As your “old school” learner, technology was very scarce in the classroom. We had a text book for nearly every class, my backpack weighed 35 lbs, and all of our notes were written by hand. Yes, we had to type papers and do our research on the internet, but we never integrated technology and mathematics. All of my notes throughout middle school, high school and college were hand written notes and the practice problems the teacher wrote either on the board or over head projector. We did our homework out of a text book or a worksheet, our final exam was on a scantron, and we did not have End of Course (EOC) exams on the computer. It was brought up by one of my students 3 years ago to integrate google classroom and post the answer key of their reviews of their summative assessments online so they could check their work. Brilliant! Since then, I have become more familiar with integrating technology into mathematics. How would we know when our children have homework or a test during the week?As a direct means of communicating with parents, I provided the password for their child’s class on google classroom. I would update their weekly tasks on Monday so parents would know when assignments are due and when assessments will be given.
Incorporating technology into professional development- teachers and administrators
Technology should be a professional development focus in the coming years. In moving forward, every PD day should have at least one course on integrating technology in the classroom. “An emphasis on coherence in professional development supports the relevance of professional learning activities to the needs and goals of teachers and the schools in which they work.” (Little, 2011). As educators, we must also expand our horizons and learn new approaches for our students. “Online professional learning communities represent a promising approach to professional development in an online context, particularly since they provide opportunities for teachers to interact with and support one another as they implement new practices in their classrooms.” (Little, 2011). Video conferencing and PowerPoint slides are an easy way to attract teachers to learn and educate themselves on the integration of technology inside or outside the classroom.
Technology advice for parents
A great introduction to the importance of technology can be on parent teacher night. Depending on the type of technology the classroom is using, a guide for parents to walk them through the steps to follow classroom instruction is necessary. In order to get parents acquainted with technology, as educators, we can start when their child is in elementary school. Having an introduction at a young age, the parents may be more involved with their child’s education.
Categories of tech use in blended learning for students
Managed Learning- Google classroom enables teachers to grade, review, and provide feedback on student work. Students are able to upload assignments, post questions, and converse with other classmates. “Teachers and administrators can communicate with students, parents and other stakeholders in a rich dialog that places the learner at the center of the conversation.” (McCarthy, 2018)
Orchestrated learning- “digital worksheets, discussion boards and taking notes from teacher-recorded lectures” (McCarthy, 2018). Through google classroom, I would provide studnets with YouTube videos and MathNation lessons and students would take notes throughout the week which was necessary in order to complete their tasks.
Collaborative learning- “student led learning experiences” (McCarthy, 2018). A great tool that was used in the second half of the school year was IXL. It is an online mathematics resource that allows students to work individually or with a group. As the sponsor, I am able to view their activity, assist with problems as they are working on them, and provide easier or harder questions pending on the accuracy of the students answers.
Authentic learning- “learning is made public” (McCarthy, 2018). A daily question can be given and a response will be required. It allows for other students to see their work. This can be in the form of a blog.
Conclusion
As educators, differentiated instruction is used to expand the minds of students. By providing different opportunities to learn is beneficial for all students. Children enjoy learning in different ways and should not be subject to lectures, note taking, and practice alone. Incorporating technology is important for the expansion of their critical and analytical thinking.
Resources
Little, C. A., & Housand, B. C. (2011). Avenues to Professional Learning Online. Gifted Child Today, 34(4), 18-27. doi:10.1177/1076217511415383
McCarthy, J. (2018, September 24). Tech Integration in Blended Learning. Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/tech-integration-blended-learning