Through my browsing on Apple's website and Edutopia, I found two articles/stories that really caught and held my attention. These are ideas I might like to explore more for how technology can impact the classroom in a positive and transformational way.
The first idea was from Edutopia, and it was all about making the Back-to-School parent/teacher night into a technology enhanced event (link to article here). I just had my own curriculum night last week, and I found myself standing in front of the parents - talking at them for a long period in time. It wasn't really a fun experience, but seemed like something we all just had to get through (parents and teachers alike). In the Edutopia article, there were some great ideas about how technology could make a parent night much more engaging. I loved the idea of having QR codes displayed near student names or work in order for parents to see a video of their student talking. This could be used to have the kids talk about the different school rules, procedures in the classroom, or could be an actual project that they have worked on in the classroom. This would have been a great way to get my parents moving around and having fun, while still learning about how my classroom operates. Another idea that I liked was sending home a link to the main presentation to all parents, even the ones who couldn't make the parent night. Then as parents ask questions, you can answer them on the link to minimize repetition of questions. Also, as the year goes on you could push out new information easily. It might be too late for the this first parent night, but I think some of these 2.0 ideas would be a great way to transform our school's literacy or STEM night this year.
Another idea I found interesting came in the form of one of the Apple teacher stories (link here). She talked about how using the iPads and the iTunes university in her classroom allowed her students to be able to research topics in their area of interest much more quickly and easily than if she had to make copies or procure books for each individual student. Having several activities set up for each unit ahead of time also allowed her early finisher students to move ahead without waiting for the rest of the class. I find these ideas intriguing as I have tossed around the idea of including some Genius Hour projects with my class this year. Teaching them how to use the online research tools available through our school system would give them unlimited potential to tap into when researching topics. Then if I explain some possible final product choices for them, they are ready to move ahead at their own pace, with me guiding them along the way. Having several activities ready for students is something I try to accomplish when my students have their day in the computer lab. I find that when they know there are many activities they can attempt that day, they are very focused and driven to be able to try them all in the allotted time. Some of them even get so excited that they visit the other websites at home because they don't want to miss out!
Jennifer- I love the idea of a technology enhanced parent night. As a father of 3 elementary aged children, the parent/teacher night does often feel like something to get through rather than an enjoyable experience. Would the parents have to use the QR code reader on their personal device? Or do you have iPads or devices in your classroom that the parents would use? I also think it is an interesting idea to allow the students to use iPad's to use research tools to work at their own pace. My question would be what happens to the student who finishes everything quickly? Would you allow them to do something else, or simply create more activities for them to research?
ReplyDeleteJennifer- I love the idea of a technology enhanced parent night. As a father of 3 elementary aged children, the parent/teacher night does often feel like something to get through rather than an enjoyable experience. Would the parents have to use the QR code reader on their personal device? Or do you have iPads or devices in your classroom that the parents would use? I also think it is an interesting idea to allow the students to use iPad's to use research tools to work at their own pace. My question would be what happens to the student who finishes everything quickly? Would you allow them to do something else, or simply create more activities for them to research?
ReplyDeleteI would highly recommend using technology during curriculum night. Based on personal experience, it helps the parents focus on something else besides yourself and helps release all of the pressure from having so many eyes watching you. Start thinking also of ideas for how you could use technology for meet the teacher/sneak peek.
ReplyDeleteYour second project sounds great too! What specific ideas do you have in mind for research projects? Don't only think about using these for early finishers but how could you use these to help struggling students?
The article on Edutopia for using technology on the Back to School night was interesting and offered great suggestions for making this night run smoother. I especially liked the idea of involving the students in the process of teaching their parents the rules and procedures of the class. This would make the night more interactive and meaningful for parents to have their child more involved instead of the teacher standing in front of the room and reading PowerPoint slides. It would also help keep the night moving since parents filter in and out of classrooms at different times. Edutopia is a great resource for teachers as it has so many practical ideas such as the Back to School night suggestions.
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