Digital tools in a digital age
Technology is evolving at such a fast rate. Sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the latest gizmos, gadgets and apps. My advice would be to S-L-O-W down! Yes, there are new technologies being released everyday, however, it doesn't mean you will get left behind if you haven't heard of them from the get-go. My advice would be start slow. Digital tools should enhance your classroom practice by promoting student engagement, critical thinking as well as imagination and creativity. You do not need to incorporate the use of ICT into everything you do. Only incorporate digital technologies where you see potential for enhance teaching and learning. If you are scared of technology or afraid you won't use it correctly, then start with baby steps. One digital tool at a time. Perhaps, you learn to use and master one app in the classroom for dedicated literacy time, then move on to more complex projects. The idea is go at your own pace but to always experiment. We encourage our students to take risks don't we? Then we should too!
WHAT YOU WANT STUDENTS TO DO WITH TECHNOLOGY?
I love the image below. It also reminds of a really great blog post by George Curous; The Unfair World and the Low Bar - http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3902
Please read it as it links nicely to the image below.
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/plugusin/9223386478/
Please read it as it links nicely to the image below.
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/plugusin/9223386478/
Getting started in a tech savvy world
Here is a short Prezi that showcase three easy to use, digital tools that you can start using in your classrooms today!
THE SAMR MODEL
The SAMR model helps educators better integrate technology into the classroom. The model was created by Dr. Ruben Puentudura. There are four levels to the model as shown below. You can read more about the SAMR model here: I find the model self-explanatory. There are some technologies that enhance learning and others that transform it altogether. Click on the picture below or links listed above to find out more.
The SAMR Model in 120 seconds
Easy Apps to get you started
1. Take running records with your iPad!
This is another running record app
3. SOCRATIVE: Socrative lets you easily quiz students in real time from their iPads or iPod touches. All the data is collated and sent to you in an email report. You get to see live results as you go. You can beam these from your ipad to your IWB so kids can see the tally of responses as you complete the quiz (Kind of like 'ask the audience' in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire")
6. A list of iPad apps classified according to the SAMR model
ICT INTEGRATION Website
The button below will take you to a website that gives you some background into why we integrate ICT into our classrooms, how to do it and also some general food for thought on the matter.
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2. Classroom Behaviour Management - CLASS DOJO
I can not rave enough about this software. I'd strongly encourage you to have a play with it and read the information on the website. This tool allows you to set your own behaviour standards (e.g. out of chair, calling out etc...) and add or remove points based on behaviour. Then all the students points are collated into a graph and can be emailed to parents at the click of a button! 4. Technically, this isn't an app. It's a website that will take you to a list of the top 5 teacher management apps. Go off and explore!
5. If you haven't started using Google.docs yet, then do yourself a favour and start learning how! Here are 22 Useful Google Doc forms for Teachers and Principal's to get you started....
7. Thing Link: The possibilities are endless here! This software allows you to choose a background picture, e.g. map of Australia, and students can "pin" different facts, websites, videos etc... to the image. This is a new one I found and I absolutely love it!
8. Padlet (formerly 'Wallwisher'). This is a virtual "wall" where students can use virtual post it notes to list ideas, brainstorm etc...
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