Shhhhhh…don’t say it!
No, no, no, no…
Yes.
Sorry, summer is coming to an end. Many of us will be returning back to school in days or weeks.
It’s ok. We’ve had time to catch our breath, restore our energy levels, and possibly learn about some new tools this summer. Maybe some fun tech tools?
I know that I have run across some pretty cool tech this summer that gave me pause to wonder if and how to integrate the tech into my 8th grade science class. I asked myself, “Is it worth putting this new tool into my edtech tool kit?” Being in education for over 25 years, I have a nice tool kit developed that I love using with students. Some tools are technology based, and some are not. Each tool has a purpose in helping me guide my students in a journey of science education.
Deciding on technology to use in the classroom can be overwhelming at times. There is so much out there! It can be confusing. Technology is always being recommended by various people online, and they are very knowledgeable people. What to use? It can get complicated sometimes, too. Who is involved in deciding tech use in the classroom? Is it a solo adventure? A team decision? Are administrators and tech coordinators and coaches involved?
Wow! So much to think about!
That all being said…how do we select the tech tools to use in the classroom?
I have some answers!
Whenever I look at new tech, I begin with a series of three questions:
Does it fit you?
Does it fit your students?
And, does it fit your budget? ...Click Here to Read More...
Budget is kind of self explanatory. Many of us work in a district that is doing its best to manage funds, and we know that everything we want is not everything that we can get.
So, does the tech fit you? By this I mean, do you feel naturally drawn to the tech? Does it serve a purpose that you’ve been looking for in your classroom? Do you have to learn new skills to implement the tech, and are you ok with that? Let’s be honest. Sometimes, we have enough on our plate. Learning new technology may not be a priority. However, some tech has a very low learning curve and is perfect to utilize in class and can be reenergizing for the teacher! I’m thinking of recently working with Lumio in my classroom. So much fun to explore the tech, low learning curve, and students had fun, too! Bottom line, if it feels right, it may be worth giving it a shot!
Does the tech fit your students? Will it help them access the content, grow as learners, enjoy the learning process? Is it developmentally appropriate? Does it allow for individualized learning? Jack pot! Sometimes we don’t know these answers right away. We have to see the tech in action. If this is the case, I would recommend a small pilot group of students testing out the new tech. I use 1 of my 6 science classes many times to try out technology. I am up front with the students describing the piloting nature and explaining that honest feedback is requested. Did the tool make learning easier, more enjoyable, more challenging? We have discussions together to break down the benefits of the tech.
Finally, my question that I always ask about the tech is the repeatability of use in the classroom. Will this tool be useful at different times and stages in the learning process? Does it have enough open ended uses that it becomes more than a one trick pony? If I’m going to add it to the tool kit and if students are going to invest time in using it, I want it to have a high repeatability factor. Maybe the tech can get used in different ways. This repeatability factor makes me think of my use of Sphero robots in the classroom. Yes, great for coding. Also, great for engineering challenges, retelling content information, and more. I use Sphero robots (BOLT, Sphero mini, RVR, Ollie) all year long. We use them to share information on everything from seismic waves and seismic safe buildings to forces and motion and genetics. Yes…repeatability!
With this advice, I would like to share a snapshot of technology in my classroom. This is not a complete list. I’m only sharing 5 different types of tech. However, you can see my method of determining what tech will make it into my tool kit.
After all this, I have one last piece of advice when looking at adding tech tools to the educational tool kit. Keep it all in perspective. You do some phenomenal work with students using the tools currently at your fingertips. Recognize that amazing work. Celebrate the tools that you find most useful right now.
Then, go with the rule of three…
Identify that technology that you think you will use right away. It is exciting, has lots of potential, and you really have a good feeling about it. This will be your focus in tech integration for the new school year. Invest your time in this one technology tool and really dig into it.
Next, identify the technology that you are going to implement later. It may be rolled out in the second quarter, second semester, or when that first tech is secure. You have the goal to use it this year, and your mind will drift back to it periodically. So, you will probably do some more research or work on it on the side.
Finally, think of that tech that you discovered that peaked your interest. This is the tech that you will put in your back pocket for when it fits best. No pressure to implement this year. It’s there. You know of it, and you may give it a shot if the time is right.
Your tech tool kit is unique to you, your students, and your budget. It is a dynamic collection of tools that allow you to explore content and the journey of learning with your students. Keep your eyes out for some of the fantastic tech available as the summer winds down. And, remember, there is no magic list that will give you the tool kit. You are the awesome educator that will design it! Have fun. Be flexible. And, enjoy!
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