During the past 8 weeks, we were challenged to look on how we can use technology for student collaboration.  The best part of a challenge of this nature is being "forced" to take a critical look at what we do inside our respective classroom.  As stated in previous posts, I am a PE teacher, and the opportunities to use collaborative technology isn't something that is an easy fit.  Luckily, I also teach a Sports Medicine class and between the two, I was able to find natural places to use collaborative technology.  For any teacher, it starts with the difficult task of changing what they have done, what has been routine.

Classes like this then allows teachers the ability, the confidence, and the environment to make that switch.  Hopefully, a giant boulder doesn't come crashing down, but if it does, we have the ability to adjust. 
During these 8 weeks, I was able to do a couple changes to my curriculum (PE and Sports Medicine) that, I feel, increased collaboration, increased technology, and allowed students in a non-traditional way.
Artifact #1: 
Sports medicine is full of a lot of vocabulary, medical terminology.  Instead of having students use traditional methods (note taking) for vocab, I created a collaborative, interactive assignment.  Students were placed into a group of 4-5 per group and then given 4-5 vocab terms.  They had to work together and create a video and then share that with all the groups.  Their video had to define the word and use it in the correct context and had to be more than someone standing up talking.  Basically, make it more fun than I can. They could use whatever sources they want and create any digital project.  Most of them created short videos and then used WeVideo to edit.

Artifact #2: 
Teaching freshman boys is always an experience.  Getting them to talk (about what I want them to), well, that's an adventure.  I used FlipGrid to start them having conversations and being able to listen to what others have to say.  While it was the free version of Flipgrid, it worked great.  I would post a question and then they would have to go answer it.  We are 1:1 at my school, so they would bring their chrome books into the weight room.  We would start our workout and take a quick 10 min pause to answer the flipgrid, and then start working out again. 

All in all, don't be afraid to make mistakes, don't be afraid to make a switch.  The biggest suggestion, make sure it's a simple change and it "fits" your curriculum.  Don't try to make your curriculum fit technology.  Just have to find the right balance.

Technology in the Classroom

It seems that technology is here to stay...it's not a fad. :)   Kind of crazy to think about how quickly things have progressed over the last 5 years. Many more schools are now 1:1 and if not they have access to classroom carts.  Walking your class down to the computer lab seems less of a common action for most schools.  When looking at technology trends in education, there are many different avenues to explore.  Is the school 1:1? Google classroom? Chrome Books? Ipads? Personal devices?  The best advice that I have heard is let the curriculum dictate the technology, don't let the technology dictate the curriculum.  I feel that education has put the cart before the horse in terms of technology.  In a rush to "use it" we have failed to know why we are using it and are alienating expierenced teachers that didn't grow-up in a technological age.  While educational technology is trending up, we need to cautiously wade into the waters, allow teachers, students, parents, administrators to fully understand the capabilities.  We need to prepare our students, but also our teachers.  Here are some shallow end of the pool technology pieces that can be used for most classrooms.

www.padlet.com
Great for class collaboration.  Think of it as a virtual sticky board/cork-board.  Allows video uploads, links, etc.  Downside, need classroom access to internet, projector.
www.kahoot.com
Great way to review for test/quizzes.  Can do survey's as well.  Need at least 1 computer to run program, projector screen, students can use their own devices (app) or even share and make it a team game.
www.plickers.com
great low tech way to have some fun.  you can buy plicker cards that kids hold up that dictates there answer. teacher uses Ipad or smartphone to scan the room.