Technology
A great educator which I had the pleasure to work with at Makuhari International School gave me the inspiration to go out of my comfort zone and start learning and appreciating the use of Integrated Technology and how to effectively use it within the classroom. Sean Thompson thank you .
The integration of technology in my classroom is an important aspect with the daily life of my learners. Because technology has become such an integral part of society, it is necessary to integrate its use in education in a variety of ways. The use of computer technology has moved beyond computer-assisted instruction in the form of tutorials or drill and practice. Today's technology can provide my students and me with opportunities for teaching and learning that were impossible in the past. Computers can be used as devices for communicating with people literally a world apart. They can be used as tools to create instructional materials or as presentation devices to provide information in ways never before possible.
In my eyes there are three advantages having technology in the classroom:
• I should use technology in my classroom because its wide range of uses and forms has the potential to reach students of all learning styles, as well as be more efficient.
• The interest and motivation that technology induces in my students makes its usage in schools important.
• I better prepare my students for the future when using technology aimed at addressing each learning style.
Using several types of technology in one lesson can help all my students understand initially, alleviating many of the questions that students will have later, as well as lessening the times I must repeat concepts to those who did not comprehend them the first time. The simple fact that if my students are exposed to technology they will be more comfortable with it later in life is only one of the many reasons to use it in and I hope this will better prepare them for the future. Technology in the classroom helps develop important skills. Firstly, in business, the ubiquity of computers makes understanding how to use them essential. The use of technology can help enhance information processing skills. The ability to locate information, distinguish the important from the unimportant, think critically, work effectively in groups and present information in many types of media are all aided by the use of computers in the classroom. Also technology helps my students develop a better attitude, improves confidence and improves writing skills when it is used in my classroom. As a teacher it improves my lessons, enhances my curriculum, provides visualisation in a variety of forms so all learners can benefit from it, gives me increased flexibility of presenting information and can demonstration complex concepts. The process of learning in my classroom can become significantly richer as students have access to new and different types of information, can manipulate it on the computer through graphic displays or controlled experiments in ways never before possible, and can communicate their results and conclusions in a variety of media to me, students in the next classroom, or students around the world. Basic skills can be used very effectively for students learning basic reading and math skills. As a teacher technology can assist instruction I can drill students on specific topics for which they need extra help, such as long division or spelling. Since students are able to control their own pace at which they proceed through their exercises, they are neither held back nor left behind by their peers.
As an instructional tool, technology helps all my students--including students with learning disabilities--master basic and advanced skills required for the world of work. As an assessment tool, technology yields meaningful information, on demand, about students' progress and accomplishments and provides a medium for its storage. As a motivational tool, technology positively impacts student attitudes toward learning, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Improve their computer skills
Technology helped me improve my classroom practice by expanding my opportunities for training and by fostering collegial work with other teachers and professionals. But for all this to be possibly training and a school that believes technology can enhance learning is essential.
In my eyes there are three advantages having technology in the classroom:
• I should use technology in my classroom because its wide range of uses and forms has the potential to reach students of all learning styles, as well as be more efficient.
• The interest and motivation that technology induces in my students makes its usage in schools important.
• I better prepare my students for the future when using technology aimed at addressing each learning style.
Using several types of technology in one lesson can help all my students understand initially, alleviating many of the questions that students will have later, as well as lessening the times I must repeat concepts to those who did not comprehend them the first time. The simple fact that if my students are exposed to technology they will be more comfortable with it later in life is only one of the many reasons to use it in and I hope this will better prepare them for the future. Technology in the classroom helps develop important skills. Firstly, in business, the ubiquity of computers makes understanding how to use them essential. The use of technology can help enhance information processing skills. The ability to locate information, distinguish the important from the unimportant, think critically, work effectively in groups and present information in many types of media are all aided by the use of computers in the classroom. Also technology helps my students develop a better attitude, improves confidence and improves writing skills when it is used in my classroom. As a teacher it improves my lessons, enhances my curriculum, provides visualisation in a variety of forms so all learners can benefit from it, gives me increased flexibility of presenting information and can demonstration complex concepts. The process of learning in my classroom can become significantly richer as students have access to new and different types of information, can manipulate it on the computer through graphic displays or controlled experiments in ways never before possible, and can communicate their results and conclusions in a variety of media to me, students in the next classroom, or students around the world. Basic skills can be used very effectively for students learning basic reading and math skills. As a teacher technology can assist instruction I can drill students on specific topics for which they need extra help, such as long division or spelling. Since students are able to control their own pace at which they proceed through their exercises, they are neither held back nor left behind by their peers.
As an instructional tool, technology helps all my students--including students with learning disabilities--master basic and advanced skills required for the world of work. As an assessment tool, technology yields meaningful information, on demand, about students' progress and accomplishments and provides a medium for its storage. As a motivational tool, technology positively impacts student attitudes toward learning, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Improve their computer skills
Technology helped me improve my classroom practice by expanding my opportunities for training and by fostering collegial work with other teachers and professionals. But for all this to be possibly training and a school that believes technology can enhance learning is essential.
Technology With the Classroom
When technology is integrated in my classroom and is done seamless and thoughtful, students not only become more engaged, they begin to take more control over their own learning. Effective technology integration changes classroom dynamics and encourages student-centered project-based learning. When I’m using technology in my classroom I need to firstly think about how I’m using technology with my students. Am I employing technology daily in the classroom, using a variety of tools to complete assignments and create projects that show a deep understanding of content? The first step for me to successful integrate technology is to recognising the change that may need to happen inside of myself and in my approach to teaching. When I bring technology into my classroom, I will no longer be the centre of attention. The level of refocused attention will, of course, depend on the amount and the type of technology (e.g., mobile device, e-reader, laptop, interactive whiteboard) being brought into my classroom. However, this does not mean that I’m no longer essential to the learning process. While students may be surrounded by technology at home, it is dangerous to assume that they know how to use it for learning, most students still need a guide to help them use digital tools effectively for learning and collaboration. What skills are applied to nearly all tools (e.g., saving a file, naming a file, finding a file, logging in and out of accounts)? Have your students mastered these basic skills?
When thinking about Tech integration, I must firstly consider these important aspects within my personal/school ethos.
• How many different tools will you introduce this year? How many is too many?
• What is the budget like, can we share resources can we fund raise or get sponsorship.
• How will technology help our students better understand content -- will it push them to a deeper understanding that could not have been achieved without technology?
• What level of integration do we want in our classroom by the end of the school year? What specific steps must you take to achieve that goal? What is a realistic goal based on time and resources?
• Do we have an ICT department that can train teachers, so they can best enhance students learning.
• Hold an introductory session with my students when introducing a new tool.
• Use the tool myself first before putting your students in front of it.
• Have a plan for collecting student work.
• Communicate with other colleagues that may want to use the resources as well.
• Manage time with the resources wisely. Set goals for work completion with my students.
• Communicate with my administration about how and when I will be using shared technology.
• Teach students about the proper user of ICT and what they can and can’t do i.e. social media and the negative impact it can have on students. Of course, what we teach and how we teach it depend on grade level. I probably wouldn't teach first graders about the details of copyright law, but I might teach them what kinds of information are safe or unsafe to share online.
If my class has an interactive whiteboard and projector these are some useful forms of integration:
• Try interactive websites such as BrainPOP or Brainbashers.
• Dig in to Scholastic's whiteboard activities page.
• Show online videos related to the lessons.
• Explore Virtual Math Manipulative.
• Check out the native software that came with the board.
• Use the videoconferencing tool Skype to connect beyond the classroom.
• Use handwriting programs such as Nelson English.
If there is only one computer in my room:
• Assign one student to be the class scribe and take notes.
• Start a collaborative class blog.
• Try Voicethread, a collaborative multimedia conversation tool.
• Let students access review or intervention materials on a rotating schedule.
• Build a Google Site to house class content.
• Encourage skills practice, research, or the creation of collaborative stories using Google Docs.
• Record Screencasts for providing onscreen instruction.
• Find more free resources and ideas from other teaching sites.
If I have a pod of three to five computers in the classroom or access to a library with a pod of computers:
• Encourage individual student blogging using Kidblog.
• Have students create digital stories using Voicethread.
• Explore student-created multimedia presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, LibreOffice, Prezi, or Google Docs.
• Use Edmodo, Schoology, or Moodle to manage course content, assignments, and assessments.
• Get the students to create cartoons using ToonDoo.
• Have students make videos using Windows Movie Maker, Animoto or iMovie.
• Build websites with students using Weebly, Wikispaces or Mahara.
If I have access to a laptop cart or a computer lab:
• Enable students to work through course content at their own pace through the use of screencasts, e-books, and other digital media.
• Use Poll Everywhere or Socrative to poll students.
• Start live class discussions with TodaysMeet.
• Explore enhanced digital note taking with Evernote.
If I have access to a handful of mobile devices:
• Have students create videos using the Animoto app
• Record group discussions using a voice recording app.
• Have students record themselves reading aloud for fluency checks.
• Assign student-created comics using the Puppet Pals app.
• Offer e-books for required readings.
• Upload and access course content using the Edmodo or Schoology apps.
• Conduct research.
• Foster skills practice using apps specific to subject area.
• Collaborate using apps like Whiteboard.
• Using Learning Games to help independence and Collaborative Skills
• Use sites like Have Fun Teaching to help create ideas.
It doesn't matter what my comfort level is with technology in my classroom without a continuous professional-development plan, I will never be as effective as I can be. For integration of technology a comprehensive plan for professional development is essential for all teachers. Often, this technology sits unused or underused. If a teacher is in a situation where technology has been "thrown" at them with no professional development, just be thankful for the new tool(s) that you have at your fingertips, and then do your best to learn about how they can transform and improve your teaching and have a positive effect on student learning. You can do this either on your own or by asking for help from your colleagues, mentors, or professional learning community.
Since it's clear that tech integration is here to stay, it is not a question of how I integrate technology into my classrooms, but rather how to do it best. By taking small steps, I can begin to reap the benefits that technology can bring to my teaching and to my students learning. However, even with limited access, with careful planning, some risk taking, and an open mind, I can successfully use technology to enhance my teaching and bring learning to life for my students.
When thinking about Tech integration, I must firstly consider these important aspects within my personal/school ethos.
• How many different tools will you introduce this year? How many is too many?
• What is the budget like, can we share resources can we fund raise or get sponsorship.
• How will technology help our students better understand content -- will it push them to a deeper understanding that could not have been achieved without technology?
• What level of integration do we want in our classroom by the end of the school year? What specific steps must you take to achieve that goal? What is a realistic goal based on time and resources?
• Do we have an ICT department that can train teachers, so they can best enhance students learning.
• Hold an introductory session with my students when introducing a new tool.
• Use the tool myself first before putting your students in front of it.
• Have a plan for collecting student work.
• Communicate with other colleagues that may want to use the resources as well.
• Manage time with the resources wisely. Set goals for work completion with my students.
• Communicate with my administration about how and when I will be using shared technology.
• Teach students about the proper user of ICT and what they can and can’t do i.e. social media and the negative impact it can have on students. Of course, what we teach and how we teach it depend on grade level. I probably wouldn't teach first graders about the details of copyright law, but I might teach them what kinds of information are safe or unsafe to share online.
If my class has an interactive whiteboard and projector these are some useful forms of integration:
• Try interactive websites such as BrainPOP or Brainbashers.
• Dig in to Scholastic's whiteboard activities page.
• Show online videos related to the lessons.
• Explore Virtual Math Manipulative.
• Check out the native software that came with the board.
• Use the videoconferencing tool Skype to connect beyond the classroom.
• Use handwriting programs such as Nelson English.
If there is only one computer in my room:
• Assign one student to be the class scribe and take notes.
• Start a collaborative class blog.
• Try Voicethread, a collaborative multimedia conversation tool.
• Let students access review or intervention materials on a rotating schedule.
• Build a Google Site to house class content.
• Encourage skills practice, research, or the creation of collaborative stories using Google Docs.
• Record Screencasts for providing onscreen instruction.
• Find more free resources and ideas from other teaching sites.
If I have a pod of three to five computers in the classroom or access to a library with a pod of computers:
• Encourage individual student blogging using Kidblog.
• Have students create digital stories using Voicethread.
• Explore student-created multimedia presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, LibreOffice, Prezi, or Google Docs.
• Use Edmodo, Schoology, or Moodle to manage course content, assignments, and assessments.
• Get the students to create cartoons using ToonDoo.
• Have students make videos using Windows Movie Maker, Animoto or iMovie.
• Build websites with students using Weebly, Wikispaces or Mahara.
If I have access to a laptop cart or a computer lab:
• Enable students to work through course content at their own pace through the use of screencasts, e-books, and other digital media.
• Use Poll Everywhere or Socrative to poll students.
• Start live class discussions with TodaysMeet.
• Explore enhanced digital note taking with Evernote.
If I have access to a handful of mobile devices:
• Have students create videos using the Animoto app
• Record group discussions using a voice recording app.
• Have students record themselves reading aloud for fluency checks.
• Assign student-created comics using the Puppet Pals app.
• Offer e-books for required readings.
• Upload and access course content using the Edmodo or Schoology apps.
• Conduct research.
• Foster skills practice using apps specific to subject area.
• Collaborate using apps like Whiteboard.
• Using Learning Games to help independence and Collaborative Skills
• Use sites like Have Fun Teaching to help create ideas.
It doesn't matter what my comfort level is with technology in my classroom without a continuous professional-development plan, I will never be as effective as I can be. For integration of technology a comprehensive plan for professional development is essential for all teachers. Often, this technology sits unused or underused. If a teacher is in a situation where technology has been "thrown" at them with no professional development, just be thankful for the new tool(s) that you have at your fingertips, and then do your best to learn about how they can transform and improve your teaching and have a positive effect on student learning. You can do this either on your own or by asking for help from your colleagues, mentors, or professional learning community.
Since it's clear that tech integration is here to stay, it is not a question of how I integrate technology into my classrooms, but rather how to do it best. By taking small steps, I can begin to reap the benefits that technology can bring to my teaching and to my students learning. However, even with limited access, with careful planning, some risk taking, and an open mind, I can successfully use technology to enhance my teaching and bring learning to life for my students.