As our technology class comes to a close and I reflect back on all that I've done and learned these past few months, I realize how valuable technology can be in the classroom. Here is my thinking about two specific questions.
How is a purposeful use of technology able to transform learning?
When technology is used in a purposeful way it can be very transformative. There are so many experiences you can create for students that you couldn't do without the use of technology. It really opens a lot of new doors and even a whole world to students! For example, you can bring books to life through the use of QR codes. Instead of picking up a book and looking at the cover and maybe reading the back, students can scan a QR code and listen to a fellow student give a book review. Want to take a trip to another country that you are learning about but don't have the money? No problem! You can Skype with another class in that country and learn more about each other's countries. You could even plan a trip in that country using online resources then share your learning through a tool such as Loom. Want to make sure every student is getting the instruction they need, but there is only one you and a lot of them? Not a problem! Give students differentiated tasks and include a QR code on them that links to a tutorial video they can watch. Want to share student work with parents but it's proving a bit trickier than expected? Not a problem! Use Seesaw and have students create a digital portfolio that parents can view. Not only will they get to see work but they can hear their child's work as well through the use of the audio recording feature. Want to give students an authentic purpose and wide audience for their writing? Not a problem! Create a class blog and do some quadblogging with other classes. The possibilities for opening up the world to students and transforming their learning is endless. It just takes some time, resources, and sometimes patience when your tech tools aren't quite working the way you had anticipated.
What impact on students does such learning make?
As I've mentioned before, the possibilities are endless! Through the purposeful use of technology, students have the potential to learn so much that they never could have without these resources. When technology is used the right way, it helps to motivate students. The Maker Movement and coding can sometimes reach those students who aren't interested in school and help to motivate them and become more interested in learning. It also helps them become better problem-solvers and to practice perseverance. When using technology in a purposeful way, students can engage in activities that are real-world based. They have so many resources as the touch of a button to help them solve problems. They can even connect with experts using Skype and find answers to their questions. Using technology can also help students become more independent and successful. Using QR codes, screencasting tools, and audio recording tools, students can access videos or recordings if they can't quite remember how to do something or just need some reteaching or preteaching. They don't always need someone to sit down next to them and show them how to do it; they can be more independent and even access these resources outside of school. Also, students can show their learning in different ways other than just pencil and paper. For example, they might create a stop motion video sharing their learning. In addition, through the use of technology, students can collaborate with others. For example, by using Padlet students can communicate with students in other classes about the same topic. I think the purposeful use of technology can help students become motivated, lifelong learners which ultimately, is the goal.
