EdSurge is a database that allows educators to search for technology products in
various ways. Educators can search by category, grade level, and learning needs.
This is extremely helpful to educators so they can filter the many technology
products available in the world today. EdSurge also provides feedback from
educators regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the product. (Johnson,
2016). By sorting through peer recommendations, educators will more quickly find
quality products to use in the classroom. Student learning will be more engaging
as teachers share new technology that more easily fits into the framework of the
assignment.
Common Sense Media "combines ratings from educators with reviews
from its own expert team of editors and reviewers [who] assess each tool’s
engagement, pedagogy, and support." (Johnson, 2016) These reviews help educators
to intentionally choose the best technology to help their instruction strategy
be its strongest. Another educator benefit of this site is the professional
development opportunities. The more the educator develops their technology
knowledge the better off the students will be. Being proficient in the
technologial tools that we utilize in the classroom will directly trickle down
to the learner enabling them to understand the content and how to apply it in
their life.
Like Common Sense Media, LearnTrials also uses a rubric to grade
digital tools. LearnTrials also provides how a digital tool can be used for a
variety of classrooms. (Johnson, 2016). Educators can use LearnTrials to
identify what digital tools are available and how to differentiate them for
their particular classroom. This is a great advantage for the students who will
more fully be able to have their individualized needs met.
Two methods for integrating educational technology to facilitate student learning are station rotation and flex model. Station rotation is effective used when there are limited devices. It allows students to rotate through different stations of learning. One station would include individual work on a device. Station rotation helps me to work with small groups of students at a time. This method creates movement and engagement for the students. Station rotation enables a variety of activities and eliminates wasted time for the student. Flex model allows for students to be working individually on a device enabling the teacher to become the facilitator. The teacher is given the time away from direct instruction to mingle with students individually and guide their learning. In this way, the students have accountability for their own learning and will be able to stay more engaged and on task. (Steinmetz, 2018).
No comments:
Post a Comment