There is a shift in education at this point in time. We can no longer deny that the way people communicate, gather information, and learn has changed. For most teachers (even young ones), we were the last generation to grow up before the “digital natives,” which is the students we teach today. Students who don’t understand life without a cell phone or the internet. Let alone what a “tape” or pager is. Education has been fighting back. No personal devices in the classroom, no youtube or social networking sites during school hours, etc.
When I was growing up I remember learning to type in middle school. I remember getting my first cell phone at the age of 16, when now I have second graders who own their own. I was a freshman in college and Facebook didn’t exist yet. So how do we take our own experiences with technology and devices and implement them using best practices for our digital native students?
It needs to begin with the research. Best practices say that students do better when they have access to their own device. If a device is shared they have less of a vested interest in it, rather than when it’s modified to their liking (apps, wallpaper, settings, etc.). In this day and age, even in an International School in West Africa most students, all the way down to kindergarten, have access to a personal mobile device. Our initial response to “using technology” is to take what we used to do and transfer it to a digital format. Instead of writing, type. Instead of looking up things in books, research on the internet. That’s a great start, but it’s not what best practices say truly enhances learning when it comes to tech integration. Finding ways to engage students through digital learning experiences is not teaching them how to use word processing software. There are so many techniques and ideas at the tip of our fingers that we aren’t even aware of. Here’s a few Ideas I have for integrating best practices into the classroom:
Allow students to use their own device. If they do not have access to one, provide one (if able) from the school and allow them to work on the same device each time. In my classroom we do this using ipads, laptops and a class set of desktops. For example, when we check out these items each student always uses the same one, to give them a feeling of “ownership.” Their most recent search history, the familiarity of the apps that are best suited for their learning needs, etc. Note: Due to the nature of tech, and life in general in West Africa my classroom is particularly flexible and we most always have a plan a, b, c, d, and... well you know the alphabet.
Take the time to plan your tech integration. Research apps and practice using them yourself. Kids know when you don’t know what you are doing, especially when it comes to technology! Digital scavenger hunts are great, but were at the height of their popularity in 2012. They are a wonderful resource to refer to, but be careful if using one that is already created as the websites may no longer be available, causing confusion and difficulties to your students. If you take the time to create them yourself they have more meaning, and can ensure your learning objectives are met.
Find games, apps, and projects that are engaging. Always aim to make your students believe they are playing. As soon as they think they are just playing with technology they forget about any defiance they have to “school” Example: Instead of giving out spelling words each week and having students study, then take a test to get a score create a digital world for learning spelling. This can be done through interactive work on a mimio (or any brand of smart board) to begin with. It’s unbelievable how excited students get when they can engage physically in their learning by walking up to a board and touching it to write or rearrange the letters themselves. There are numerous ways to go about this. Create apps, sight words, games, etc. depending on the age and level of your learners. I have found this to be a particularly helpful way to scaffold my spelling. There came a day at the beginning of the second quarter this year where I literally just wanted to throw my spelling curriculum in the trash. It’s boring. It’s a constant battle to get the kids to engage, and I hate it as much as they do. So I marched down to my directors office and told her I’ve had it, I’m changing this, and here’s now. I was not met with objection, and luckily I am given much autonomy in my teaching. So, I reworked the curriculum and now every student keeps track of their list of words via their “own” device. We play games, do group activities, small and whole group with the smart board. Not only have the learning outcomes grown, but we are a while lot happier as a classroom community.
In conclusion, I think that it is vital that we continue to embrace the changing world we live in. Students are not going to stop bringing their devices to school. We must engage, create, learn and grow alongside them. As technology continues to seep into every part of our life, there comes a point where we have to stop putting up the fight and educate ourselves to embrace the ways technology can enhance learning. If you can’t beat ‘em...
