Technology Benefits All

I read a few of the different articles that popped up in my feed this week but I am choosing to focus on one entitled “Why Integrating Technology In The Classroom Can Better Connect Parents, Teachers, And Students”.  The title drew me in because it is important to remember that a strong connection between teachers, students, and their parents really has an impact on the success of the student.  Teachers can only do so much for the students in class; we need the support and reinforcement on the home front, as well.

One of my favorite lines from the article reads, “Technology cannot solve every challenge in education, but smart technological solutions improve communications, strengthen collaboration, and deliver results.”  Yes! We are all about technology and all it can do for us but we need to remember, it is not going to solve every problem in education. Yes, we should utilize it to its fullest potential but we need to remember how to communicate and function without it.  

The article points out how we can use technology to gather immediate data and provide fast enrichment and remediation if needed.  This is definitely a big plus and takes a lot of the guesswork out of things for teachers.  Technology can also provide immediate feedback for parents as well, to keep them in the loop as to how their child is doing in school.

I personally really enjoy using messaging with parents on a group platform. It keeps everyone updated on the latest news and activities in my classroom and I have heard so many times from the parents how much they appreciate it as well.

Why Integrating Technology In The Classroom Can Better Connect Parents, Teachers, And Students

Does the Word ‘Teacher’ Still Describe What Educators Do in the Classroom?

An article that popped up on my alerts this week really sparked my attention.  It is entitled Does the Word ‘Teacher’ Still Describe What Educators Do in the Classroom?  Just the title alone got me thinking about how many roles the teacher does, in fact, play in the classroom.  Lately, I have heard the term “classroom facilitator” be used a lot when it comes to teachers.  Yes, we teach our students but we are also facilitating while they explore with technology or other resources, in a way teaching themselves. 

            The article mentions an author by the name of Heidi Williams who states, “teaching practice has changed and the expectations put on teachers are vast, noting that they are expected to pre-assess to gauge where students are beginning from, learn multiple technology tools, differentiate their instruction, finding out students’ interests and habits, personalize their instruction and ensure continued growth (Abamu 2017).” I obviously know the demands that a teacher faces because I am a teacher.  It is challenging because when your class, you have to find a way to teach every student in that class and meet each of them at whatever level they are on.

            I started to reflect on how we have to alter our teaching methods and strategies to meet out ELL students.  When we have them use all of this wonderful technology and resources that we are learning about, part of our job is in fact facilitating and monitoring their usage and progress.  There is no doubt in my mind that as time goes on and we have more exposure to different tools, our roles as teachers will continue to change.

Does the Word ‘Teacher’ Still Describe What Educators Do in the Classroom?

3 Shifts in the Use of Ed Tech

I think the article I focused on this week really focused on a lot of the topics we are covering in this course, as well as from some of the other courses I have taken in the last couple semesters. The main idea was focusing on the three shifts in the world of educational technology.

The first shift is from delivery to exploration.  We want our to students to not only be technology consumers, but also designers and builders.  Giving our students the opportunity to explore with their technology and see all that is out there for them is truly special.  Students are more likely to stay engaged and interested with the technology when they have some time to dive into it at their own level.

The second shift the article mentioned was from “one size fits all” to personalized. I read this and thought YES!  We are working to create Personalized Learning Environments for our students.  Children learn in all different ways and at all different rates. We cannot have the same expectations for all of our students.  ESL and ELL students need that personalization so much there are so many apps, programs, and software available these days that we need to take advantage of.

The last shift the article mentions is “from access for the few to closing the equity gap”. How important is that?! All students should have the same opportunities in education no matter what their background or socioeconomic status.  It is a blessing to see students in poor, inner-city schools having the same opportunities as children in suburban school districts with higher income families.  The move to make educational experience more equal across the board is so important and it’s refreshing to see it being taken seriously in so many areas.

3 Shifts in the Use of Ed Tech

Classroom Technology Boosts Engagement

This week, an article came up in my alerts about how classroom technology has boosted engagement in the classroom.  As a teacher myself, I have seen firsthand how SmartBoards, tablets, and other types of technology have changed the atmosphere of the classroom.

            The article I read is focused around Rome and Floyd County Schools and how they view Chromebooks and iPads as instructional tools that encourage teacher and students collaboration.  The schools in these counties are using the free Google tools in the G Suite for Education, like the Calendar, Docs, and Drive. Tools such as these are easy for students to use and keep the class connected on all levels since they can be accessed and worked on from any location.  The schools also use programs like code.org to teach coding and computer skills to students.

            One concern that was mentioned in this article is the generation gap between the students and the teachers. I have seen great teachers retire because they were overwhelmed by all the changes coming about with technology, which is unfortunate.  The schools are using a program called Level Up to train teachers on the new technology and educational programs and apps. I think that is a good idea because you want all teachers to be on board.

            From an ESL/ELL standpoint, I think it is wonderful that schools are using new tools and technology to benefit their students.  We have seen how different apps and programs benefit ELL students because they offer such a unique experience. I would hope that schools all over the country, and the world, willingly take part in this educational shift towards technology so that all students can have this experience.

Classroom Technology Boosts Engagement

A little something extra!

I had already made my post for this week, but I expanded my Google Alerts a little bit and wanted to share one more good article that made its way to me.

It is entitled  Mass. House votes to scrap ‘one size fits all’ ELL teaching.  I didn't even have to read to whole article before I thought, "Awesome!"  The Mass. House of Representatives passed a bill with a 151-2 vote giving schools districts more flexibility when teaching students with ELL needs.  Teachers and administrators are recognizing the different levels of their learners and seeing that a "one size fits all" mentality just does not meet the needs of the students anymore.  I'm hoping that great successes like this will continue to happen in the world of education and continue to open doors for our country's students. Check it out.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Classrooms of the future

“The classroom of the future is nothing like you remember from school.”  Well, isn’t that the truth?  I am only 27 and even I can tell you that classrooms today are nothing like my classrooms when I was in elementary and middle school.  I read this fascinating article about the classrooms that we can expect to see in the future.  Kyle Bowen, the director or education technology and Penn State University recently met with leaders of several educational institutions from Australia to show them some innovative learning spaces he has used around PSU’s campus. 

            Bowen states,  “What we want to do is design experiences and not spaces. To think about the outcome first and then design spaces around that.”  Bowen has been working to create all different types of learning spaces, all with different purposes.  Features of the room include a floor that invites students to sit on it, posture-improving chairs that encourage students to “lean in” to conversation, 3D printers, and virtual reality spaces.

            Just by looking at the pictures in this article, it makes me want to walk into a classroom like this and explore! 

Classrooms of the future!