Since the world is now so technologically advanced, it is important to update things that use that technology. One of the things that had had major updates is today's classrooms and teaching methods. Schools used to have a "one size fits all" strategy meaning that there was only one curriculum and no room for differentiation. In today's world, we have everything that we need to help students succeed.
One of the ways that we can teach the students of today is by using the active learning model. This model works in a way that allows students to do the work entirely on their own. The students go through a four step process. First, they have to plan. In this step, they come up with steps to help them solve a problem or an issue. Second, they act on those steps. Third, they reflect on what happened, and finally they learn by figuring out why it happened the way it did.
Another way that we can teach students of today is by using the project-based learning method. This method is my personal favorite. In this method, students have to complete a given project and do research and then present the material to the rest of the class. This is also probably the easiest learning method that there is.
The way that these can be taught is through the flipped classroom model. I personally love this model because this is something that has helped me in the past. The flipped classroom model is a type of distance learning. Children learn the lesson for the day by watching videos at home the night before and then doing the activities and homework in the classroom with the teacher present. Children are more likely to be able to comprehend and retain the material for a longer period of time.
e- Classroom
Group Wikis: In the case that our class ever has to go virtual, we will be utilizing something called a class wiki. These are a fun way to get everyone involved in the class discussion even from home! We will more than likely be using a Google Doc because you can have multiple people working on the document at the same time.
Zoom: We will also be utilizing something called zoom. This is an online meeting platform (kind of like Face Time or Skype) that allows multiple people to participate at the same time. Students will be asked to participate in a variety of ways including having their camera on at all times. Some ways they may be asked to participate may be through raising their hand or typing into the chat-box.
Emerging Technologies
e-Learning platforms: Google Classroom; Canvas; Blackboard; Teachable; etc.; All of our material will be available through a platform such as Google Classrooms. If your child misses work or a day at school, please check their online classroom for make-up work. Immersive Learning with Virtual Reality: This can be done in a variety of ways, from everyone having their own Oculus to completely decorating the room and incorporating music and movies into the lessons for the week. Gamification: This is a big one in today's classrooms. If I can make it into a game, I will make it into a game. Augmented Reality: AR is simply reality that has been enhanced by using some form of technology. We will be utilizing this to learn our vocabulary words some weeks by using something called QR codes.
Issues and Trends
Trends: Since the beginning of Covid-19, the use of technology has become even more popular. A big trend that we have seen, is the uprise in the use of virtual reality. Since many people weren't allowed to leave their house for extended periods of time, this was their "escape into the real-world." One of the main technology sources for this was the Oculus or the Oculus Quest 2. The Oculus is something that people, young or old (unless you have major eye problems or get motion sickness easy) can use. In my personal opinion, the Oculus is well worth the money if you use it for it's intended purpose. If you choose to purchase an Oculus... please be aware of your surroundings at all times while using it. With that being said, enjoy the funny videos of people playing on the Oculus below!
Issues: Even though technology is a great thing, we have to be aware that there will always be issues. Technology is ever evolving and with that, it can be hard to keep up especially if you don't have the funds to do so. I'll use Apple products as an example. When they release a new device like an iPhone or a MacBook, they will purposely slow down older makes and models so that people have to buy or trade-in to get new ones. I personally have an older MacBook Air (it's about 6 years old almost seven years old at this point) and if I am not connected to a decent wifi source, then my computer is slow as Christmas and it takes forever for things to load. Another issue might include wifi speeds. Different companies offer different wifi speeds for different prices and different locations. We currently have the At&t Fiber art our house but that is because they offered us the best deal for the best internet. It was $100 cheaper to switch over than to continue to pay what we were paying for slower wifi. However, when you go out to my boyfriend's apartment in the middle of the woods, that isn't the case. It would be more to install it there because he would have to tie in to the fiber cables all the way down by the road (about a mile and a half just to get to the actual road). With all of that being said, if you discover your wifi may be too slow to complete an assignment or to join class this year, please let me know and we will work something out. In the meantime, please watch the informational video below about issues and trends in technology!
Special Topics
Webinars: Every once in a while, students may be asked to join a webinar given by a fellow teacher. A webinar is simply an online class presentation that caters to a specific group. For instance, if your child is struggling with addition or subtraction, I might have them join a short webinar about addition and subtraction while also providing extra help where needed. Unfortunately, the file size is too large to upload directly to my website without having to pay for it so if you wish to see an example, please feel free to reach out to me! Online Class Sessions: These may be conducted over zoom in the same manner that a webinar might be conducted but typically, online class sessions are expected to involve more interaction between the teacher/ presenter and the students. Below is an example of an online class session powerpoint!
Curriculum Integration
Your student(s) should expect to be using technology wherever possible throughout the curriculum. I have an Educational Technology minor and I have every intention in putting it to good use. Rest assured knowing that your student will still be doing things outside of online work though. They will still be expected to take part in hands-on activities and turn-in paper work whenever it is applicable. I am very much an old-school paper and pencil type of person when it comes to actually completing school work however, when teaching the material, they will be expected to follow along in the online module or classroom.