Technology tools for teachers & students
Integrating technology in the classroom will lead to active, participating students who are engaged. 21st Century students are visual. A myriad of media rich in content is available with the click of a keyboard or swipe of a finger. This resource base enables students to learn complex concepts quicker and easier when coupled with written work. Your students are an internet generation. They have always had access, so the language of technology is one that makes sense to them. Technology also helps students to develop essential communication skills they will need in a global world. Virtual meetings with peers in numerous countries provides students with collaborative project opportunities that can result in the creation and sharing of solutions to key contemporary global issues.
*Tools below are used in a sophomore level Global Studies class. The course combines the studies of world history, contemporary issues and geography.
*Tools below are used in a sophomore level Global Studies class. The course combines the studies of world history, contemporary issues and geography.
There are many web-based tools for teachers who want to create courses and manage lessons and assignments. Some programs, like iTunes U, are free. Teachers can post assignments and materials (resources, media, handouts) for students. Students receive a notification on their iPad whenever the teacher posts an assignment. iTunes U does not accept student work however. Other programs listed below do.
iTunes U also offers a wide variety of courses (University and K-12) that teachers can use for content knowledge. It also enables high school educators see college course content that can enable them to meet the needs of advanced high school students or to prepare college prep students for what lies ahead.
Other web-based tools that promote technological communication and classroom management between teachers and students include popular programs like Google Classroom, eBackpack, Versal and Edmodo.
iTunes U also offers a wide variety of courses (University and K-12) that teachers can use for content knowledge. It also enables high school educators see college course content that can enable them to meet the needs of advanced high school students or to prepare college prep students for what lies ahead.
Other web-based tools that promote technological communication and classroom management between teachers and students include popular programs like Google Classroom, eBackpack, Versal and Edmodo.
Sphere 360 allows students to view beautiful, immersive sphere photographs from around the world. Students can also publish their own of localities that are a part of their everyday lives. Because today's students are tech savvy, visual learners, I use this app to put students on the ground, examining art, architecture, geography, people, transportation and hundreds of other characteristics worldwide. For the kinesthetic learner, Sphere 360 can be viewed using movement of the entire body or viewed with the swipe of a finger. Creating their own spheres teaches students about concentration and slowing down, emphasizing hand eye coordination and development of fine motor skills.
Kahoot is a game based blended learning and classroom response system for schools, universities and businesses. Teachers design thought provoking questions which motivate participation through game based learning and rewards in a social setting. Students take control of their own learning in a highly interactive and fun way. It is teacher friendly and very easy to use. Tech support from this company is incredible, professional and more personal. They answer emails if teachers have questions. Teachers and students can create quizzes, discussions or surveys using any device with a web browser. Accounts are free of charge. This is a highly popular app among all of our students. and has even been used in some of our professional development meetings with staff.
Flipboard is an app that functions as a personal magazine. Students use this everyday to catch up on news and discover amazing things around the world. Students can exercise choice in what types of news they want to read about along with recommendations and guidance from their teachers. Students and teachers can explore recommended reading in a Content Guide including major publications and award-winning blogs, thoughtfully curated magazines, beautiful photography, and audio and video. This app is available for iPad, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire, and NOOK.
Kiosko is both a website and an app that students can use to access newspapers from around the world. It puts stories side by side and is great when teaching students about media and multiple perspectives. The website is user friendly with clear links and images that look like an actual newspaper. The app is only available for the iPhone or iPod Touch. In our course, we use the website.
The programs above are what we use, but there are plenty more. The iPads our students have replace the traditional binders for class. All work is organized and stored on the device. Students who experience problems working with technology are given written options when all other technological strategies are exhausted.
Here is a list of articles that discuss different programs, websites and apps that teachers can use in the classroom. If you are hesitant, try them out first yourself. Be willing to simply start by taking a look.
3 Different Things You Can Do With Google Classroom ~ Edudemic
Teaching With iPad ~ Apple Education
The 55 Best Free Education Apps For iPad - te@chthough