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Technology Solutions That Drive Education

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New tech tools facilitate more classroom engagement, but some teachers are unprepared.

About 63 percent of K-12 teachers use technology in the classroom daily. A new survey from the University of Phoenix College of Education found that daily classroom tech use is up from 55 percent in 2016.

While a whopping 86 percent of educators indicate they use laptops in classrooms the most, the use of other tools is on the rise. About 58 percent of teachers use educational apps, 41 percent use social media and 21 percent use 3D printers.

About 47 percent of teachers say they are embracing social media to collaborate with other teachers.

Even with this increase in tech use - some of it innovative - 25 percent of teachers indicate they are intimidated by students' knowledge and use of tech.

"This data suggests that many teachers are introducing ed tech cautiously," says Pamela Roggeman, academic dean for the College of Education, in a press release. "In some cases, they are unfamiliar with certain resources, but more often, they worry that personal devices will become an unwelcome distraction."

For more on the 21st-century classroom, look at the University of Phoenix infographic below.

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Classroom Tech Use Is on the Rise [#Infographic]

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New tech tools facilitate more classroom engagement, but some teachers are unprepared. About 63 percent of K-12 teachers use technology in the classroom daily. A new survey from the University of Phoenix College of Education found that daily classroom tech use is up from 55 percent in 2016.

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Cartoon on how yesterday's homework and today's homework are impacted by technology.

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Cartoon on how yesterday's homework and today's homework are impacted by technology.

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A short cartoon video demonstrating how instructional technology impacts the classroom

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An Example of a normal science standard turned into a lesson with technology integrated in it.

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An Example of a normal science standard turned into a lesson with technology integrated in it.

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I believe that integrating technology in the curriculum as well as the classroom is super important and a key to success for the teacher and the students. Technology is all around in today's society, so I believe that students should see and use all sorts of technology in the classroom so they know what to do outside of the classroom. Knowing how to use different technology and technological devices will not only help the student in the long run, but will stimulate their brains and educate them now.

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Advantages to classroom usage of technology

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Advantages to classroom usage of technology

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Statistic (2017)

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9 Ways I Can Use Technology In My Classroom and How Your Child Will Benefit From Them

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9 Ways I Can Use Technology In My Classroom and How Your Child Will Benefit From Them

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ARTICLE

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Finding creative ways to use technology in the classroom can both make your life easier as a teacher and boost student excitement levels and engagement with lessons. From helping with communication among teachers and students (as well as peer-to-peer), to organizing curriculum calendars, to enhancing presentations and lessons with media and visuals, there is no limit to the ways to use technology in the classroom to create an enriched learning environment. If you're looking for ideas of exactly how to use technology in the classroom to enhance learning, some examples include:

Gamified learning

Digital field trips

Integrate social media

Gather student feedback

Creating digital content

Using a shared, online classroom calendar

Review and critique webpages

Incorporate video and multimedia into lessons and presentations

Online activities for students who finish work early

1. Gamified Learning

To this day, I give all credit for my skill in typing to time spent playing typing games in the computer lab of my elementary school. Not only were the games incredible, and incredibly engaging programs for teaching students typing skills, they made using a computer fun and exciting for me and set the foundation for all other computer knowledge I've gained since. Learning can and should be fun and using technology for gamified learning in your classroom can be advantageous to achieving that goal. And while learning software can be a great teaching tool, gamified learning can also be as simple as creating a virtual scavenger hunt by coming up with a list of questions for students to search and find the correct answers for and adding students to pairs or groups to encourage collaboration and teamwork!

2. Digital Field Trips

An increasingly popular, useful, and cost-effective tool for teachers searching for new ways to use technology in the classroom is taking digital field trips. Google Streetview and other similar apps allow you to virtually explore parks, forests and even national and international landmarks from the comfort of your classroom. Virtually experience the view from the Statue of Liberty or hike through the Grand Canyon to get students excited to learn about a location or subject and extend learning beyond the page!

3. Integrate Social Media

Because students already spend so much of their time on social media, integrating its use into your classroom is among the most innovative ways to use technology in the classroom by connecting students to curriculum, classroom resources, and one another. Create a Facebook group specifically for your class where you post discussion topics or develop unique classroom Twitter hashtags students can use to discuss lessons or ask questions!

4. Gather Student Feedback

The true test of any classroom structure and/or curriculum is how well it helps students learn, and getting feedback from students is vital to assessing this, determining what is and isn't working, and addressing problems and confusion as they arise. Use online surveys and polls to perform daily or weekly check-ins with students to get their opinions on lessons and address lingering questions or concerns. Expand on the usage of Twitter hashtags by having students tweet their feedback and questions with a classroom hashtag.

#QTNA (questions that need answers!)

5. Creating Digital Content

Creating digital content related to the things they are learning is a great way for students to display their individual creative talents as well as showcase learning. As with any other project, the process of creating content is most effective when students are able to express themselves in ways that highlight and accommodate their personal strengths and learning/communication styles. Provide options for students to express themselves through blogs, videos, podcasts, eBooks, flyers and other digital art, or any other means they feel most comfortable. Respecting each student's individuality and needs for creative expression helps them flourish as learners.

6. Using a Classroom Calendar

Develop a shared online calendar for your classroom through Google Calendar or a similar program for posting important updates. Post assignment due dates and classroom events (such as field trips and guest speakers) in one easily-accessible location for both teachers and students. Go a step further and share the calendar with parents to keep them connected and engaged with their child's learning.

7. Review and Critique Webpages

While we know you can find almost anything on the internet, we also know that much of what you may find is not reliable information from reliable sources. I remember being told frequently by teachers and professors "Wikipedia is not a reliable source" when doing research papers, but can't recall a single instructor who explained why. Empower your students with the digital literacy to analyze and discern reliable web pages and sources from unreliable ones by reviewing them together, developing and communicating standards for what makes a good source.

8. Video/Multimedia Lessons and Presentations

Bring presentations to life for students by incorporating visual effects, photos, videos, and music into them. Developing slideshows and digital presentations, playing music or a video for background and context while presenting, or by inviting virtual guest speakers to engage with your class via programs designed for conference calls (such as: Skype, Google Hangouts, and Facetime) are all fun and creative ways to boost engagement with lessons while teaching the benefits of technology and multimedia use.

9. Online Activities For Students Who Finish Work Early

Set up learning stations to encourage and support students working at their own pace. If a student finishes an assignment early, rather than being stuck waiting for other students to catch up or class to end, students can extend and enhance their learning by visiting a learning station and watching videos, playing learning-based games, or exploring other online activities related to their learning.

Why Students Benefit From Using Technology in the Classroom

Integrating technology into classrooms allows for more (and more effective) communication between students and teachers, as well as students and peers and parents and teachers, all of which are vital to students' academic success. Using technology in your classrooms also creates space for students to have a voice in their learning. Students are empowered to take responsibility of their learning through giving feedback on lessons, participating in projects and learning activities that respect their individuality and having opportunities and support to learn and understand how to use technology creatively, effectively and safely.

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9 Unique Ways to use Technology in the Classroom

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Finding creative ways to use technology in the classroom can both make your life easier as a teacher and boost student excitement levels and engagement with lessons. From helping with communication among teachers and students (as well as peer-to-peer), to organizing curriculum calendars, to enhancing presentations and lessons with media and visuals, there is no limit to the ways to use technology in the classroom to create an enriched learning environment.

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This is a board I created for my students to use to complete their lessons on fossils dealing with technology.

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An Introduction to Technology Integration

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An Introduction to Technology Integration

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VIDEO

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Integrating technology with classroom practice can be a great way to strengthen engagement by linking students to a global audience, turning them into creators of digital media, and helping them practice collaboration skills that will prepare them for the future.

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An Introduction to Technology Integration

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Integrating technology with classroom practice can be a great way to strengthen engagement by linking students to a global audience, turning them into creators of digital media, and helping them practice collaboration skills that will prepare them for the future.