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!

Technology Helps Students with Special Needs

This week, I decided to expand my search to all technology in the classroom. From my years as an educator, I know firsthand how beneficial different types of technology can be for students with disabilities. This week, I read a couple of different articles but really enjoyed one about a college student in Indiana who is legally blind.  Sylvia, the student in the article describes her challenges in college, even though she graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class.  She talked about the assistive technology she used ranging from braille to voice input software.

It brings me joy as a teacher to see all students succeed, despite the obstacles that stand in their way.  Programs like voice input software make a huge difference in the education of many students.  I am thinking back to my last post about podcasts and how they have changed education and it just makes me think how podcasts can other audio tools can be used in the classroom to better the education of all learners.  My goal is to educate myself on many different tools and resources that can be used in my classroom so that I can give my students the best education possible.

Technology helps students with learning disabilities excel in the college classroom