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.
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI love the "let the curriculum dictate the technology, don't let the technology dictate the curriculum" comment. So many times I have looked for a way to incorporate the tech piece rather than looking for a way to make the lesson run smoother through technology. For me the key has been to let the students take the lead in some activities and give them technology as a choice and not a mandate. The more my class has open access the easier it seems to be to let them enjoy and learn from the tech. Love using kahoot with the kids, but haven't ever tried plickers. I'll look into it!
I love technology and became a digital leader for my department when they rolled out the chrome books at the HS. However, I feel we are pressured in using technology because it was given to us and it stress teachers out.
DeleteI haven't used Plickers either. My wife teaches HS Health in a different district and they are not 1:1. She found plickers because it allowed her to do things w/o the tech. She downloaded the answer cards and printed on heavy card-stock and then laminated. She brings in her iPad to scan the class. So, it's a nice alternative to Kahoot.
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we need continue to improve professional development for integrating technology. One day here and there just isn't enough, we need it to be ongoing and consistent so that we can effectively implement best practices with technology rather than just giving it a try and seeing how it goes.
When the HS rolled out Chrome, it was crazy. Here is an 8 hour day to get you comfortable using something that NO one had ever used before. I joined the DLI program so i had some more opportunities to have that professional development. Classes like this are important as well.
DeleteLove the title of your blog! Yes, I can definitely relate that rolling out 1:1 was a bit overwhelming. We want our students to be engaged in their learning but also don't want them on the Chromebook "just because". I am extremely grateful that we have the Chromebooks and it makes life a bit easier rather than fighting over devices, but it seemed a bit backwards to eliminate the TIS position. I feel the roll out would have been more successful with additional support. With that said, I am learning so much as an educator and my students have more of a voice in what they learn and how they learn it. Thanks for sharing the links!
ReplyDelete