Taylor ISD DuckLink #31
empowering student success and school improvement
October 27, 2014
Does technology improve learning?
So much emphasis is placed on buying the latest and greatest technology for the classroom. I am certainly an advocate of buying good quality technology. However, the big question is, "Does technology improve learning?" Too often we find little evidence that technology is improving learning.
Schools have bought interactive whiteboards, response systems, document cameras, iPads, laptops, and various software but no real changes have occurred. Many technologies come with a promise to revolutionize the way students learn and teachers teach. Companies work hard to fine-tune their products and add a bit of polish to make their products stand out from the crowd. In addition, educators are challenged with many students' insatiable desire to be entertained by electronic devices.
Could it be that the technology actually interferes with implementing the research-based teaching strategies that we look for in a classroom teacher? Teachers spend way too much time learning the tools and many students just want to play.
It's time to rethink what we do and why we do it. The technology is often not the problem or the important factor in changing learning outcomes. If properly used, technology can be a catalyst to improve pedagogy. When new technology is implemented in the classroom, it often reveals poor teaching practices.
We must consider how we use technology. Technology used in the proper fashion can be a very effective tool but we must remember that using sound instructional practices is paramount. The mere use of technology does not improve learning outcomes but integrated with powerful teaching strategies can be a very effective means to student success.
My reflections on It's Time to Rethink Our Use of Technology In Schools.
Apps You Don't Want to Miss
- Google Slides- Create a slideshow, share it online, and easily edit it on iPad or any computer.
- Nearpod- Yes! This is my favorite app for classroom teachers with a class set of iPads or laptops. Say goodbye to clickers! Use this app to share pdfs, text, images, audio, open ended questions, polls, quizzes, and have students submit drawings. Drag and drop your Powerpoint presentations or pdfs to easily upload. Use the Chrome app Nearpodize extension to upload Google Slides. Learn more...
- Canva- Embrace your creative spirit with this app and online tool for graphic design. Makes novices look good.
- Haiku Deck- Another slideshow tool that makes building a slideshow simple with beautiful images. Available as an app and online tool.
- Learning.com- All 1st-8th grade students and teachers have accounts in this program. Many of the activities you can do online are now in their app. Learn more...
Win an Apple TV for Your Classroom!
Here are some of the great features to explore:
- wirelessly project Macbooks and iPads
- iTunes Music
- History Channel
- PBS Kids
- The Weather Channel
Would you be willing to test out an Apple TV in your classroom for 2 weeks and share your experience? 3 lucky people will win an Apple TV to keep in their classroom after the pilot.
Apply for Apple TV Pilot (Accepting applications until November 1.)
Learn more about Apple TV
Disclaimer: Your projector must have HDMI input to participate. Taylor ISD employees only.
Introducing the Chrome Web Store
Items You May Have Missed
Google Apps Resources
- Taylor ISD Google Support Site (located at top of district site)
- Office Editing for Chrome Extension
- Google Drive: Organizing Shared Files
- Taylor ISD Staff Calendars
Help Desk Contact
Phone: 512-365-5015 or x1900
Be sure to visit the Taylor ISD Technology site for more information.
Contact Information
Director of Instructional Technology
Taylor ISD
Email: jphale@taylorisd.org
Website: http://it.taylorisd.schoolfusion.us
Location: 3101 North Main Street, Taylor, TX
Phone: 512-365-5015
Twitter: @edtechminute