How to use Technology in the Classroom Donald Tran Grace Wilday Junior H.S. 8 th Grade Life Science Teacher Room 1018

The truth about technology Concern: we didn’t use technology in the classroom when I went to school and I learned well that way. Why the change? Response: technology is an inseparable reality of college, work, and life. Smart phones, laptops, tablets, and internet proficiency are or will be job requirements in the near future.

The truth about technology Concern: teaching my child is more complex than giving computerized tests and focusing on data collection. Response: technology allows a teacher to tailor material to the individual learner and data is a key component of that individualization.

The truth about technology Concern: technology just makes life more complicated and some tasks can be accomplished more effectively using the “old” methods. Response: technology is not meant to complicate schoolwork, but rather give it greater depth and allow the educator and student to gain an even better understanding of concepts.

How technology can be effective Allows collaboration of students with their peers, as well as with the teacher Allows students to practice integrating essential technologies into their projects and assignments Allows students to view content in a different format than just lecture and note taking Allows students to study and rehearse materials in a way that is easier for the student Allows students to receive real-time feedback on assignments Allows the teacher to collect data before making decisions

Edmodo Allows collaboration of students with their peers, as well as with the teacher – Similar to a facebook page or “timeline” – Allows students to view each others’ opinions and create class discussions beyond the physical walls of the classroom and outside of the limited about of class time – Allows the teacher to oversee all activities, for posts to stay private to just students in the class, and allows parents to have access as well

How to use Edmodo effectively Step 1: Hook students in with an essential or thought provoking question Step 2: Post the question that is to be discussed Step 3: Wait for responses/insights from students Step 4: Review responses and highlight particularly intriguing viewpoints

Edmodo Step 1: hook Curriculum standard: Develop and use evidence-based criteria to determine if an unfamiliar object is living or nonliving. ASIMO (advanced step in innovative mobility) Question: what makes ASIMO nonliving vs. a human which is considered living?

Edmodo Step 2: post the question

Edmodo Step 3: wait for responses

Edmodo Step 4: highlight responses Breathe: do trees breathe? Are they living? Consume energy: ASIMO consumes energy through a battery pack, is it living? Have organs: bacteria cells do not have organs, are they living?

Videos Allow students to practice integrating essential technologies (digital videography) into their projects and assignments – Use a camera and video “tape” an assignment rather than make it a writing response – Allows students to experience how technology can be used to make information more exciting for the audience, as well as make it more fun to do!

How to use videos effectively Step 1: Introduce the project and how video would be helpful Step 2: Write it, practice it, film it Step 3: Post it, view it, comment on it – Edmodo – Secure, can only be viewed by classmates

Youtube Allows students to view content in a different format than just lecture and note taking – As important as “real” network television – Can be as useless as reality television – Can be even more helpful than public service announcements (PBS) or science channels (discovery) – More interactive and audio/visual than listening to the teacher talk

How to use YouTube effectively Step 1: Screen for videos that are helpful! Step 2: Post them in an organized way (class website) Step 3: Ask students to view videos and discuss during class Step 4: Post supplemental videos for extra help and-multimedia html and-multimedia html

Study Stack Allows students to study and rehearse materials in a way that is easier for the student – Online version of flashcards – Digital format allows easy studying and no wasted time/paper to create – Gives students multiple ways to review/rehearse

How to use Study Stack effectively Step 1: teacher creates flashcards Step 2: post link to allow students to access Step 3: ask students to practice Step 4: allow students to choose other practice games

Quizlet Allows students to receive real-time feedback on assignments – Similar to Study Stack – Allows students to take a test/quiz and have it graded immediately in real-time – Gives students a chance to personally tailor study to focus on concepts that are the most difficult

How to use Quizlet effectively Step 1: teacher creates questions Step 2: post link to allow students to access Step 3: ask students to practice and receive feedback/grade Step 4: allow students to practice until they can improve their score

Google Allows the teacher to collect data before making decisions – Easy and free way to collect data on students – Can make teaching decisions based on data – Can group students based on data – Can reflect on data at multiple times throughout the year

How to use Google effectively Step 1: teacher creates an assignment on google docs or google forms Step 2: post link to allow students to access Step 3: collect data Step 4: make decisions based on data

Your turn to practice! Use your laptop to complete the google form Watch Mr. Tran analyze the data- immediately! WL- YmZM_44VK1QZEG9lW8b6099QTUEM0fC_1d 6JI9c/edit#gid= WL- YmZM_44VK1QZEG9lW8b6099QTUEM0fC_1d 6JI9c/edit#gid= See examples of how this data could be used

Questions? Donald Tran MrTranScience.Weebly.com “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” – Bill GatesBill Gates