Our Second Why:
This is the second in a series of four to share our firm belief that when we purposefully integrate technology in our classrooms ... even with the littles learners ... we can utilize district provided tools. For additional thoughts and insights, please watch our video, then read below from both perspectives.
The Video:
From the Classroom Teacher:
As a classroom teacher, utilizing district tools can be quite cumbersome at times. This is why my first tip is to reach out to those that can help you find your starting point! It doesn’t matter if you are brand new to the classroom or a veteran teacher, using your district’s tech coach/specialist can be extremely beneficial in multiple ways. For myself, I was able to look at tech integration from a new, less complicated point of view when seeking help from my coach. Collaborating with someone that specializes in integration can give you the tools to take “bite-sized chunks” of tech and introduce that into your classroom to make it more manageable and to build upon each thing you integrate.
My next tip as a classroom teacher is to start small. Rome was not built in a day (where are my history teachers at?!) and we can’t introduce each aspect of tech in a day but what we CAN DO is start small. If we are speaking in the way of district purchase programs, pick one, learn about it. The less you have to do with the program, the easier it will be to implement and get your feet wet. This will also allow you to work up to programs that require data input and frequent monitoring.
My next tip is to utilize the district tools so that it folds into your existing schedule. Don’t think of tech as its own separate time in the day. Make it a learning tool that fits into each part of the day! Again-start small. Pick a 10 minute center or chunk of time in math or ELA. This will allow you to get used to what that looks like in your framework and open a door for creativity to push in more when you are ready.
From the Technology Integration Specialist:
As a technology integration specialist, my entire job focuses on the "why" and the "how" to integrate tech. One of the best ways you can purposefully integrate technology is to use the program(s) your district provides for you and your students. Working with the programs provided often bring professional learning (or the ability to reach out directly to the company) for assistance. Knowing the district has chosen these programs should bring a level of comfort and stability to your integration with technology.
It's also important to note that often, programs are purchased for multiple grades, creating a consistent programs for multiple grades to build students learning experience. This can prove to be a "hidden" benefit as students don't need to learn the ins & outs of new programs each year. This benefit also extends to teachers as they have a wider circle of people who can support them and they can learn from and with.
Finally, teachers ask me to create accounts (or seek permission for them to do so) on many programs that are not specifically district supported. Please be cautious about this! Purposeful technology integration doesn't mean throwing as many programs at your students as you come across ... it is selecting the handful that enhance and support the learning - our "1st Why" - read more here, "Teacher Video: Purposefully Integrate Technology to Enhance Learning". We also need to be mindful of the digital footprint we are creating for our students ... one more program does not equal more learning.
What's Next? Connect!
Over the next couple of days, we will share our other 2 "why's". Be sure to come back! Please help us share our knowledge and passion with others by sharing with colleagues:
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