Integrating technology into classroom instruction requires proper planning. Teachers should not assume that students know how to use devices appropriately. When I first introduced technology into my weekly lessons, I had to teach the basic skills such as how to turn on the digital devices, adjust volume, identifying the headphone jack, Etc. I then had to teach my students about various types of software, such as Microsoft Word and Power Point. I also had to show how to effectively use Google Classroom and the entire Google platform, such as Google Docs and Google Drive to ensure they were able to use these features when completing assignment.
Many of my students come from low-income families which means many of them do not have a computer or tablet in their homes and assignments that require them to use the internet or computer cannot be completed as homework. Furthermore, as a result of not having technology in their homes, many students lack the basic skill needed to properly use technology, which may be the reason so many young teens and young adults misuse or underuse their digital devices; they are either using their digital devices to text or talk on the phone. Now the the new use is streaming inappropriate movies or videos. But when young people are shown how to use technology in new and interesting ways, they become excited about the new tools that facilitate their learning.
As educators and responsible adults, we must teach our young people how to use technology appropriately and in ways that will stretch their learning, which is why I search for new and innovative websites, applications, and software that will enhance my students learning. I even us technology to engage my parents and keep them involved in their children’s learning by using Class Dojo, which my parents love. There are several websites, applications, and software that will help to increase students’ interests in learning activities. For example, my students love taking exit tickets and quizzes on a website named Go Formative (www.goformative.com). I, too, love Go Formative because I don’t have to grade the exit tickets; the website provides immediate feedback and I can also use the data to inform my instruction for the next day. Technology also helps educators in the classroom as well and it definitely helps me with organizing student data. I find technology to be an extremely helpful tool when I have properly planned for it in my classroom instruction.
In conclusion, Class Dojo and Go Formative are just a few educational websites that can be used to enhance learning and engage, both, parents and students. Educators must be proactive in finding digital resources that will enhance learning and engage students in learning new information and new ways of thinking. Educators should be more open-minded about including technology in their instruction so that students are more engaged and invested in their own learning. Sure, it will require a little more time to research the various digital resources, but in the long run it will be worthwhile. So I challenge all educators to find three new digital resources that will enhance learning and engage your students. Help students utilize technology in a more meaningful and educational way.