Technology... is it actually making your school better? I am lucky enough that I work almost full-time in a classroom, and then I spend the other part of my time working with implementing technology into schools. At least this is lucky for you as I have not only experienced poor technological decisions in the classroom, but I have often been the reason those choices were made in the first place! Talk about a double-whammy!
I can think of a few simple guidelines that can make technology something that is useful in your school, but a lot of it has to do with mindset rather than the technology itself. Read on for my tips!
I can think of a few simple guidelines that can make technology something that is useful in your school, but a lot of it has to do with mindset rather than the technology itself. Read on for my tips!
Decide What You Want.
Technology is simply a tool to get what you want. Sometimes people jump on the latest fads (One to One Laptops for all! One to One Netbooks for all! iPads for all!) only to realize it isn't getting them what they want. Decide what the long-term goals for your students are... for example, I would like -
-An increase in basic mathematical fact skills
-Student-Led Documentation of scientific observations and inferences
-Easier assessment for me
Some other possibilities are -
-Increased student independence
-Cheaper assistive technology devices
-Growth in student literacy
-Digital Storytelling
Your ultimate goal will guide the rest of your choices.
Technology is simply a tool to get what you want. Sometimes people jump on the latest fads (One to One Laptops for all! One to One Netbooks for all! iPads for all!) only to realize it isn't getting them what they want. Decide what the long-term goals for your students are... for example, I would like -
-An increase in basic mathematical fact skills
-Student-Led Documentation of scientific observations and inferences
-Easier assessment for me
Some other possibilities are -
-Increased student independence
-Cheaper assistive technology devices
-Growth in student literacy
-Digital Storytelling
Your ultimate goal will guide the rest of your choices.
Figure Out What Tools You Have and What Tools You Want.
Make a list of all of the technological tools you have in the school. Do not underestimate the value of any tools. I personally have a pretend laptop that cost me $19.99 and asks kids basic questions about math facts and spelling. It has become a great center for literacy time that the kids love. We also have SmartBoards and iPad carts in the school. Include everything you have access to using!
My school has worked hard to get grants and sponsorship for technology, so don't feel bad if you don't have as much as we do. Here is a list of what I have access to as a classroom teacher:
What I want:
Make a list of all of the technological tools you have in the school. Do not underestimate the value of any tools. I personally have a pretend laptop that cost me $19.99 and asks kids basic questions about math facts and spelling. It has become a great center for literacy time that the kids love. We also have SmartBoards and iPad carts in the school. Include everything you have access to using!
My school has worked hard to get grants and sponsorship for technology, so don't feel bad if you don't have as much as we do. Here is a list of what I have access to as a classroom teacher:
- A SmartBoard
- Computer Lab (36 desktops)
- Laptop (for teacher use)
- 2 student desktops in the classroom
- Access to digital cameras (3)
- Pretend Laptop
- 13 iPads for regular access (not daily, but probably once a week)
- Smart Senteo Devices (aka my Clickers!)
- My own Android tablet
What I want:
- More digital cameras!!! At least one for every 3-4 kids plus one for me, so I would say around 10 would be perfect.
Just Because isn't a Good Reason.
In the Elementary classroom you should never use technology "Just Because". So many teachers jump on the technology bandwagon only to discover that their results aren't jumping like they want them to, and some of the "old-school" teachers are still kicking butt. Want to know why? It is because they are using technology just to prove they are 21st Century Teachers.Reset your perspective. Here is the number one rule: Only Use Technology If It Gets You What You Want!Look back at your What You Want Goals. Evaluate if your tech-time is spent working towards those goals or are you just trying to make things more modern and fun while impressing your administrators. Let's go back to mine:
1. An increase in basic mathematical fact skills
A portion of my computer lab time is spent on mathematical lessons. My students do a lesson on MangaHigh or TenMarks. Seriously, check them out. They are beyond awesome and mostly free!
When they finish their lesson, they can have "Free Time". Free time in my class means SumDog. SumDog is a multiplayer game where students practice basic facts that are customized to their mathematical level. Kids love it, I love it, everyone's happy!
2. Student-Led Documentation of scientific observations and inferences
This I haven't necessarily accomplished yet, but I am working towards it. Next year with the iPads I plan on taking my students for a lot more Field Studies where they can take photographs and videos on what they learned. I will keep you updated on how this goes!
3. Easier Assessment Here is how assessment frequently went in my classroom. I assign a performance task and give two weeks to work on it. During those two weeks half of my class shows up every day and the other half are there sometimes, if at all. Out of the half that are there, some refuse to do it at all. Some complete it, and then rip it up because they don't like it in the end. Afterwards I end up with 5 assignments to mark, 5 that are markable but ripped, 5 that are partially done, and 10 kids that haven't finished anything that is worth marking.So then we get to the test. Say I have 25 students. 5 end up being removed for cheating. Another 5 throw a tantrum, rip up their test, topple a desk and storm out of the classroom. 5 need help reading and writing. 5 leave it blank but pretend to write stuff so I don't notice and 5 complete it well. I end up with limited assessment data.As you can probably guess, assessment was hell in my classroom. It took a long time to move past the above situations... I still have them occur occasionally, but after working on my students attitudes it has certainly lessened.Another way I have worked around it is through technological assessment: I use math programs to gather some math marks, I use Senteos for tests, and I allow collaboration.
In the Elementary classroom you should never use technology "Just Because". So many teachers jump on the technology bandwagon only to discover that their results aren't jumping like they want them to, and some of the "old-school" teachers are still kicking butt. Want to know why? It is because they are using technology just to prove they are 21st Century Teachers.Reset your perspective. Here is the number one rule: Only Use Technology If It Gets You What You Want!Look back at your What You Want Goals. Evaluate if your tech-time is spent working towards those goals or are you just trying to make things more modern and fun while impressing your administrators. Let's go back to mine:
1. An increase in basic mathematical fact skills
A portion of my computer lab time is spent on mathematical lessons. My students do a lesson on MangaHigh or TenMarks. Seriously, check them out. They are beyond awesome and mostly free!
When they finish their lesson, they can have "Free Time". Free time in my class means SumDog. SumDog is a multiplayer game where students practice basic facts that are customized to their mathematical level. Kids love it, I love it, everyone's happy!
2. Student-Led Documentation of scientific observations and inferences
This I haven't necessarily accomplished yet, but I am working towards it. Next year with the iPads I plan on taking my students for a lot more Field Studies where they can take photographs and videos on what they learned. I will keep you updated on how this goes!
3. Easier Assessment Here is how assessment frequently went in my classroom. I assign a performance task and give two weeks to work on it. During those two weeks half of my class shows up every day and the other half are there sometimes, if at all. Out of the half that are there, some refuse to do it at all. Some complete it, and then rip it up because they don't like it in the end. Afterwards I end up with 5 assignments to mark, 5 that are markable but ripped, 5 that are partially done, and 10 kids that haven't finished anything that is worth marking.So then we get to the test. Say I have 25 students. 5 end up being removed for cheating. Another 5 throw a tantrum, rip up their test, topple a desk and storm out of the classroom. 5 need help reading and writing. 5 leave it blank but pretend to write stuff so I don't notice and 5 complete it well. I end up with limited assessment data.As you can probably guess, assessment was hell in my classroom. It took a long time to move past the above situations... I still have them occur occasionally, but after working on my students attitudes it has certainly lessened.Another way I have worked around it is through technological assessment: I use math programs to gather some math marks, I use Senteos for tests, and I allow collaboration.
Tech-Time isn't Fun-Time.
Classroom Vignette:
New Kid: Do we get free time today in computers?
My Class: Free Time? This is school, Mrs. Teacher doesn't believe in Free Time, She Believes in Hard Work.
Does this make me sound a little bit like that horrible, mean teacher? Probably. At the beginning of the year I began to drill into my students that free time had no place in school. School was a job, and it was a job that led to bigger and better jobs so you could one day afford bigger and better free time.
One of the most important pieces of ensuring a successful technology program is teaching students that technology is a tool for learning, not a tool for fun. Sometimes learning can be fun (hopefully it is always fun!), but it isn't for games. If you can't get this through to the kids, they will never be able to go on computers, iPads, use digital cameras or do anything with technology responsibly.
I'll be honest. I do let my kids use tech for fun, but I was sure to wait until after they realized that wasn't the point. Make sure your kids are working towards what you want just as much as you are.
Classroom Vignette:
New Kid: Do we get free time today in computers?
My Class: Free Time? This is school, Mrs. Teacher doesn't believe in Free Time, She Believes in Hard Work.
Does this make me sound a little bit like that horrible, mean teacher? Probably. At the beginning of the year I began to drill into my students that free time had no place in school. School was a job, and it was a job that led to bigger and better jobs so you could one day afford bigger and better free time.
One of the most important pieces of ensuring a successful technology program is teaching students that technology is a tool for learning, not a tool for fun. Sometimes learning can be fun (hopefully it is always fun!), but it isn't for games. If you can't get this through to the kids, they will never be able to go on computers, iPads, use digital cameras or do anything with technology responsibly.
I'll be honest. I do let my kids use tech for fun, but I was sure to wait until after they realized that wasn't the point. Make sure your kids are working towards what you want just as much as you are.
Steps for a Successful Technology Program
1. Decide What You Want to Accomplish in Your School or Classroom.
2. Figure out What Technology Tools You Have available and what you need to Buy.
3. Never Use Your Technology Tools Unless it is Working Towards Your Goals.
4. Change the Mindset of your Students - Technology is a Tool for Learning, not for Break-time.
1. Decide What You Want to Accomplish in Your School or Classroom.
2. Figure out What Technology Tools You Have available and what you need to Buy.
3. Never Use Your Technology Tools Unless it is Working Towards Your Goals.
4. Change the Mindset of your Students - Technology is a Tool for Learning, not for Break-time.