Using Technology Resources in Different Learning Environments
Essential Questions
How do you integrate technology in a classroom that has very little technology?
What about different configurations of computer technology in the classroom?
How do you find iPad apps to use in the classroom?
What are some of the newest learning technologies that could change teaching and learning?
Learning Environments
There are a variety of different learning environments you may find yourself teaching in — from a one-computer classroom, to a computer lab down the hall, to each student having a tablet computer of their own. The table below offers information about a variety of learning environments:
| Description | More Information | |
| One Computer Classroom | The classroom has one computer for all activities: presentations, student group work, learning centers.
Biggest challenge: Not enough individual time for each student. |
How to Thrive – Not Just Survive – In a One Computer Classroom |
| Stand-Alone Lab | The teacher schedules time in one room for the students to each use a desktop computer.
Biggest challenge: Scheduling. Without technology at hand in the classroom, it cannot be used for just-in-time learning. |
The Pros and Cons of Computer Labs
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/pros-cons-computer-labs-mary-beth-hertz Classroom Management Tips for the School Computer Lab |
| Mobile Laptop Lab | Students each use a laptop from a rolling cart used to transport and recharge laptops.
Biggest challenge: Scheduling the cart; keeping batteries charged from class to class. |
|
| 1:1 (One-to-One Computing) | The school purchases and issues a computing device (typically laptop or tablet) to each student. Teachers support learning with Internet-based resources and activities.
Biggest challenge: cost and support of hardware. |
5 Common 1:1 Teacher Mistakes
http://gowhereyougrow.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/5-common-11-teacher-mistakes/
|
| B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) |
Students bring whatever Internet connected mobile device they have to school, and teachers support learning with Internet-based resources and activities.
Biggest challenge: supporting a wide variety of platforms. |
Ten Reasons to Consider BYOD in Education
http://www.teachthought.com/technology/10-reasons-to-consider-byod-in-education/ On Board with BYOD http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct12/vol70/num02/On-Board-with-BYOD.aspx The Hidden Costs of Wireless Computer Labs https://thejournal.com/articles/2005/08/01/the-hidden-costs-of-wireless-computer-labs.aspx |
| Flipped Classroom | The flipped classroom is one in which the students’ homework is to watch or listen to the teacher’s lecture or presentation via technology, so classroom time can be used for hands-on, active learning. | EducationNext: The Flipped Classroom http://educationnext.org/the-flipped-classroom/ |
Regardless of which of the above learning environments you find yourself teaching in, finding and evaluating software will be critical. The next section will introduce you to resources to assist you in finding and evaluating software applications.
Finding and Evaluating Software Applications
Regardless of what hardware you happen to have in your classroom, you will need to know where to find and evaluate the best applications. For general electronic learning resource evaluations, we love Graphite from Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsense.org/education) and the California Learning Resource Network (http://www.clrn.org). On the Electronic Learning Resource site, you can browse resources by subject area and grade level and read summaries and reviews by educators.
For iPad apps, you’ll want to check out Graphite by Common Sense (https://www.graphite.org/reviews). This directory provides app reviews from Apple Distinguished Educators. Kathy Schrock provides Bloomin’ Apps (http://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html), a website with recommended iPad apps organized according to Bloom’s Taxonomy . She also provides two excellent resources for evaluating apps designed to provide content and for apps designed for creation of a product.
ISTE-T Standards
2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
- Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the ISTE·S.
- Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
- Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
- Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources
- Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
- Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.
- b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
Key Terms
1-to-1
BYOD
one-computer classroom
laptop lab
mobile learning
Resources
Graphite Top Picks https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks#%2Ftop-picks
California Learning Resource Network http://clrn.org
Johnny Lee’s TED talk on hacking technology for your classroom http://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks
Kathy Schrock’s iPad Resources
