Technology-Infused Classroom

Creating a Technology-Infused Classroom

The technology–infused classroom is student-centered and inquiry-based. The teacher changes to the role of facilitator. Students are allowed to follow their interests and select the tools they prefer while collaborating with others to solve problems. The teacher scaffolds learning and ensures that standards are being met. The internet opens a wide array of choices to students which provides them with many choices regarding their own learning. In a technology-infused classroom, lessons also need to be authentic. The teacher must be mindful that technology is a tool and not the objective of the lesson. Technology is used to change how teachers teach and students learn, and to accomplish tasks that otherwise would not have been possible. 

When planning lessons, the teacher must first identify the curriculum standards and the objectives to be met. Next, the teacher must determine meaningful tasks that motivate students. Also, the teacher must select the technology that supports the tasks and becomes an integral part of the lesson. Real world applications of the standards and the technology tools utilized should be integrated into the lesson. Finally, the students work collaboratively to manage projects, set goals, evaluate progress, secure appropriate resources for learning, and much more. 

Currently, I am striving to create a technology-infused environment in my own classroom. My students are allowed to work in groups, with a partner, or alone. They are utilizing cell phones, iPads, iPods, netbooks, laptops, Kindle Fires, and computers to find solutions to problems. They are also using Google Docs, PowerPoint, and MovieMaker to present information to the class. In addition, students are using digital cameras and editing photos with online software to illustrate key mathematical concepts.  I have an established webpage that contains many useful resources for students, assignments, notes, and pictures of students engaged in learning in our classroom. I am beginning to create “flipped” lessons, establishing a classroom social network, and learning more about student-centered inquiry-based learning environments. This is a work in progress, and it will continually change based on my students’ needs and interests and emerging technology. 

Where are you in your journey toward technology-infusion?

Visual Literacy and the Use of the Internet in the Classroom

 Visual literacy is the ability to create meaning from images and to produce messages which are visual. In the 21^st century we are surrounded by images at all times from artwork, books, videos, pictures, charts, graphs, and signs to things like body language and gestures. Because the brain processes images in the long-term memory, it makes learning with visuals much more meaningful and long lasting.  Visual literacy teaches students to interpret and interact with all kinds of images which promotes critical thinking and engages students in developing new understandings. These skills are necessary in order to be successful in today’s digital age.

The internet provides students with a wealth of opportunities to develop visual literacy. Through the internet students are able to access images that are both visually engaging and interactive in nature. They are also provided with tools to produce and share their own visual images. Sites like Prezi and Tagxedo offer students the opportunity to create exciting visuals. Also, there are many great sources for videos which could help students develop deeper understandings of concepts. BrainPop and Discovery Education are excellent sources for videos. In addition, the internet also links students and teachers to primary documents which could certainly enhance a student’s understanding and appreciation for historical events.

Since beginning this course, I have already begun to make changes to my teaching strategies. I want to continue to make my classroom more student-centered. I would like to incorporate activities that actively engage my students in their own learning. I have already begun to develop graphics and guided notes to assist my students with note taking. I also want to incorporate more group activities and utilize the internet to allow my students more choice in their learning. Currently, my students are working in groups to take pictures of real-world objects and create a math vocabulary book with these pictures. I am hoping to utilize their pictures as a vocabulary word wall in my class next year.

Because so many of my students have access to the internet at home, I would like to expand my use of the internet to include some “flipped” lessons next year. My goal is to post one video at the beginning of each week. Students would have until Friday to watch the video and come to class prepared to discuss and utilize the information from the video. In addition, I would like to incorporate web quests into my instruction next year and involve them in online research projects.