Author: Hannah Patrick

1.What did you learn about the intersection of technology and instruction? What was your progress on becoming a “tech-savvy” teacher?

The intersection of technology and instruction is honestly so much more aligned than I originally thought. The growing use of technology is changing our world is numerous ways, so it is critical that educators understand how to properly incorporate it in the classroom. Not only is technology relevant to this generation of students, but it also allows for more engaging lessons and multiple methods of learning.

I would consider myself a pretty tech-savvy person; however, I was surprised at how many new applications I learned about in this class. In addition, there were applications that I already knew about, but a plethora of features I wasn’t even aware of! I also learned about various ways to use technology other than traditional strategies like powerpoint presentations.

2. This class was driven by mini-projects instead of test and papers. How did you respond? What does that tell you about student motivation?

Creating mini-projects and producing my own content was super helpful in my own personal learning. Learning by doing is probably the best way for technology methods because most of the knowledge is acquired by the actual experience itself. I think students respond much better to assignments that they are actually interested in rather than tests that can add pressure and motivates students for the wrong reasons. Overall, loved this class!

#GOBLAZERS

For our final project, we created a pollination lesson for first grade students. The lesson is part of a larger unit, with our presentation being lesson 3 of the unit, and focuses on different kinds of pollinators and their roles in pollination.

Students will work in groups to analyze a pollinator by using Thinglink to research in a group and share their research findings with the class by posting on Padlet.

Thinglink is a great tool for these kinds of projects because it allows content to be presented in multiple ways, and it can incorporate many types of media. In addition, Padlet enables students to record their research, share their findings, and explore other groups’ information, while also allowing the teacher to observe student learning.

Vialogues is a great way for students to collaborate and discuss while watching a video about a certain topic. The creator can either pose questions and polls beforehand, and then have students answer these questions as they watch the video. Or, students can add questions and polls they have for each other as they watch together. It ultimately comes down to the teacher’s purpose of the lesson.

Above is just a simple example of ways you could engage in a fun clip from the Monsters University movie; however, there are tons of educational videos that teachers might want students to participate with.

The application provides tons of videos, or you can upload your own. Students could even create their own videos and have their classmates comment with suggestions, constructive criticisms, or just observations and opinions.

For educators, I think one of the most practical uses of a screencast is recording a presentation or slideshow. This could be for students who are absent or might want to revisit a lesson.

In my screencast, I used an existing Ed Tech Methods lesson as an example. For Class 8, I created a Sway about where I’m from, Maui. I narrated this Sway as a self-introduction for people who might be want to get to know me or are interested in where I’m from. For example, I might present this on the first day of class and record it as I go.

Examples of integrating this could be: 1.) sending this to students who missed class that day, or 2.) sending it to parents who might want to learn more about me.

Thinglink and Google Tour Creator are both super cool options for incorporating technology in the classroom. Whether teachers are using it as an interactive lesson or students are creating their own to demonstrate learning, both apps have awesome features.

One of my favorite things about Google Tour Creator is the option to view it with virtual reality on the Expeditions app. This way you can really see your projects come to life.

On the other hand, I personally found Thinglink more user-friendly, and it was easier for me to get the hang of it. Thinglink could be really practical in the classroom, and it would be a great option for differentiation. For example, if you have some really tech-savvy students in your class, this would be a wonderful option for assessment.

Below is a Thinglink that could be used for a lesson on habitats. I uploaded an image of an ocean habitat, (specifically a coral reef) and added tags where certain information matched the image. Some tags include animals, functions, and elements of coral reefs.

Although Sway had some cool features, I personally found Adobe Spark Page much easier to use. I don’t think it matters which app you prefer because they both basically have the same effect. They are both visually pleasing and artistic, which makes them enjoyable to view. I liked that Adobe Spark Page had easier icons to create the aesthetic you were looking for.

On Sway, I talk about where I’m from: Maui. On my Adobe Spark Page, I talk about my plans this weekend, which include visiting my family in Pasadena and spending some time down in Anaheim to go to Disneyland! Both are embedded below 🙂

Have you ever wanted to visit Maui, but never had the chance? Never fear, this Sway will do the trick…

This is a more simple version of a trip to Maui, one in which I mainly talk about my hometown of Wailuku. Growing up in a small community has helped me made meaningful connections with the people and the environment around me. Living in such a beautiful, unique place has really opened my eyes to how lucky I am.

My Maui Sway will give you a super brief history about Wailuku, some favorite traditional and local Hawaiian foods (duh, because that’s the best part), and also some fun photos of family, friends, and fabulous destinations found throughout the island.

Adobe Spark Video is a super easy and simple way to create videos. Enhance your story by adding videos, images, and music! The app provides different templates, layouts, and options for any occasion. One of my personal favorite features is the voice recording ability, which I used to narrate my story about Spiderman.

The narrating feature of Adobe Spark Video is especially helpful because it allows educators to modify lessons. For example, if students aren’t quick, fluent readers, they can listen to your voice while they also read the captions.

You can also use this feature to have students practice fluency by having them record their voices as they read. This allows them to demonstrate their ability to read with punctuation, expression, and comprehension.

A specific example of a lesson you could incorporate in your classrooms would be having students create their own read-alouds. This would require students to combine multiple skills including visual, auditory, and writing concepts in one lesson, but uses fun tech and media to produce it!

In addition, you could have older students create videos about fun things they did over the weekend, over the break, or even a step-by-step process for a maker space project they made!

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.

Click on the preview of the Padlet above and you will be taken on an educational adventure — reviewing a Padlet whilst visiting a Padlet. Crafty right? I know! Check out some FAQs of this mind mapping website, including reviews, tips, and learning benefits of the site.

Google Sites is an amazing way to keep all your favorite educational, technical, whimsical methods in one place. All of the tools used within the site, including MyMaps and Google Slides, are all super user-friendly and easy to master. No matter what the purpose or reason behind your use of these tools, THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS. Whether you’re designing a visual, creating a lesson, or planning a trip!

This map includes six of the top amusement parks in Southern California, ranging between Santa Clarita and San Diego.

Each destination is fit with a description of the park along with a few photos, videos, and links to the official park websites.

Students can use this method to share about a fun vacation they may have experienced over Summer Break, or use a map like this as a timeline of where they are from, where they’ve lived or moved to, etc.

Through this activity, students can learn how their emotions affect others. By interacting with the different behavioral options, students will develop a further understanding of the consequences that may occur as a result of different behaviors.

Aimed at 3rd grade students, the choices are relatively simple. Our hope is that students will be able to evaluate their choices, and be encouraged to choose a more positive behavior to handle the situation.