Digital Storytelling in the Classroom!

Time Efficient or Time Consumer ?

This week I’ve decided to post a question and give my viewpoint and personal experiences on student response systems in the classroom.

First, for those who have never seen or heard of a response system, it is an interactive remote answering device. There are numerous different types and brands created and used in the classroom. A well-known response system is called, iClicker.

Picture retrieved from: https://octet.oberlin.edu/classroom-response-system-iclicker-now-available-through-blackboard/

Question: Do student response systems provide greater positive or negative effects?

I would have to say I am neutral on this topic. I have had both negative and positive experiences with the use of student response systems. There are several benefits that the response systems provide for the classroom teacher. For instance, the immediate feedback when students respond allows for the teacher to intervene with specific instruction or students. The response system can be used to complete a one question exit slip, or a formative assessment with multiple questions. Another great advantage is the decrease of paper usage. Teachers can depend on the response system to complete quick quizzes and answer questions during a whole group lesson without having to print and make daily copies. During my first experience using the student response system, it provided a sense of privacy for the students. The system automatically assigns the students numbers based on their device number, therefore when they respond students are not able to see who answered what.

On the other hand, I had some negative experiences using responses systems. One major downfall I experienced was the battery and connection issues. While using the devices, the connection of several students would begin to fail. This caused the process to take much longer then intended to, therefore a quick response turned into trouble shooting.  The battery also caused issues many times. Students would complain that their device “died”. It was very important to charge all devices properly before using. Although, it may seem like this shouldn’t be a problem, but with all the other devices, materials and work to organize in a day the student response systems were not on the priority list and tended to be forgotten.

Overall, I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with the use of student response systems. In the school, I am at now, we do not have the technological response systems, but I have incorporated a similar trend called Plickers. This is a similar tool used with a paper copy QR code indicating multiple choice answers. The students hold up the individual square sign with their correct answer facing up. All the teacher needs to do is scan the codes using their ipad/cell phone. Throughout this approach, I haven’t experienced the same effects. However, the major problem has been the time and issues caused when scanning the codes. Sometimes students are blocking the code with their hands, or the scanner isn’t taking up the student answer quickly.

Retrieved from: http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2015/06/plickers-whole-class-assessment-with-a-single-device/

Although, I believe student response systems have helped to provide a new way to access quick responses and feedback, it still is a work in progress. What do you think? If you haven’t use it, would you consider?

To BYOD or not to BYOD?

Let me begin by stating, although I recognize and am aware of the negatives related to BYOD (bring your own device), this post is strictly written to encourage and bring to light the positives in incorporating BYOD in the classroom.

My first interaction with BYOD, was literally my first teaching position coming straight out of college. To say the least, I was not prepared. I began teaching in the middle of the year taking over a 3^rd grade position at a BYOD school. I had heard about the concept prior then beginning my teaching journey, however it was much different to know about it than to teach with it. I was privileged to have a mentor teacher who walked me through all of the current educational apps the third grade team used with the students. However, the students themselves were great with guiding and helping as well. Within a couple of weeks, I was able to familiarize myself and become knowledgeable.

Through this experience, I am able to support my opinion on how BYOD is an effective and beneficial approach to incorporate in our schools. Today’s kids are digital natives. When allowing them to bring in their own personal devices they already know how to manage, it motivates and engages the students. Students can download the apps or programs needed to connect with classroom materials and curriculum and have them at their leisure. Typically, the school or grade level team will establish the program teachers will use to connect students to access the curriculum. This reminded me of college, when taking online courses. The school I taught at, used “Edmodo” as the main program students would connect to. On Edmodo students were able to turn in assignments, post discussion comments, communicate with their peers, complete online quizzes, and more. Every student was required to download Edmodo app for free on their device. Edmodo, is one example of a great source because it does not matter the provider used. One major advice is to research your educational app choices before offering them, making sure it is accessible to all providers. Another program that has become popular is Google Classroom. A few high schools in my county have implemented the use of Google Classroom. These programs do not replace instruction, instead they are decreasing but not eliminating the use of “traditional resources.”

Another great advantage of BYOD is the increasing responsive feedback. Students are able to receive this feedback whether through the teacher or their peers. Programs such as SeeSaw and Class Dojo allow the students to stay connected and be responsible for their learning. Students are able to see how they are doing as well as receive feedback on their current assignments. It is also extremely convenient for the teacher. For example, if you are working with a small group, and the other students are working in peers or independently they can take a picture of their work and upload it on either program (depending which the teacher prefers) and the teacher can provide immediate feedback without having to the leave the small group of students to attend the others at the moment. This is a big help, knowing you can’t be at all places at all times. Another example of immediate feedback, is by taking quizzes and tests on their personal devices. I would use apps such as, Spelling City, Quizlet, Edmodo, and our adopted textbook, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to assess the students on their devices. When students completed their quizzes or tests the score would immediately appear. Students would be able to see their scores and it provided less paper grading for teachers. Students would bring their device and show the teacher their score.

Last by not least, I would like to leave you with a typical digital day back in my old classroom. How BYOD can truly enhance the learning process and help students emerge into this digital world. I will provide an example of a typical Monday.

Students would come in on Monday and use their device to scan the QR code at the door. The QR code provided them with a reflection question of the week (during the week we would read an article on current news). Students would post their opinion on the Edmodo discussion post. Throughout the week they were required to comment on another classmates post, agreeing or disagreeing. During reading or math, a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation was uploaded on Edmodo and students needed to access and open the presentation on their device to follow along. Students constantly had assignments throughout the day they needed to post on SeeSaw for feedback. This would help with quick evaluation on who needed extra support. Students would still use traditional resources to help support their learning but their assignment post would be on Edmodo or SeeSaw. When students finished an assignment before time, they were encourage to study their spelling or vocabulary words through the use of Spelling City or Quizlet app. Students would also download free educational game apps of their choice (approved by parent and teacher) that would help them in all subjects areas. This eliminated “busy work” when students finish a task earlier than others.

To conclude, BYOD has become popular over the years and implemented into more and more schools. I have personally seen the great effects it can provide for a classroom. Students are engaged and love working on their own personal device. There are always going to be some flaws, however with everything else that has started, we have to first think of all the positive effects and focus on how to improve and make it better. I am currently in a school that does not have BYOD, nor many technologies implemented. I cannot wait until the implementation of all schools using personal or government paid devices becomes the culture of schools.

Here are some examples of educational apps:

SeeSaw, Ebooks, Blogging, Dropbox, Google Drive, Edmodo, Spelling City, Google Classroom, Class Dojo, Prezi, One Note, Quizlet

[BYOD image] Retrieved from http://www.teachmag.com/archives/7706

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel!

Over years the internet has grown to become such an essential part of our daily lives. The internet is also growing rapidly into our education system. The benefits the internet provides has changed the learning for students and teachers. The internet increases our convenience of accessing information and ideas.  It allows teachers to search new ideas for the classroom as well as connect and collaborate with other educators across the world.

As a third year teacher, and a college student I find myself in both sides of the usage. When applying the internet usage in my classroom I commonly think of, how it can support lesson? How will it support my limited English or exceptional education students? The internet is such a great source of information and social networking. When planning my units or daily lessons, I always conduct a specific search through common teacher-based websites for great ideas to implement into the learning process.  I frequently visit websites such as, Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, Cpalms, Brainpop and our district adopted site iReady Toolbox. These websites offer extra resources to add to my daily lesson. They provide, quizzes, videos, projects, visual aids, extra practice, and more.

As a college student, I have gained valuable experience with how the internet can become a great advantage. K-12 students are also becoming exposed rapidly to the internet’s power in their learning experience.  Researching has become a great convenience in our schooling. Students are able to access more information in a short period of time, making the process much more efficient. Students have also been able to increase their creativity and social communication skills. Students can stay connected with their classmates and collaborate on group projects using programs like, Google Docs or Edmodo.

Overall, the internet has taken its role in education. From a teacher and student stand point, the internet is useful when used effectively. Educators need to explore the opportunities the internet has for both professional growth and student support.  The internet is simply one of the greatest things that has happened to education! The internet is always there, what you do with it, makes the difference! 

Educational Technology- Consistently Changing

As stated by Jahana Hayes, 2016 National Teacher of the Year "And one of the challenges we have at my school is that we can’t keep up with technology." 

Understanding this concept of a constant struggle in many schools across the country to stay updated is essential. As an educator, teaching for the last 3 1/2 years I've been able to see how technology can truly play an important role in the classroom when used correctly and when given the updated programs and devices. 

Our schools and the adopted programs need to continue to improve and change just as rapid as the industries and businesses. If we are teaching our students to be able to survive in this rapidly growing world full of technology, then we need to make sure our schools are implementing the same. As an educator I feel like I am constantly trying to catch up with resources and programs that haven't been introduced into our schools yet. By the time, they become introduced the program is outdated and something new as taken its place. 

The biggest problem I also see is the drastic difference from school to school. Students across the country, let alone across the state or city have differences in the access and availability to technology in the classroom. From my 3 1/2 years of teaching I was able to teach in one school considered a BYOD school (bring your own device) which integrated technology through the use of a variety of apps. The school also had the latest "Smart Board" (the new, old-fashion dry erase board). On the other hand, now I'm teaching literally down the street in the same county, and the technology accessible is completely opposite. Students have one day computer lab time, and the teacher is given one Ipad for classroom use. The board is a standard projector screen with the computer connected. In other words, the technology is WAY outdated. I truly believe that the resources across the board are not allowing our students to have the same learning experiences that this world requires. By the time my school "updates" the equipment and programs will be outdated. 

I also believe that schools should be requiring their teachers to integrate technology in their daily lessons. Many teachers (more traditional teachers) are opting out and choosing not to use the resources given. Even if it takes trainings, and professional development opportunities in order for them to become familiar. This is a concern because they are not allowing their students to be equipped with the tools they will need in the future. We are preparing our students for jobs that may or may not exist yet, therefore it is our responsibility to expose them, and allow them to explore, discover and create. We cannot rob them from this way of learning! 

References:

Madda, M (2016, August 2) "We Don't Have Resources to Keep Up With Technology": 2016 Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes Talks to Edsurge. Retrieved from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-08-02-we-don-t-have-resources-to-keep-up-with-technology-2016-teacher-of-the-year-jahana-hayes-talks-to-edsurge. 

Esteves, J. (2016, January 18). Did You Know 2016. (Video File). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqZilO0YI7Y