubblr
Build Your Wild Self
Blabberize
Little Bird Tales
What If? Genie
Free Rice
Animoto
Boggle
One of the most valuable aspects of technology is its ability to help provide limitless amounts of information. This information, if validated, can provide the most up to date and abundance of information on any given topic, more so than any one textbook could ever provide. Understanding how to garner this information is an acquired skill set in and of itself. It is up to us as teachers to help our students retrieve, sort through, and utilize this information. This research is done via a process. “Inquiry-based process that involves identifying a question, gathering information, analyzing and evaluating evidence, drawing conclusions, and sharing the knowledge gained.” (Powerup, 2018)
Sometimes students have a hard time understanding the expectations of an assignment or assessment. Since assessments demonstrate standards acquisition, it is very important that students understand the intent of the assessment, the instructions, and the grading rubric. There are numerous lesson planning and assessment applications online that can assist students with these large projects during the school day and at home. Such communicating sites might include Google Classroom, Docs, and Slides. Online lesson plan applications might include such websites as Hot Chalk Lesson Plan Page, Pop Culture Lesson Plans, Discovery Education, Brainpop, and Teacherplanet. Collectively there are a plethora of lesson planning and collaborating sites available. It is important to play around with the various resources and see what works best for you, your students, and your overall intent.
What technology you use within your classrooms is dependent on the resources available. It is recommended that you do your research and see what resources are available through your library, community, other teachers, available to purchase in your budget, and might be laying around your house.
If you are limited to one computer in your classroom and you don’t have access to other computers via the school library or computer lab, you can still have students do projects via the computer. Look at doing a group project where the various groups take turns using the computer for researching, compiling, and presenting their project. While one group is on the computer the other groups can be doing another activity or a different part of the project. Additionally, one computer can still generate movies or videos through the use of a projector. And teachers can still research lesson plans and new activities.
If you have multiple computers in your classroom, students can do group projects or individual projects if they work through stations. Multiple computers offer a world of opportunity to include researching, lesson planning, online activities, and collaborative means.
Hand-held devices such as cell phones and Ipods might work in a classroom setting if monitored and utilized effectively. They can be a huge distraction if their usage isn’t managed. These devices can be used as an online book, podcast tool, social media forum, educational gaming, and means of creating graphics and videos.
Ipad, tablets, and laptops can be used in much the same way that phones or ipods are used. Except, due to increased storage and function capabilities, their use is broader.
There is technology everywhere. We can look in our libraries, at home, fellow teachers classrooms. BE CREATIVE!! (AZCentral.com, ND) (Retrieved from my own TCH505 presentation)
In conclusion, do not be afraid to integrate technology into your classroom. It is much easier than you think. You can use the concept UFU (Use, Find, Utilize) to help you come up with ideas to incorporate technology. Use classroom computers, 1 to 1 laptops, and handheld devices for assignments, lessons, and to distribute information. Find Software programs and websites that promote lessons. Utilize additional technological resources found in your library, around the classroom, borrowed from other teachers, make requests purchased from your budget, and even brought in from your home. (Retrieved from my own TCH505 presentation) This integration will promote a greater understanding of material on top of helping you mold 21st century students within your classroom.