Technology
Technology integration is more than replacing a pencil and paper with a computer keyboard. There are so many incredible ways to engage students through the use of cheap technology. When asking yourself that question, the first few things that come to mind is computers, tablets, robots, pencil grips, apps, magnifying glasses, rulers, counting cubes...the list goes on. There is an obvious inequitable distribution of up-to-date and socially relevant technology in our current classroom environments.
Technology integration is a wide scale topic covering a variety of different methods for implementing the supports that are needed. What does technology integration look like in your classroom? Is there support from the community where you teach?
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Technology should not be a simple replacement for pencils and paper with a computer. Instead these tools should be used to enhance student performance and improve engagement. Why are we so afraid of integrating technology into the classroom?
This is a video I made for an IT class for college using WeVideo.
Digital Citizenship
The first thing that educators should be teaching their students is cybersecurity and how to be a good digital citizen.
When I say the term "be a digital citizen" you might think behavior management but it's not! Being a good digital citizen is an important set of skills for students and teachers to learn about as our society is based in technology. Our students do not to be in typing classes in high school, at this point this skill was developed over a decade prior.
Cybersecurity encompasses more than the high-tech models we have been trained to think of. It ensures that everyones information is safe, secure and private. With as many people using the internet as there are, there are also people out there that want to use your information and it can happen more often than you think. No need to freak out but just a good thing to remember to teach your students about as they begin their online networking. In order to learn how to use technology in all its forms for positive networking experiences, children and adults must learn more than the basics.
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In the lesson plan section of the page, I have uploaded bits and pieces of my own curriculum that meets the ISTE student standards for lessons on integration of technology.
Assistive Technology
Another term for some of the "high tech" technology is assistive technology. Both high and low tech technologies can be considered as assistive technology, it just depends on what you are referring to. This grouping of technology is generally considered tools such as (but not limited to) tablets, computers, speech to text software, push buttons, robotics, smart phones or any other smart devices including whiteboards.
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The majority of high-tech assistive technology are used for students who have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), but there many other great resources and tools that are helpful for all students. The point of assistive technology is the recognition that everyone learns differently, in order to give students the ability to live up to their full potential, there has to be some sort of support that becomes individualized for them to succeed. That's the whole point, it is never about singling one student out over the other because every student needs some form of assistance.
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There are no put downs in the classroom. We respect the way everyone looks, sounds, learns, feels and acts.
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This grouping of technology is generally considered tools such as (but not limited to) pencil grips, counting blocks, magnifying glasses, calculators, glasses, charts and large print materials.
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We use low-tech assistive technology in our everyday lives but may not consider that we are adapting something to fit our needs as "technology". Generally that term sparks mental images of computers, but is can be simpler than that.
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We have all seen a poster or image somewhere that says something like "5 tips to make your life easier". These hacks are considered low-tech assistive technology. Something as simple as using a highlighter or a calendar are considered a part of this category and can dramatically improve student's performance.
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A misconception about assistive technology is that it is only for students with an IEP. Wrong!
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If you would like to learn more, I have found a great article from Edutopia by Jennifer Sullivan entitled "Easy Ways to Bring Assistive Technology Into Your Classroom" that explains some of the ways assistive technology can be useful.
Health
This was a video I watched for a class that really spoke to how we as educators can create change that is impactful and meaningful rather than using technology as a replacement. Yes, I know the video is long but if you have the time to just listen while you drive you cook or do other work I highly recommend.
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When looking at the lesson plans below, remember that the integration of technology is something that shouldn't be done solely in the parameters of the following lessons. Integrating technology into your classroom environment should be a consistent goal in every unit of every subject. Not a one and done!