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Technology in the Classroom for Tech Beginners
Technology in the Classroomfor Tech Beginners
How is it relevant to education?
• Technology provides a way to make school more engaging and to differentiate instruction.
• Today’s students have grown up in a digital world – it is a disservice to make them to power down at school.
What does the research say?
• Effective instructional practices and effective technology use go hand-in-hand [Pitler, et al, 2007; Moersch]
• Technology increases student engagement and advances 21st century skills.
5 Myths
1. Newer teachers who have greater access to technology are more likely to use technology frequently for instruction.
2. Only high-achieving students benefit from using technology.3. Because students today are comfortable with technology,
teachers’ use of technology is less important to student learning.
4. Teachers and administrators have shared understandings about classroom technology use and 21st century skills.
5. Teachers feel well prepared to effectively integrate technology and to foster 21st century skills.
[Grunwald & Assoc., 2010]
LoTi
Used with permission of LoTi Inc. www.loticonnection.com
Level 0
Non-use
No tech use
Level 1
Awareness
Teacher-centered, productivity
Level 2
Explora-tion
Teacher-centered, student use is for lower level cognition
Level 3
Infusion
Teacher-centered, student use includes higher order thinking
Level 4
Integration
Student-centered, student use includes real-world, applied learning
Level 5
Refine-ment
Student-centered, student use includes collabora-tion with outside experts
Level 6
Expansion
Student-centered with ubiquitous access
Hardware: For Teachers
• Must haves:– Laptop/desktop– LCD projector
• Most important things are careful planning + great content!
Hardware: For Students
• Two or three computers are enough!• Labs aren’t always the best way to integrate.• Can use a random assortment of devices
effectively (new/old, desktop/mobile, etc.)– Inexpensive options: netbooks,
iPods, digital cameras– Location is important:
in classroom; spread around
• Headphones
Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom
• To present
• To practice
• To communicate
• To differentiate
Technology to Present
• Hardware: – Digital projector– Document cameras– Interactive whiteboards
• Software– Presentation (e.g. PPT)– Multimedia– Hands on work for students
• Skills practice• Writing• Reading• Research
Teacher Presentation
Kids at the Board
Wireless Tablets or Keyboards
Technology to Practice
• Skills drill
• Games
• Reading
• Writing
• Virtual manipulatives
• Simulations
• Multimedia creation
Writing Multimedia Poetry
Technology to Communicate
• Electronic newsletters
• Classroom web site
• Blogs
• Social networks, e.g. Facebook
• Student projects
Classroom Websites
• What is on your classroom website?
• Who is it for?
Interviewing and making podcasts
Technology to Differentiate
• Classroom stations
• Multimedia
• Graphic organizers
• Student options– Learning resources for different levels,
learning styles, interests, etc.– Projects, process, and assessment
Technology for PD
• Teleconferencing
• Webinars
• Virtual conferences
• Online communities– Content area associations– Classroom 2.0
Tips for Success
• Start with curriculum goals
• Focus on substantial projects not (fun) busy work
• Don’t use technology as a reward.
• Technology should be a regular part of the classroom, not a special thing done occasionally.
Classroom Management
• Avoid whole class technology activities
• Don’t teach technology skills as a separate topic
• Teach media literacy
• Emphasize file management
• Rotate students through stations
• Encourage collaboration and cooperation → teamwork
• Encourage independence– Use checklists– Post help tips– Assign student tech helpers– Standardize on a way to ask for help (e.g.
cups)
• Be flexible and always have a “Plan B”
Don't fear the technology.
- Rob Baxter
Whatever technology you're using, explore. Go through all the menus. Look for articles that explain it. Try to use it in real situations.
- Brad Emerson
The kids will figure it out much faster than you – for them, it's an innate skill.
- Stephanie MinorTake it one step or concept at a time. Don’t try to do it all - try to do one thing well.
- Don Watson
Make sure you know WHY you are using the technology. Don't just use technology for the sake of using technology. Consider what you want the students to learn first.
- Penny Arnold
It's never about the tool - it's about learning. Focus on teaching/learning and fit the tool to your needs. Not vice versa.
- @DataDiva
You can't break the Internet. Play around bravely.
- @AndersonGL
Pick 1 thing to learn first, brainstorm and develop multiple ways to use it for self & classroom.
- @bonitadee
Join twitter :)
- @TheHomeworkDog
What is one idea from today that you can take back
to your classroom?
Questions and comments
Karen Fasimpaur
email: [email protected]
Twitter: @kfasimpaur
Thank you!
Image credits: Slide 1 – Lisa Thumann; Slide 2 - pollyalida and fdecomite; Slide 8 - Kenn W. Kiser; Slide 9 – J. Durham; Slide 11 – Todd Fishburn; Slide 12 – JeanbaptisteM; Slide 13 – Pablo Garcia
