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The decision to utilize technology in class can be hindered by a few major barriers. Mainly, the teachers comfort level with various forms of technology. Is the teacher comfortable with the technology enough to explain it to students? Can the teacher understand how certain types of technology can be applied to the classroom? Is the teacher confident enough to admit that he or she does not know everything and willing to learn from others, including students?
Once the teacher has the confidence in the technology, another major barrier is the technology that is or is not available to the teacher and students on a daily basis. Sure a computer lab is fine, but limited use of technology like this changes the teaching style and expectations from the lesson. Comparing one PBL lesson from a teacher at New Tech High, where there is a 1-1 student/computer ratio, and that of a Vintage High School teacher, where students do not have laptops (so far) is going to yield a different experience for the students.
This section is geared toward the teacher who has limited technology at his or her disposal. Some of the ideas given are more applicable for high school students mainly because it involves a smart phone with internet access, but most are things that any teacher with a computer and projector can use.
Once the teacher has the confidence in the technology, another major barrier is the technology that is or is not available to the teacher and students on a daily basis. Sure a computer lab is fine, but limited use of technology like this changes the teaching style and expectations from the lesson. Comparing one PBL lesson from a teacher at New Tech High, where there is a 1-1 student/computer ratio, and that of a Vintage High School teacher, where students do not have laptops (so far) is going to yield a different experience for the students.
This section is geared toward the teacher who has limited technology at his or her disposal. Some of the ideas given are more applicable for high school students mainly because it involves a smart phone with internet access, but most are things that any teacher with a computer and projector can use.
Technology used in classSmart phone
Google Earth app (smart phone)
QR reader (smart phone)
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How/why it was usedBe it an iPhone, Android device, or any other smart phone that is internet accessible, I started my school year by arranging groups based on who does and who does not have a smart phone. Asking a question and having students research it on their phone as a group, followed by group discussion, is a common occurrence in my classes without having to run to the computer lab.
Edmodo is Facebook for school. It is a safe community where students can collaborate, view videos, turn in assignments, communicate with the teacher outside of class, and more. The best part? There's an app for that.
Another PowerPoint? Yawn. Prezi is an online, non-linear way to present information. You can import already made PowerPoints or create a Prezi slide by slide. My students get creative by including videos, music, pictures, and by hiding the next slide and zooming in and out. You can even embed it to Edmodo. There's an app for that too!
Poster boards are so 20 years ago. Glogster is an online poster that students can access from any computer. Some benefits over a traditional poster are the ability to add music, pictures, and animation. Plus, there is no need to try to figure out how to display 100 of these on presentation day.
Want to have students create a video without a camera? Animoto is a way to create a slideshow of pictures and uploaded videos complete with text and music. I've had students present material this way and a few benefits are the ability to embed the video to Edmodo and limited text per slide which forces students to be pithy with their comments.
This free app was downloaded in my geography class and used to explore different areas around the Earth through Google's eyes.
Combined with a free QR reader app for smart phones, this website allows you to take any text or website and link it to a QR code. I've used this to create scavenger hunts for review in my classes and get students active in class. What is a QR code and how does it work? Download a QR reader app on your phone and scan this code to the left to see for yourself.
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