Pedagogue Blog

As technology becomes more accessible to more students, thanks to schools investing in more 1 to 1 initiatives, it becomes important to recognize the ways in which teachers can leverage that technology to equalize all the inequalities that students face. Technology is a wonderful tool that can help level the playing field and increase student opportunities.

1. It Can Bridge the Gap for Students with Learning Disabilities

Technology offers countless opportunities for helping connect special education students with the curriculum. Students who have trouble reading, for example, can download apps on a tablet or computer that will read along with them, auditorily reinforcing the words as the student him- or herself reads them. Other ways that technology can bridge the gap for LD students include:

• Electronic math worksheets for students with dysgraphia and other math-based challenges can help students organize, align, and work through math problems in ways that will help keep them organized and on-track. Numbers can also be read aloud to the students, which can help them keep the digits straight.
• Talking calculators, similarly, read each number and operation aloud to help students process math problems through two modalities.
• Graphic organizers and outlining are great for students who have trouble processing large amounts of information at a time. They are also helpful for organizing writing, a skill that can seem daunting for students with certain types of learning disabilities.
• Word processing can help students who may have trouble writing. Many word processing programs come with talk-to-text options, which is a helpful scaffold for students who struggle with translating their thoughts into writing, whether for short-answer items or for essays.
• Talking dictionaries and spell-checkers are ideal for students who struggle with dyslexia and other word-based disabilities. Some can search for proper spellings of words based on a word’s initial sounds, which can be helpful for students who struggle with words and spelling.

2. It Can Help Equalize Experiences for Economically Disadvantaged Students

Many times, students who are economically disadvantaged are not privy to the same life experiences as their peers whose families are financially stable. And while a visit to a museum or a trip to the beach may seem, in the grand scheme of a childhood, somewhat insignificant, the lack of these experiences accumulates until some students have much narrower worldview than their peers. Technology can be used to equalize this disparity:

• Google maps and similar apps can help students explore the world, even when their parents’ budget seems prohibitive. Language teachers can bring students into the countries and cultures they are teaching, showing students the world around them. And while some students may be fortunate enough to visit the countries in person, these tools give the economically disadvantaged student the experience of seeing foreign cultures and a perspective outside their own hometown. This can help them understand cultural lessons and historical contexts in a richer, deeper way that may have previously eluded them.
• Teachers can take advantage of online and digital tours of museums and historic Students who previously had no experience with art or culture or who cannot afford the admission to cultural experiences can still participate with the help of classroom edtech. Seeing masterpieces is as easy as the stroke a few computer keys; listening to an opera as close as the nearest set of classroom headphones. Students’ experiences will be much more similar, and the learning gap will begin to close.
• For some students, school may the only place where they have the opportunity to experience technology at all. This in and of itself is an equalizer, in that technology is an essential and necessary skill in the 21st century. Students need to understand use technology in virtually every career field, and gaining early and consistent access to it will help them be competitive with the peers after graduation.

These are only a small sampling of the ways in which technology evens the playing field for students in education – and beyond. Students with physical disabilities, for example, will similarly benefit from assistive technology. Technology has so many implications for speaking for students who cannot, translating for students who cannot hear, and bringing students who are unable to leave their home into the classroom with their peers. Technology can help students see the world in new ways, and can help students achieve at their highest capacity, no matter what challenges they may face.

Integrating technology into classrooms is one more way that education lifts kids up to realize their full potential and positively impact the world around them.

Technology makes accessing student data rather easy. However, all student data needs to be maintained in a confidential manner to protect students’ rights, security, and dignity. At the same time, federal and state laws and guidelines may have certain rules regarding the type of safety precautions that must be taken regarding this data, but they might not specify specific tasks. Unfortunately, not all school districts may provide a higher level of interpretation of those guidelines and laws. Therefore, there some steps need to be considered when protecting student data.

1. Establish Transparency with Laws and Guidelines

When federal and state laws do not provide a clear picture of how data needs to be protected, school districts’ administration needs to provide clarity before a breach of information is made.

2. Understand the Risks – Paper

When it comes to being secure with student data information, there are many risks at hand. If paper trails are being created, then those papers need to be locked away from prying eyes, so having a method to protect against this factor is essential. File drawers and file folder systems need to be used effectively to make sure paperwork is protected in a confidential manner.

3. Understand the Risks – Electronic

Any computers teachers use for accessing student information should be lockable with a password. Programs that allow access to this information should be encrypted for access in some way, so two levels of authentication for entry would be a good idea. These applications and programs should also not be left open on any computer screen to avoid tempting prying eyes.

4. Establish Transparency with Students, Parents, and Guardians

Information needs to be available to parents to some point, so they need to understand what their children and other guardians can have access to and why. School websites can house this data just as much as a student’s handbook can, too. Either way, transparency of what happens to this data need to be blatantly available.

5. Define Who Can and Cannot Have Access

Third-party vendors providing systems to convey student data might want access to certain aspects of an electronic database for student information. However, a decision needs to be made about how much access they need to have to perform their tasks. Also, information needs to be delegated their individual entitlements based solely on what information they need to perform their jobs and nothing more.

6. Technical Support Access

Third-party vendors need to equally be trained in ethics and efficacy for handling student data. This situation is mostly true with their IT departments for when concerns arise. Therefore, school districts need to refer to transparency when it comes to defining what they can and cannot have access to.

7. Train Staff

There is much responsibility that comes with accessing student data. A school district cannot assume that staff members automatically understand certain aspects of handling this information. Staff members need to know how to access information responsibly, know how to use a notification system for breaches, and should understand what to do in case of a breach.

8. Have Protocol for Notification Purposes

There should be some sort of notification process in place if a breach happens. People need to know who to report breaches to if they happen. Then, all parties involved with the data need to be made aware of the situation, too. A press release would be a good idea to put parents and the community on a protective, proactive front that works in-line with attempts to fix the problem.

9. Have a Plan for Data Breeches

The best thing to do with a security breach is to plan ahead as much as possible so one does not happen. A breach can be rather chaotic, especially when the cause is not known. However, work must be done as fast as possible to contain the breach.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of protecting student data is essential to surviving in education. There are so many levels of ethics and efficacy that need to be considered, so being overly prepared for any situation or breach is the best method for protecting against exposing this data to prying eyes.

Some people would be astounded that statistics indicate one out of every 68 students is on the autism spectrum. Therefore, traditional ways of educating these students might not be beneficial. Technology may very well be the only answer to helping students with autism, and there are many reasons and benefits as to why this situation should exist in every school district.

1. Visual Appeal

The main benefit to using technology for helping students with autism is how colorful and visually appealing it can be. According to Kristie Brown Lofland from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, “Technology just makes visual images more accessible to an individual with [autism]. Computer graphics capture and maintain their attention.”

2. Using Assistive Technologies

Assistive technologies have to be put in place to aid students with autism. One source of various assistive technologies can be found through TechMatrix, which is sponsored by the National Center for Technology Innovation and the Center for Implementing Technology Education. This company gives information that links teachers and parents to resources for all subjects areas.

3. Improve Verbal Skills with Scene Displays

About 25 percent of people who have autism are non-verbal according to Autism Speaks. Therefore, finding a way to communicate with these students is an essential part of education. Many apps appeal to these students and to help them learn needed communication skills. One type of app is called a visual scene display, which allows students to create a line of text or a story with pictures that are then translated when shared with another person. Scene Speak and Speech with Milo are great examples.

4. Develop Social Skills with Technology

Research indicates that students who take part in STEM programs tend to find a path to better socialization. They become comfortable with this technology early on in their high school careers, which gives them a talking point to focus on in conversations. Therefore, they build connections with students and teachers who have similar interests. Once this process of opening up to others begins in one area of their lives, students with autism tend to start opening up in other social settings, too.

5. Digital Tools for a Flipped Classroom

As stated previously, traditional education methods are not wise to use with students who have autism. This situation is mostly true because these students do not deal well with social settings. Therefore, flipping the classroom to rely on more technology must happen to make them feel more secure. Many students who fall on the spectrum adapt easily to technology, so using tablets for them in the classroom should only be natural. These technologies can be used to sustain conversations between students and teachers in a non-intimidating way. These apps go beyond the text-to-speech models like Scene Speak. One specific type of app that is wonderful for younger students with autism is iRewardChart. This app works to reinforce behaviors that these students may struggle with, especially social behaviors. It allows teachers to reward these students easily through goal setting.

6. Appeal to Special Interests

Because of this interest with technology, students with autism end up choosing a STEM major in college, according to research conducted by Washington University in St. Louis. Therefore, high schools should adapt STEM programs so they appeal to students with autism, too. One such school, STEM3 Academy in Los Angeles, created programs that include game design, 3D design and printing, electronics and programming, robotics, coding, and cyber security programs that strictly appeal to students who fall on the autism spectrum, thus making them ready for similar majors in college.

Conclusion

This compilation of technologies helps students with autism, but it barely scratches the surface as far as the options available. Many parents and teachers need to be reassured that options are nearly limitless for technologies and programs that can help in the classroom to prepare these students for their futures.

Many students choose a virtual school to replace their traditional school schedules partially or completely for a few reasons. In some ways, virtual school has completely replaced traditional homeschooling for the sake of easier curriculum access. At the same time, students who struggle in social settings or who do not find courses at their traditional schools challenging may find virtual school a blessing. Therefore, virtual schools are on the rise in popularity. However, virtual schools are not perfect. Here are eight essentials that act as focal points to make virtual schools work.

1. Higher Achievement at Home

Students who are naturally high achievers might need more freedom over their studies than what the traditional model offers. Virtual schooling allows students to work at their pace and to find classes that meet their abilities and interest levels. Furthermore, students can set their schedules, too, so they do not need to follow such a rigid pattern to their day. On the other hand, students who struggled to perform under these same rigid patterns might find the same freedoms rather alleviating. In other words, they can be turned into high achievers if permitted more control over their education.

2. Wider Class Options

Everyone from athletes to actors to scientists to automotive or carpentry lovers will find something that meets their attentions and desires. Essentially, the curriculum options can be modelled to the student instead of the other way around.

3. Expanding Class Options in Traditional Schools

Some students might want to remain in a traditional school to participate in sports or experience aspects of a typical teenage social life. Therefore, the school day can be split between traditional and virtual classes. Therefore, school districts are incorporating virtual school as a partial or total schedule replacement option.

4. Frequent Movers

For various reasons, some students’ families move more than others. Changing from one traditional school to another, therefore, can be very stressful. Course options would change as not all schools offer the same options, and schedules can end up being incomplete, which is concerning as students near graduation. Virtual schools are mobile, so they go wherever the student can go. This form of education is not interrupted by a change in address.

5. Flexible Schedules

Some students might find a traditional school schedule difficult to keep for various reasons. For example, students who have demanding health concerns might need to spend much time visiting doctors or receiving treatments. Virtual schools can meet this demanding schedule without causing students to miss a lot of instruction because courses can be worked on at any time, so long as deadlines for assignments and tests are met.

6. Promoting Collaboration

Just because students opt to enroll completely in a virtual school, they do not have to be alone on their path to learning. They can communicate with their teachers and work on projects with other students just as much as they would in a normal school setting. Chat boxes and e-portfolio methods are used instead of raising hands and working on assignments together in person.

7. Centralized Focus on Partnerships

Due to the collaborative efforts these classes require between a student and their teacher, this relationship falls at the center of virtual education more than it ever did with traditional schools. Teachers have time to pay special attention to individual students without having to worry about shortchanging other students in the room. Therefore, the student is the focus of the relationship instead of an entire classroom.

8. Access to Specialists

Teachers who work for virtual schools are often specialists in their fields. They do not have to worry about teaching generalized classes. For example, instead of focusing on a class that looks at a wide array of canonical literature, an English teacher can offer a class specifically on Greek mythology or post-modern poetry. Likewise, history teachers can focus on specific time periods for an entire course’s length. At the same time, these courses’ designs match the way college courses are set up, which will prepare a student for higher education with ease.

Conclusion

Virtual schools are no longer a fantasy. They are a true reality for students who look to widen their high school experiences beyond the traditional classroom. They can turn struggling stories into success cases just as much as they open up more experiences for students who have high achievement abilities that are not met otherwise in a traditional school. As long as these essential needs are met, then any virtual school will work well for any student.

If you have ever taken or considered taking an online course, you are well aware of some of the challenges and criticisms that online courses face. Some consider the fact that there is no physical, literal classroom a disadvantage. Others consider it an advantage. When taking an online course, it is true that there are no students in the desks next to you, and that there may be hundreds or even more than a thousand students participating in the same class. The lack of a physical classroom, however, does not have to be a disadvantage. One advantage of online courses is that students from all over the world with a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and languages are coming together to learn, collaborate, and share their ideas together.

How Can Online Courses Keep People Interacting with Each Other?

1. Discussion Boards and Panels: One of the most common ways that online courses keep the human element in their course is through discussion boards and panels. By interacting with discussion board and panels on a daily basis, online courses give full control of student participation and learning to the learner. Although it depends on the student how much they choose to contribute to such discussions, the same conditions exist on a learner in a physical classroom.

2. Videos from Course Moderators: In addition to discussion boards, it is common in online courses to include videos from the moderators regarding updates about the course, and how it is progressing. Videos from the courses moderators and teachers, allow the online learner to feel more engaged and connected to the educators as if they were sitting in a physical classroom. Students are more likely to feel engaged when there is an introduction video to the course for each week, and it is needed especially for week one of an online course.

3. Live Sessions: Some courses even include live Q & A sessions, which give students the option of interacting more directly with the course and the educators. Course moderators can encourage student participation by offering live sessions, and answering student concerns live from the camera. Live-streaming video content is one of the best ways to maintain the human element within online courses. For certain with the ability to interact live and ask questions to your instructors, online courses are providing students the possibility to communicate in a similar fashion to the “regular” student classroom.

4. Class Surveys: For some students, class surveys are a way that they feel connected. By participating in surveys, and receiving survey results from classmates, students can feel that they are being listened to, and that are connected to each other as well as the instructors. It is popular at the end of the first week in an online course for teachers to provide surveys. Surveys allow students to express their opinion about the progression of the course, course content, and their personal expectations for the course.

5. Messages from the Educators: Another way that students feel that the human element is present in online courses, is when educators submit feedback on students’ posts or send them personal messages. Although not every educator has time to submit hundreds of students’ personal messages, course moderators can contribute to maintaining humanity in the course by being active while the course is active. Seeing educator responses to student posts increases student motivation and interest.

6. Diversify Course Format: As we know from existing research, students learn in different ways. Some learn better by reading or listening, others learn better through collaboration, and yet others learn quicker through creative assignments. By diversifying the course format and course content, students are more likely to continue to feel engaged. From recording voice clips to identifying their location on a map to uploading photographs, students can communicate creatively with each other and course moderators.

7. Provide Opportunities for Group Work:  As with any class, whether online or in-person, group work can encourage student collaboration and teamwork. Online courses that offer the opportunity for group work encourage open communication between students and students with their educators. Group work or group assignments can be linked to outside program or social networks. Students can create, write, think, and work together through a wide variety of programs that include options for video chat, audio chat, or just typed messages.

No Reason to Fear Online Courses!

There is no reason to fear online courses when it comes to concerns regarding missing the human element. Online courses are no longer just an experiment. Millions of people worldwide connect to online courses and communicate with their educators and fellow peers daily. Videos, surveys, live sessions, discussion boards, group work, ongoing communication with course leadership, and a diverse course format all allow students to feel that the human element is present in online courses.

Technology is changing the landscape of teaching and learning. Textbooks are being phased out, makerspaces are becoming increasingly common, and communication between teachers and students has never been easier or more abundant. Technology is unavoidable, and while some teachers may still feel hesitant about the changes that are coming fast and furiously in the wake of these advancements, most teachers want to embrace the potential. Teachers that are successfully integrating educational technology in their classrooms are beacons for their peers – and there is much they can teach us.

Teachers who are successfully using technology to grow their students share these ten important traits:

1. They Are Flexible

Technology can be wonderful, enriching, and game-changing for students. It can help bridge the gap for struggling learners, it can bring distance learners together, and it can be an indomitable research tool. But technology can be unreliable. Technical glitches, unsteady internet connection, or a steep learning curve can throw a wrench in even the best-laid plans.  Teachers who are successfully using technology are flexible; they have a backup plan for when things go awry, they are patient as students learn new procedures and apps, and they are willing to adjust lessons if something isn’t working.

2. They Have a Growth Mindset

Having a growth mindset means that you are capable of learning and growing and that things can – and will – get better with effort and practice. This is essential when integrating technology.  Like anything worthwhile, integrating edtech into your classroom can be difficult. It means having new routines, teaching new skills and strategies, and being patient while students adjust. But it also means there is great potential for growth and more meaningful learning. Teachers who are getting the most out of technology are willing to work, and occasionally be uncomfortable and uncertain, to grow themselves and their students.

3. They Listen to the Students

Listening to student feedback helps teachers figure out what technology is working and what is not. Using technology can make learning much more student-centered as the students learn to seek out information for themselves. As a teacher’s role becomes more facilitative and less authoritative, good teachers will learn to listen to the students’ feedback so that they can adapt the classroom and the technology to meet the kids’ needs.

4. They Embrace Change

Technology is fluid and constantly changing and improving. This means that teachers who successfully implement technology must also change and improve. Teachers who are bringing edtech into their classrooms are malleable and adaptive and see change not as a  hindrance, but as an opportunity.

5. They Plan Ahead

Successfully incorporating technology into a classroom is not something that happens on the fly. Incorporating edtech requires careful research into what will work best for a particular lesson (and why). It requires a knowledge of what opportunities are available, and what is needed to bring them successfully to live in various environments. It also requires a lot of research into classroom management to avoid misuse of technology. This is tied closely to growth mindset: creating a technological classroom requires teachers who are willing to learn!

6. They Collaborate

Technology is breaking down distance barriers. Teachers who use technology are more likely to collaborate, not only with their district coworkers (hello, cross-curricular opportunities!) but also with classes and schools across the country, and even across the globe. Building bridges between classes and schools makes learning more impactful for students, who can begin to apply the concepts they learn in real-world situations.

7. They Read, Read, Read

Blogs, research studies, newsletters, journals: all of these are great resources on current trends in edtech. Teachers who are successfully implementing technology are staying current with the research and the latest trends in technology so that they can integrate those strategies in their classrooms.

8. They Have a Backup Plan

If something does go wrong, teachers who use technology don’t give up! They have a backup plan, and a backup plan for that plan, too. They are ready for every situation – internet outages, network glitches, students who forget their technology at home, students who don’t know how to use the technology: all of these roadblocks are foreseen and planned for by expert teachers using edtech.

9. They Are Student-Centered

Technology means that students are in the driver’s seat in the classroom. They are deciding what information they need to find and how, and what to do with that information. Teachers who are successfully implementing technology are willing to take a backseat to the students’ direction, and support students in whatever ways they can. It’s a shift in thinking, for sure, but it’s just one of many for dedicated educators helping students learn valuable 21st-century skills.

10. They Care

Any good teacher – especially those successfully integrating edtech into their classrooms – cares for their students. They want what’s best for them, and they’re willing to use any strategy or resource in order to help their students reach their true potential.

Technology changes the way students learn – and the way teachers teach. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s vital for teachers to emulate these characteristics so that students can be competitive and prepared for an ever-changing, technologically-driven world.

The ultimate goal of any good teacher is not just to teach his or her content, but to mold young men and women who will be productive, contributing members of society who can solve problems and, hopefully, make the world a better place. It’s not always important that a student can, in isolation, recite the Pythagorean Theorem or a list of prepositions.  Instead, it’s important to use the tools and the knowledge learned in the classroom to positively impact the world around us.

And that’s where Makerspaces come in! A Makerspace is a way to bring rote learning to life, to teach students to become lifelong learners, and to encourage problem-solving skills.

What is a Makerspace?

Makerspaces are “community centers with tools.” It is a physical location – in a school or, in a broader sense, in a community – where people gather to brainstorm, solve problems, and create art and technology. A good makerspace will have an expert (or teacher) available as a guide, monitor, and coach, but most of the time users (students) will get guidance, inspiration, and advice from their co-users.

Makerspaces are special because they are designed to promote self-directed learning and independence. In the classroom, makerspaces are used when a teacher presents a problem, challenge, or question, and the students hypothesize, experiment, create, and design to solve said problem. Students learn by creating, doing, and teaching along side their classmates.

These special areas, in an educational setting, are often equipped with computers and tablets, 3D and traditional printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies, and tools. These are all useful and sometimes essential tools to teach students how to problem-solve in simulated real-world scenarios. However, these items are also extremely expensive, especially for a school that is trying to start their makerspace.

So how can schools create makerspaces without breaking the budget?

Makerspaces on a Tight Budget

Even though it’s nice to dream of a makerspace with fancy gadgets and expensive technology, the truth is that you truly can start a makerspace, even with a small or nonexistent budget. By following these five tips, you can start a Makerspace on literally any budget!

1. Spread the word

Tap into the community. Chances are, parents will be excited about innovation and hands-on experiences for their children, and they may have untapped resources they’d be willing to share with you. Maybe they’ll buy some of the things you want, or maybe they’ll suggest an alternative item that they would be willing to donate to your Makerspace. Or maybe they already have a lot of what you need and would be willing to loan or give it to your school or organization. Whatever the case, community support will go a long way in helping you procure the materials you need.

2. Look for – and ask for – donations

Legos, craft supplies, leftover construction materials, old and refurbished technology – there is so much out there that might be yours if you just ask the right people or advertise in the right spots. Keep your mind open to items you hadn’t considered. While you might not necessarily get a class set of iPads or tablets, you might find that someone has something else that could be just as beneficial to your students’ developing imaginations and your burgeoning Makerspace.

3. Utilize existing supplies and materials

Scavenge your school and the classrooms of your fellow teachers. Maybe the physics teachers have unused building sets, maybe the art teacher has supplies that they are willing to part with. Start small and gradually build up your reserves.

4. Take advantage of crowdfunding or teacher support sites

GoFundMe and Kickstarter are two popular crowdfunding sites, but for teachers there is truly no greater financial resource then DonorsChoose.org. At Donors Choose, teachers put up proposals and ideas for classroom supplies and activities, and benefactors choose the projects they wish to find, in part or in full. If you’re hoping to start a Makerspace, create a DonorsChoose project, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the funds you receive!

5. Recycle

Scavenge the items in your school that are going to be thrown away! Cardboard boxes are treasures for a Makerspace, and other items that may be perceived as garbage can be disassembled or repurposed by creative young imaginations.

Makerspaces are all about student exploration and creativity. And while it might be nice to have fancy technology and expensive accessories, what it comes down to is nurturing student independence and fostering problem-solving skills. Don’t let a lack of funds prevent you or your school from investing in strategies that will benefit your students. It might be tough to find a way to achieve your goals of creating a Makerspace in your school or district, but it will be worth it in the end.

For you visual learners, here is an great video that discusses how to develop a thriving makerspace.

The number of students with special needs is on the rise across the United States, making it increasingly difficult for educators to teach effectively to their entire student body. Did you know that there are approximately 7 million students in the United States with disabilities? Did you know that only 62.7% of students with special needs in the US graduate high school? With the increase of students with special needs in the US and the current trend in education to increase inclusion in the classroom, educators are experiencing difficulties dividing their time and attention equally across their students. This is where edtech solutions come in.

Advances in technology are making it possible for teachers to best assist students with special needs and or limited language skills, to learn alongside the average student. Through the use of computer programs and games and other devices, students with special needs can participate in the same activity as their peers or a slightly altered program based on their specific needs and skill set.

What programs are available and how much do they cost?

Although not every teacher has equal access to materials including expensive technology resources, there are some options that are free or are usually provided by the school district to all their teachers. From the cost of free to thousands of dollars, there are edtech solutions that enhance learning in the classroom for all learners, and enable special education students to express themselves more completely and to learn more effectively.

Here are just a few edtech solutions:

1. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (AAC)- AAC devices enable students who have limited verbal skills to have a voice. Students can select a picture on a screen that speaks for themselves. These programs also allow deaf students to reply to questions through the use of these devices. The cost of AAC devices can range from as little as $180 to as much as $2,100.

2. MangoMon– MangoMon is free for many educators, and provides interactive reading and mathematics lessons. This program also makes it possible to specialize education plans for each student using the program, and it offers direct parent access for viewing student progress.

3. Photo Vocabulary– Typically funded through the school, Photo Vocabulary enables students to learn through vocabulary flash cards and audio pronunciation. This program enhances learning opportunity for students with multiple types of disabilities.

4. Sounding Board- Sounding Board is an app on the iPad which changes a student’s iPad into a storyboard This program enables students with a variety of writing disabilities such as Dyslexia, and communication disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, to develop their message through the use of pictures. This program offers an endless supply of pictures and symbols and helps largely non-verbal students express themselves. *Note: Some schools are now offering iPads to all their students as a way to enhance their curriculum. One iPad per student can cost $500-$950.

5. VoiceThread – The VoiceThread program functions as a substitute for the traditional way of writing. This free software program records students’ voices with the intention of allowing students to narrate their project or task.

6. TechMatrix – TechMatrix is a program sponsored by the National Center for Technology Innovation, which describes information and details links and resources for a wide variety of subjects for students with special needs.

Limited budget? What are other possibilities?

If your school’s budget is limited, try considering using the technology you may already possess in your school. To assist some students, it may be easier than you think. When working with a student with a visual or a fine motor disability, you can use a regular desktop computer that your school already has, and purchase only a large-font keyboard, and or a color-coded keyboard. Also, if a student is experiencing difficulty in pressing computer buttons due to their size, switches are available to serve in place of the “enter key,” or of a computer mouse.

Why Use Edtech Solutions?

When it comes to teaching in the classroom, technology can serve as an equalizer. Edtech in the classroom is making it increasingly possible to offer equitable learning opportunities to students with special needs. Even if your school may not have sufficient funding to purchase iPads for every student, there are computer games and programs that are available for free on the internet. As technology continues to march humanity through the 21st-century smartphones, iPads, mobile devices, and computer programs that identify speech patterns are just a few of the widely accessible tools that teachers now have access to. Other equipment such as screen reading tools, specialized keyboards, Braille displays, and text-to-speech solutions are additional ways that we can assist all students with all levels of ability to learn and improve their life opportunities.

Many new teachers fresh out of college and other pathways to teaching possess new ideas, but they have to prepare for any challenge in the classroom, especially regarding using technology. Edtech has greatly expanded what a classroom can accomplish, so new teachers have to acclimate to these technologies as quickly as possible. Here are some basic edtech options that teachers need to know when they first step into their own classrooms.

Locating New Ideas for the Classroom

One of the best resources of where to find ideas to integrate into any classroom would be TeachersPayTeachers. Many teachers use this site to share their ideas with other teachers for the sake of building a stable support system across the internet. It opens gateways to new ideas for teachers of all experience levels. Shared ideas include décor for the classroom, organizational tools, and standards-aligned activities that can be located with a simple search.

Managing Tasks

To-do lists do not quite cut it when it comes to managing all of the tasks that need to be completed when preparing and managing a classroom. For iOS users, 30/30 is a great app to help with managing those many tasks. It can mix personal and work items in a color-coded mode to differentiate types of tasks. For Android users, Tassky functions in much the same way.

 Dealing with Interactive Whiteboards

Many classrooms come equipped with hardware technology, too, like interactive whiteboards and learning how to use one can be rather difficult without some training. There are several tools available to become familiar with this type of technology and fast. Two examples are Flockdraw and Cosketch. Both of these tools allow for interaction using whiteboard software on any computer. It promotes collaboration, which is another skill that new teachers need to perfect as soon as possible.

Maintaining E-portfolios

A new type of tech that has become rather popular in the last few years is e-portfolios. Students learn through to and how to maintain these portfolios with tools related to Google Sites, Wikispaces, and WordPress classroom edition. They learn how to work on smaller assignments that build to a culminating project alongside learning how to collaborate with other students instead of just submitting assignments to teachers for approval or feedback. A new teacher should familiarize him or herself with these options as soon as possible to begin planning their classrooms around an e-portfolio early on. E-portfolios take a lot of planning and effort on the teacher’s part, so the sooner this process begins, the sooner it can be perfected and improved upon before it is rolled out to students.

New teachers can also take advantage of e-portfolios in another way. An e-portfolio provides a great solution to making lesson plans and units, too. Everything can be organized in a neat and efficient manner, too. The main benefit to using e-portfolios for lesson plans and units is how accessible they can be elsewhere. The days of backing everything up onto a USB thumb drive can end by using e-portfolios in this way. The essential key to not using USB thumb drives is they can be lost or broken much easier than a cloud storage option.

Conclusion

So many tools and apps exist in edtech nowadays that it can be difficult to figure out where to start learning what to use. Exploring these tools can be intimidating, too. Starting off by using these tools as early on in a career as possible will lead to learning how to incorporate other technology over the years, too. Therefore, new teachers need to work on preparing themselves for the evasion technology has made into education quickly to be ahead of the game.

Reading has always been an invaluable skill. Not only does it influence how we interact with the world but it is still the medium by which many students learn. And yet, statistics show that between 46 and 51% of American adults have an income well below the poverty level because of their inability to read. This is a scary fact, and with reading becoming more digital, it is important that educators start looking into how they can teach this important skill in a new digital age.

With the explosion of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media applications, students are actually engaging more with written language than ever before.  While this should be a success of sorts, the reading they do does not always push critical reading skills or challenges its readers with new vocabulary. The National Literacy Trust found that students who engaged in social media and blogs held a more positive view on reading and writing and that they were able to read and summarize better than those that were not engaging with the language. Educators need to tap into this new reading culture.

One way this can be achieved is by the use of digital libraries. Students as young as three are being encouraged to read by using digital resources that both push reading skills as much as they do other technological literacies. Epic! is an eBook subscription service that gives readers under 12 access to 20000 books is a great place to start.  Similar products give students access to reading materials of their choosing. Educators need to understand that while curriculum set books are important, giving students the autonomy to choose books that interest them fuels a passion for reading. If students enjoy what they read, they will form a positive relationship with the content and see reading as a gateway to information.

In high school, close reading and text complexity have become the new currency by which reading programs and instruction are being measured, and if students in the digital age are to meet this requirement; they need more than digital libraries. Educators need to see the benefits that technology can bring to teaching reading and how forcing a child to sit and read a novel is archaic. Below are some examples of ways that the digital can be incorporated into teaching reading:

• The use of online dictionaries and vocabulary lists to help learn new words.
• Hyperlinking complex words and phrases with videos, and other explanatory resources
• Use of e-readers and other devices made for e-books
• Using quizzes and fun, interactive games to test vocab retention and content basics
• Edtech that allows for live feedback into reading achievements

What all the above suggestion have in common is that they combine traditionally “book reading” with the resources and benefits that come with the internet and technology. One powerful way that educators can approach teaching reading is by using analytical tools to monitor the way in which students read. By having an understanding of students’ reading habits, speed, and comprehension, educators can gain a better understanding of where the problems lie and tailor their teaching to best suit the needs of their students.

This was previously very difficult to judge, and educators had no other assessment tools than making the student read out loud. The digital age is giving students control over their own reading while at the same time, allowing teachers to follow and jump in where needed.

So, as we move towards a digital age, teaching practices need to embrace the benefits that come with technology. Edtech is being developed to meet these challenges, and through its use, students can feel validated in their choices and can foster a passion for reading. Educators need to move away from archaic reading methods and start to incorporate the skills that students already have, with the new ones they are acquiring. After all, you need to thank a teacher if you could read this article.

It is no secret that many students are not passionate about math. Students feel disconnected from what is taught in class, unsure of the benefits of math and reluctant to pursue careers in the field. Edtech is trying to change these attitudes by providing them with new ways to engage with numbers. Many companies have developed virtual tools for math, which allow students to learn, practice, and have fun with different math concepts. We will discuss ten of the best on the market.

1. Stepping Stones 2.0: Comprehensive Mathematics– from ORIGO Education integrates print and digital resources to give teachers flexibility in how they teach K-6 math. SS 2.0 is loaded with additional practice, effective strategies, visual models, and teacher supports. Slatecast lets the teacher broadcast a resource onto the class whiteboard to emphasize or reteach a concept. Kathy Beach, a teacher in North Thurston Public Schools, says about State cast, “What a great way to practice facts and have everyone on the computer.”
2. Geometry Pad– This virtual graph paper allows students to draw shapes, charts, and other geometric features.  Students can change the properties of shapes, zoom in, save their work and add written notes on the side. Geometry Pad is a great application that can be used with students of any age and across mathematical disciplines.
3. Pattern Shapes– Understanding the properties of shapes, fractions and creating precise figures is easy with Pattern Shapes. Students can use the virtual protractor to measure angles, change the dimensions and color of forms and annotate answers. It is ideal for elementary and middle school students, and the bright colored shapes can inspire creative design.
4. Globaloria– Learning math through games is a great educational tool. Globaloria allows students to create games that test STEM subjects. With a gallery full of games, students can explore creations that were made by their peers. This application aims to promote STEM subjects on a global level through games and social networking.
5. MathsPlayground– This collection of math-based games is perfect for younger students. Aligned with Common Core standards the games are separated by grade and topic. Students will enjoy learning while playing interesting games. The games test timetables, fractions, and other mathematical concepts. Combining education with easy to play games is what makes MathsPlayground ideal for young students.
6. FluidMath– FluidMath is the first “pen-centric “platform that works on iPads and interactive whiteboards. Students and teachers can write, in their own handwriting, as they solve problems and engage with difficult concepts. FluidMath has won many awards, and its many features make it a great tool for both teachers and students in any math classroom.
7. GetTheMath– The aim of this tool is to relate algebra to the real world. Through topics like “Math in Music” and “Math in Fashion,” students can learn how math is an integral part of everyday life. There are videos, exercises and other ways that students can engage with algebra in its real world setting. GetTheMath is an excellent way to combine theory with application.
8. Dragon Box– This learner-based approach to math claims that 83% of children learn the basics of algebra in an hour. Through interactive games and explanations, students as young as five are introduced to algebra and how variables work. Students have no idea they are engaging with academic content, and the graphics are colorful and cute.
9. Academy of Math– Aimed at children struggling with math in school, Academy of Math is a comprehensive tool that helps students get results. Videos and ongoing assessments tools put students in the driver’s seat of their own education. There are various topics to choose from, and educators can implement the resources on this platform into their teaching.
10. Studygeek– Mathematical vocabulary is fundamental to understanding math. Study Geek is a great learning tool that has an alphabetical glossary of thousands of math vocabulary words. There is also a selection of informative videos that cover everything from geometry to algebra. The games aim is to test math vocabulary retention, and students will enjoy playing a game and learning at the same time.

So, there you have it. All of these tools push students towards self-exploration and allow them to see how math is an integral part of the world they live in. Through the use of these tools, students can also take control of their academic achievement, and foster a positive relationship with a subject that previously felt ambivalent about.

Not all educators are won over by the bells and whistles that come with edtech.  Many teachers feel threatened by technologies that aim to “replace them,” and cannot keep up with the training and the push that comes from within the schooling system. According to eSparks Learning, teachers regardless of age or experience level harbor doubts about their ability to successfully use classroom technology.  So, if teacher’s skills and technology are to exist in harmony, there needs to be a balance. We need teachers’ talents and at the same time encourage them to start looking to the future.

The majority of today’s student population have never known the world without high-speed internet. It acts as a source of information, a place to socialize and now, a place for them to gain a formal education. Teachers need to see technology as another way to engage with their students and not as a replacement for their talents and their jobs. So, in hopes of finding a balance between technology and teaching, here are some ways to make sure there is a balance between teaching and technology.

Give Teachers Control

One way that this balance can be achieved is by teachers being in control of the technology that makes its way into the classroom. This ensures that technology compliments current teaching methodologies and does scare teachers into thinking that their talents are no longer valid. Schools and classrooms will not spiral out of control when we allow teachers the flexibility to take calculated risks.  Not every edtech product will work, and with so many dynamic variables in every classroom, teachers need to be in making the decisions when it comes to the technology that will best suit the needs of their teaching and their students’ needs.

Technology Is Not Always the Answer

Another way that the tech and teaching balance can be met is by not believing that technology is the solution to every problem. With thousands of edtech products on the market, teachers are being told that a computer can “do it better.” While technology can help bridge gaps in content, it cannot solve problems more personal teaching problems around behavioral issues, student engagement and psychological problems that come into play. Teaching is more than just relaying content, and teachers’ talents and intuition are sometimes the best answers.

Catering to Learning Styles

Educators have always found it difficult to cater to all learning styles. As one person, it is hard to teach content at different levels in one lesson. Technology is allowing non-English speaking students and those with physical/learning disabilities to achieve comparable results to their peers.  Teachers need let their egos take a back seat and the benefits of personalized learning slide in. By balancing natural ability with the malleability of technology and you get a balance that works in everyone’s interest.

New vs. Old

Novelty is always scary and with every innovation comes training and manuals.  Information Today Inc recently put out a great article on the problems that new technology brings and why teachers are so untrusting and unhappy to learn. This is again, due to an imbalance in the technology vs. teaching problem. Educators should not be introduced to every new shiny gizmo but be given a chance to grow into the innovation. Teachers need to be allowed to find a balance between doing what they have done and incorporating the new with the old.

Overall, the most important aspect that feeds into all the above points is the control that is afforded to teachers. Every classroom is different, and teachers need to be in the driving seat when it comes to making a choice, implementation and ultimate success of the technology. Teachers should not fear that technology will take their place but that they can use it to supplement their weaknesses and elevate their talents.