I appeared today on Breakfast Television to talk about technology is being integrated in the classroom – WATCH the segment HERE.
In today’s schools, students have more access to technology than ever before. School boards have spent millions of dollars wiring classrooms, installing smart boards, and purchasing laptops and iPads so that students will have more access to technology. The intention is that all these devices will increase student learning.
Technology in the classroom
Our school board uses Google Classroom which is designed specifically for schools to help students and teachers as well as classmates communicate. Teachers can organize and post homework assignments and projects; students can then create their presentations and projects using Microsoft applications such as Word and PowerPoint, and save to their own Google Drive. Later, teachers can access these files and can view homework and assignments.
Teachers can make announcements to the class, ask questions and comment with students in real time. So, students are encouraged to use a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to access Google Drive and to communicate with peers and teachers. Some schools loan out devices to students if they don’t have access at home.
Technology enhances learning
When teachers effectively integrate technology into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun.
With technology, students can access web sites, online tutorials, learning apps and websites, and more to help them research and learn. Education doesn’t stop at the end of the school day because students have access to resources as well as their peers, teachers and homework thanks to the internet any time of the day.
Technology can help keep parents in-the-know too. Parents can go to a class website and see what their child is working on, what assignments and projects are due, and communicate with teachers. They can also talk to their children via email, instant messaging and texts on various devices.
For younger kids, the Canadian Pediatric Society says there is early evidence that interactive ‘learn-to-read’ apps and e-books can build early literacy by providing practice with letters, phonics and word recognition. The key, especially for younger children, is for parents to watch with their kids, connect what’s being viewed with real life, and build language and cognitive skills, such as attention, memory and thinking.
Must-Have Tech from Rogers
Tablet
A tablet is great for younger kids especially to use for interactive educational apps and games. Plus it’s affordable, convenient and portable. There have been many times that my boys need help with their homework; we’ll sit together with our tablet and research online together on the couch.
Google Home Mini
Google Home Mini is a great organizational tool for the family to use as a hub. We’ll ask for the time, weather, traffic information, and so much more. My kids also turn to our Google Home Mini and ask for homework help! “Which of the Great Lakes is the largest?”
Laptop
My son is starting Grade 9 and upgraded to a good laptop that he can use throughout high school, while my younger son is now using his brother’s HP Stream. It’s light and only 14” so it’s easy to carry back and forth to school. The Google Chromebook is also a good option for elementary school kids.
Samsung Galaxy 8 phone
Since my son is 14 and starting high school, so I need to be able to communicate with him during the day as well as after school with his hockey activities. He uses his Samsung Galaxy 8 smartphone to call and text me, but also as a calculator in class, and for quick internet searches when allowed in school.
Beats Headphones
Headphones are a must; I can’t handle my kids using their tech without headphones! Also headphones such as Beats are good for them to block out noise when doing their homework, in the car on longer drives to hockey games, and for travelling.
Rogers has some amazing back-to-school offers right now – be sure to check them out!
Disclosure: I am a proud Rogers Ambassador, and receive products and perks during our partnership.