Best Practices for Using Technology in the Classroom

This morning, I read an article on the University of Pittsburgh site. The article was intended for professors, instructors, and graduate assistants as they plan lessons that involved technology.

 I am going to use their 4 elements, but explain a little differently (maybe more directed towards a high school classroom).

 A reminder... technology should not replace good teaching. Implementing technology into a lesson does not make the lesson a great lesson, but it can make it better. Don't implement technology "for the sake of implementing technology", but rather to enhance your lessons.

 Before we begin, let's look at a definition for Technology (what post would not be complete without something from Wikipedia!!!):

Technology (from Greek τέχνη, techne, "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and -λογία, -logia[1]) is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, including machinery, modifications, arrangements and procedures. 

When using technology for teaching, there are four basic principles to be kept in mind:

 Alignment: "Technology should be used for a purpose."  The driving force for your lesson planning should always be the goals and objectives of your lesson.  As you plan, think about how technology might be implemented.  This could be a Powerpoint (or Prezi), a video (or vodcast), or an interactive website.  This can also be a great excuse to collaborate with other teachers and expand your technology base.  

 Accessibility: There are many uses of technology that I love (for example the Flipped Classroom).  But make sure that your students can access the technology.  If you are expecting students to get to your webpage, lesson, video, etc from home - it might be helpful to take a survey at the beginning of the school year to see how many have access to computer, iPods, internet, etc before making this an integral part of your lessons.  Also having an alternate way for them to access the information is key.  If you are using Google Drive - make sure the permissions are set correctly and that students have accounts (in Salem Keizer School District - students can have a district account making it easier for teachers to share information without sharing it with the "whole world".) If you are planning on taking students to the computer lab (or having them work on this on their own time) make sure you have tested the lesson in the lab using a student account (bring a "guinea pig" with you to the lab - have them log in - and try the activity, site, etc).   Just because you tested from home or your "teacher computer" doesn't mean it will work when you get to the lab.

 Assessment: As with anything else you do in your classroom - make sure that you are clear about expectations.  Let students know what the expectations are before beginning the assignment.  If you have a scoring guide you will use, give this to the students ahead of time.  If you are using vodcast (for Flipped Classroom) or have a Powerpoint - it might be helpful to give students a series of questions they need to answer.  Sometimes it also make sense to give students examples of what you want as well.  For example, when having students create Prezis, show them an exemplar.  It is easier to hit a target when you can see it.  Also, don't assume the students know how to use the technology you are planning on using.  You might need to schedule a period to teach them how to use the technology.

 Reinforcement: Think about the purpose of the technology you want to use in your classroom.  For example, don't create a powerpoint with all of you lecture notes and then just read the information that is on the screen.  Your Powerpoint should enhance (or reinforce) what you are lecturing about.  This might contain images, videos, or additional information about what you are lecturing about.  You might post a video on your website that you want students to watch about lab safety before you begin lab work in your science class.

A great way to find out about ways to integrate technology into your teaching is to work with your PLC or find other teachers that are teaching the same subjects.  This can also cut down on the work you need to do if you begin to share these ideas.  You can also subscribe to blogs (like this one) or follow some twitter accounts that emphasize Educational Technology (see some of my earlier posts).  

I love seeing what others are doing - so feel free to comment to this post (or others) with ideas and thoughts.

Still learning, and loving it....