How can technology redefine our classroom? There is a lot of stuff that has been trying to “reinvent” the classroom but I think today the most important thing is just simply keeping an open mind. The world is your curriculum now. How can we use that to our advantage. The question that should be asked is not, “how can this technology change my classroom?” but “what do I need to accomplish this idea?” For example, think about a dream scenario. “Wouldn’t it be cool to have someone from nasa show us this?” Well, you can Skype someone these days! You can view a live stream from the space station and write up questions for astronauts! There’s never been a better and cheaper time to have technology in the classroom, the limit is really our imagination.
What are some helpful technology practices we can use right now? One of my favorites is Minecraft. Kids love Minecraft! So why not find a way to utilize a game as a team learning experience. One limitation is technology, so if the technology is available let’s take advantage of it. There’s some great lesson plans out there where you can use Minecraft to study global politics, poverty, economics, and even geography. I watched a few great lessons that used Minecraft. It was incredible to see the concepts that students were grasping at the fourth and fifth grade levels. Guess what!? Not only were the students learning but they were having so much fun doing so. Minecraft is a tool that I want to play with more in the classroom. I do hope I have the opportunity to do it.
Starting small with just using the projector is a great way to start. Research has shown that we learn more when an image is attached to learning. That is why I use an image with every post. A great way to incorporate technology into your teaching is to have an image up on the projector for every lesson that you are presenting. The picture doesn’t even need to relate directly to what you are talking about. Chances are a student will remember the picture and then link the concept to that picture. Puppy jumping into water = antidisestablishmentarianism. It’s just that simple! Or is it? I have no idea what I’m talking about yet. I’ll leave that for you to decide.
-Joe
Hey Joe,
ReplyDeleteI really like your viewpoint on technology in the classroom, it is very positive and makes me excited to try it! I especially like how you mentioned that the world is our curriculum and that means there are no limits on what you can learn, which can be daunting sometimes. However, I like that you left us with ideas on how we can begin to implement technology into the classroom as a learning tool.
Hi Joe,
ReplyDeleteLove the picture and title of your blog. Kittens are so fun! I would have to agree with you and keeping an open mind when introducing technology. There are so many teachers that shy away from it because they don't know what their students will do when given the chance to post on social media or use their phones in class. Minecraft?! That is pretty crazy. Did you know you can do math with Minecraft? I watched this 5th grade room do it and I was amazing by how focused and engaged they were. Great post!
Malinda
MINECRAFT is huge. VIDEOGAMES and REALITIES are so real at this point! I love your big ides and lots of questions. How cool would it be to take our fifth graders to the pyramids or explore the coral reef in a VR set? I am so ready for the future.
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