Interdisciplinary teaching and learning are strengthened through the use of technology, and the ability of digital tools to connect different learning environments required for different disciplines.
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Technology—it’s all around us. When we say we want to integrate technology into the classroom, what do we mean? Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to that question. We will discuss simple and transformative ways to start integrating tech into your classroom. The role of educational technology is to promote, assist, and support you as an educator and engage your learners. Keep these ideas in mind, and you can make technology work for you and your learners.
Computers are great technology tools, but does every learner have access to one? Most aren’t lucky enough to be in a school with a 1-to-1 program, so how do you ensure that all learners benefit from tech integration? Other options are economical to purchase or already exist at your school, such as mobile devices, student-polling devices (clickers), digital/flip cameras, interactive whiteboards, projectors, document cameras, or televisions with DVDs video-streaming capabilities.
The latest tech toy displayed at last year’s conference wowed us all, but what tech is right for you and your learners? First, take a look at what you already have. Are you using it to its full advantage? If you have a Learning Management System, capabilities such as journaling, blogging, or flipping the classroom may already be available to you. Do you have computers, interactive whiteboards, tablets, or video-conferencing equipment collecting dust? Start by integrating these tools into your teaching plans. Start small. Even little changes can make a big difference.
Once you’ve taken stock, ask yourself if you’re comfortable using these tools. Will you need to help your learners learn to use them? If you’re not comfortable using the technology, don’t use it in the classroom. A lack of confidence often means that the tech may be little more than a distraction. The reality in most schools is that you will have to train yourself to use the technology. But don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues or search for support on the internet. Many products have useful websites that can help.
Collaborate with others using the internet. Utilize websites, conferences, workshops, and your peers to exchange ideas and share stories about what has and has not worked. Resources include:
Don’t be afraid to involve your learners. Have them research different technology-based projects or present a topic using tech tools such as SchoolTube, Prezi, or VoiceThread. You may be surprised at how creative your learners are. Some may have less experience or access to technology—be prepared to spend time with these learners. You may be able to group them with more tech-savvy learners. However you support these learners, they mustn’t become anxious about using technology.
Say what? Isn’t this post about how to integrate tech? Yes, but tech has the greatest impact when used appropriately, not simply because it exists. Take the desired learning outcomes into account and recognize which technology will work best for each situation. Sometimes simpler is better. You are still the educator. If using sticky notes for brainstorming is better for your learners than an online tool, then use sticky notes.
Technology does not make you irrelevant. Technology does not replace the educator; it simply gives you more options (email, web conferencing, blogs, etc.) to facilitate learning. Be specific when you give tasks, and include detailed instructions and timelines.
To integrate tech in the classroom effectively, you must be an active facilitator, give explicit expectations, and foster interaction and communication. If technology is to have a positive impact on learning, it can’t be an afterthought—you must integrate with the understanding that it’s a part of your teaching plan, not an add-on. Over the next few weeks, think of ways to use technology in your classroom. Start with a single project. You may be surprised how easy it is once you’ve done a little planning.
Special thanks for contributions provided by Jo Kenney of A Pass Educational Group.
Storytelling is an important skill for kids to develop while at school. It’s a soft skill that will help them think more creatively, give more compelling presentations, and develop greater confidence. There are many engaging digital platforms that you can use in the classroom to stimulate your learners’ creativity in innovative ways. We have compiled our top five tools for telling stories with technology.
iMovie, Apple’s free editing software, takes the intimidation out of video-making and editing. Learners can import videos filmed on their phones or camera devices and begin editing straight away with the program’s simple interface.
Learners can make creative movies and presentations and turn assignments into documentaries. It is easy to edit the clips by adding titles, transitions, music, effects and performing basic colour correction and quality enhancements.
Being such a widely used product means a robust community also provides tips, tricks, and advice on making videos. Check out Apple’s manual, iOS guides, and the O’Reilly iMovie manual.
Storybird is a web-based application that allows learners to write a story to picture books. They have subverted the storytelling process and developed a tool to get learners thinking creatively. Storybird hosts batches of images featuring characters interacting and doing various things – like making a mess when eating – for learners to put words to.
Storybird is a great way to teach writing skills to younger learners and challenge older learners’ creative and storytelling skills. The platform is highly visual, easy to use, and has specific account types for educators.
Pages is a great example of how the traditional barriers to publishing are being broken down and handed to people in intuitive platforms that promote the production of high-quality content. Apple believes in the quality of Pages enough to enable people to publish the books they have created in the Apple Books store and generate a profit from their work.
However, let’s slow down for a second. What can learners do with it? Well, it’s as easy as putting together a PowerPoint presentation. With its simple click-and-drag style functionality, learners can turn their reports and assignments into books, create stories, and even create a class textbook to use as a study tool. They can insert pictures, videos, graphics and embed web widgets to make their books interactive and engaging. They can then share the final product online to create a timeless resource for their peers.
Action Movie FX is a little more fun. Still, the iOS app also serves as a case study for how easy making engaging videos has become over the last few years.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most grown-up, responsible men went through a period in their childhood when they dreamed they were the stars in their own action movie, which is exactly what Action Movie FX does. The app uses the iPhone camera to shoot video. You can easily add effects like missiles, tornadoes, lightning strikes, falling rocks and machine gunfire.
So this is one for the older kids. Still, it is nonetheless an excellent way for learners to get comfortable with making videos and have fun with this app.
A standard laptop computer comes with all required to make a podcast, barring downloading a new piece of software. Once you have your microphone and recording program, you’re ready to join the audio platform that acts as the radio of the 21st Century. Learners can turn assignments into documentaries and presentations into talk shows on this versatile medium. They can even record musical performances or recreate radio dramas and comedies of days gone by. To create podcasts in the classroom, simply:
So, it’s time to get creating in the classroom! Making movies, podcasts, magazines, and books are substantially easier than ever. It’s an excellent way to teach storytelling and vital digital literacy skills. You may even inspire a learner on the way.