What the Tech?!
January/February, 2021
Using Google Classroom Effectively and Efficiently
Google Classroom is the basis of our communication with students in this day and age of learning. We send out assignments, messages, collect work, share articles, and many other things each day. Here are some quick tips to using Google Classroom effectively and efficiently.
Project-Based Learning in the Classroom
When many people think of project-based learning in the classroom they automatically believe it should be this elaborate project that has to be community based and learning takes place through the process and to a certain extent this is true, but where do we begin. We have to begin small by changing the mind-set of the environment which includes students, teachers, and administrators. To change this mind-set we need to start with small problem-based or inquiry-based strategies and instruction in the classroom.
One way to start this process is using the 5 E's of inquiry-based learning. This strategy leads learners through five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. The following article on the 5 E's elaborates on each phase of learning and how it is important in STEM and the basis for project-based learning. I have also attached a hyperdoc example that uses the 5 E's strategy.
Encouraging Engagement through Choice Boards
We want our students to be engaged and buy-in to the learning process. One way to up engagement as well as make the students feel like they have a say in their learning is to provide choice boards. These can be on paper or digital, but allow the student to pick the activities they want to complete in the learning process. One common choice board is the Tic Tac Toe choice board. Students are given nine options and they must choose three that form a Tic Tac Toe on the board. This way you can manipulate the board to have similar activities in strategic places on the board so the student is completing the skill you want them to complete while they feel they have been given the choice of what they want to complete. Below is an article with a free Tic Tac Toe digital choice board for more information.
Survival Mode
Today's educator is struggling day to day to just survive teaching during a pandemic. We are juggling remote learners with in class learners, trying to implement new curriculum and programs into our everyday lessons, all while meeting all the constraints of preparing for assessment after assessment. Time works against us when trying to complete all the goals and expectations put forth for us, but we are teachers and we get it done. We worry about our students that are in class or at home, we bend over backwards and do a jig just to try and help every student, and we are essential. We are essential to bringing a small bit of stability to a student's life. We are essential to being a shoulder to cry on when a co-worker is struggling. We are essential to building skills and processes that will help our students in the future. We are essential in bringing a smile to someone in our lives. Even when we are essential it is necessary to take care of ourselves and make sure we are okay. The following article discusses how we can set goals for ourselves that will help us in our day to day struggles of teaching during a pandemic.
Renee Henson
Email: rhenson@spsr6.org
Website: sikestonr6.org
Location: 510 West Lindenwood Avenue, Sikeston, MO, USA
Phone: (573)471-1720
Twitter: @Henson18Renee