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What am I responsible for teaching students about technology?

Technology is everywhere! Educators are responsible for teaching students how to use technology to research concepts, find credible sources, navigate websites and applications safely, and balance our digital lives.

As a classroom, we will explore how to safely navigate websites and sources. Students will learn how to find credible and trustworthy sources when conducting research. Students will become digital citizens and learn that everything we see on the internet isn't always true or factual.

What are students responsible for?

- Engaging in each activity
- Respecting the technology we are using!
- Teach and help one another become digital citizens

How will I use technology in the classroom?

Technology will be used in a variety of ways!

10-15 minutes of class time will be dedicated to teaching students how to use technology and navigate the internet.

Certain activities in the classroom will require technology!
- Canvas
- Digital Notebooks
- Jamboard
- Wevideo
- Padlet
- Flip grid
- Pear deck
- Kahoot
- Class Dojo
-Google Docs and sheets
-Amplify/pHET simulations

Before each activity, students will learn how to use that required technology! The more we use and practice something the easier it is to access and navigate.

Students will be taught how to use these sites and can access them whenever they are at school or home. As a teacher I want all students to be able to access materials and resources that will help them understand the content they are learning in class.

Using Canvas, students can access slides, including pictures and videos of the content discussed in class. Students will have some activities in class where they can access Amplify. Amplify allows students to engage with Science using interactive digital tools. Amplify makes students think, read, write, and investigate phenomena. Other applications such as Kahoot, Flipgrid, and Class Dojo will be used and incorporated with different activities and assignments students will have to complete.

Technology access can also help students build a connection with teachers and other students. Students will be able to use google classroom to ask for help or feedback from the teacher. Students will be able to create videos about material using Flipgrid and will be able to interact with their peer's videos. Students will be able to create discussions in google classroom and collaborate with their peers.

One project that will require lots of technology is the Science Fair! Students will be involved in research, conducting experiments, constructing data tables and graphs, and communicating their findings.

Why technology?!?
Why not?! Technology is vastly improving, changing and can be found everywhere. It is important to embrace technology and teach students how to use it effectively and safely. Technology can create different ways for students to engage in content, share their knowledge, and easily access materials.

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Technology is rapidly changing! Technology has become an essential tool in our everyday lives and has vastly made its way into education. Technology is now used as a learning support system for students. In the classroom, students will have technology access and be taught how to engage and interact with the curriculum using technology.

Technology can be an incredible tool when used properly! Technology allows students to learn using visuals & audio. Students can either watch a video or read about something, students are able to use interactive tools and simulations to help their understanding.

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We are moving away from a teacher-centered classroom and moving toward a student-centered classroom. Students will have a voice when it comes to their learning!

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1. Encouraging student Collaboration
The majority of the time students will be working in pairs or in groups (Ex: think-pair-share, quiz-quiz trade, jigsaw activity). Students will be asked to share their thoughts and ideas. Collaboration helps students gain different perspectives and helps them learn from one another.
2. Letting Students Explore through open-ended questions
Students will be asked to explore a topic through hands-on activities. Students will be encouraged to think, discuss, and share their ideas. Students will be asked open-ended questions to help build their critical thinking skills.
3. Offer a variety of Assessments
The Universal Design of Learning guidelines provides suggestions that help "ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities" (CAST, 2018).  Offering multiple means of assessments allows all students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.

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Having smooth transitions between activities or lessons can take a while to master. In order to have smooth transitions, the teacher needs to create an anchor activity. An anchor activity prevents students from having nothing to do once they have completed their individual or small-group learning activities (Kellough and Kellough, 2011, p. 121). Once students are completed with their original activity, students can then start working on their anchor activity.
An anchor activity can include:

Work for another class

Completing a worksheet

Science Journals (reflective writing on the lesson)

Exit Ticket (ex: Challenge questions for students, students provide feedback for the teacher, students write any questions they still have about the lesson)

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"Restorative process reduces the disproportionality high disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and expulsions of children of color."

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https://conflictcenter.org/programs-training/schools/restorative-practices-program/

Misbehavior is often addressed by punishing a student in the form of referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Rather than punishing a student, teachers should calmly step in and redirect the student's focus (Kellough & Kellough, 2011, p.123). Restorative Justice moves away from punishment and moves toward making things right. Restorative Justice helps students identify their wrongdoings and take steps to repair their harm. Restorative justice allows students to improve and build relationships with their peers and community.

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How can we implement Restorative Justice in schools? Listed below are a few core practices that can be implemented in the classroom: 

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Build Relationships

It is important for students to have healthy and strong relationships with their teachers, fellow peers, school, and the larger community. This can be practiced by making time for team-building exercises and promoting communication.

A Shift in Mindset

We need to look at misbehavior and punishment from a different perspective. Not everything a student does deserves a consequence or a trip to the principles office. Instead of punishments, teachers should shift to having conversations with students that lets them reflect and take accountability for their actions.

Communication Circles

Having a classroom environment where students feel cared for is very important when trying to address wrongdoings and promote positive relationships. Pulling students into circles for conversations every once in a while can help resolve conflict. Communication circles can help students speak to one another when there is a problem or when someone has been hurt.

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/restorative-justice-overview/

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"Students' mindsets-how they perceived their abilities-played a key role in their motivation and achievement, and we found if we changed students' mindsets, we could boost their achievement (Dweck, 2015, p.1).

There are many paths to finding an answer to something and there isn't only one method of doing Science. Making mistakes and learning from your mistakes is a part of Science! It is important to encourage students to believe they can make mistakes, challenge themselves and increase their intellectual abilities.

As a teacher, we should do whatever possible to help students learn. To help students develop a growth mindset, teachers should appreciate students' work and have students reflect on their strategies and approaches. Teachers should put students in positions where they will challenge themselves and embrace that struggling is part of the learning process. Students will be required to set goals for themselves and track their progress. Lastly, students will be constantly reminded of the word "yet." When a student states they "Are not a Science person," let them know "They are not a Science person yet!"

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"Schools should be a place where children experience a world beyond that which they experience on a daily basis. Through the wonder inspired by schools, children's eyes should be opened to great literature and art, fascinating histories, and intriguing ideas in math and science."

We want students to remain engaged and excited about school. We want to help students wonder during learning and to put thinking at the core of learning.

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Inspiring wonder through learning and thinking | Garfield Gini-Newman | TEDxKitchenerED

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Lessons are often started with an explanation and then lead toward exploration. However, starting with phenomena can help capture students' interest and help engage students. Starting with a phenomenon creates and generates curiosity, helps identify students prior knowledge or misconceptions, and helps students make connections with their current knowledge and the new concepts.

A good phenomenon:
1. Sparks curiosity and wonder.
2. Addresses the science standards.
3. Can be investigated.
4. Isn't always phenomenal!

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Classroom procedures (guidelines or expectations) are important for establishing a positive and productive classroom environment. 

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1. Be on time and ready to get your thinking caps on! Have materials out and ready.
2.  Pay close attention and follow directions.
3.  Raise your hand if you would like to share your thoughts and wait for others to finish speaking before we speak.
4. Let's all be active agents in our learning! Ask questions, share your thoughts, and participate in group discussions.
5. Help, support, and encourage one another!
6. We are all different! Be mindful of people's differences, emotions, and feelings :)
7. Let's reflect and be kind to ourselves!

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Listed below are specific things you can do to create a positive learning environment. Inspired by ideas from Kellough & Kellough, Chapter 4,(2011) p.110.

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Provide a Supportive Learning Environment

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Provide a Supportive Learning Environment

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Students want to feel welcomed into the classroom. A negative learning environment can discourage students and make them feel unwanted. As teachers, we need to create a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for all students.

Key Ideas for Creating a Positive & Supportive Learning Environment:

Know all of your students' names! Students notice when you know their names, not learning your students' names makes them think you don't care.

Stay away from negative language. Focus on the "dos" rather than the "do nots."

Encourage students to set high & realistic goals for themselves.

Give students a voice! Let students be involved in their learning by allowing them to plan or choose between certain learning activities.

Recognize positive behaviors and give students feedback.

Let students know it is okay to ask for help. We are not perfect. We want students to feel comfortable enough to ask for help when they don't understand something.

Let students know it is okay to make mistakes. Making mistakes is a part of the learning process. Let students know that teachers make mistakes as well!

Let students know it is okay to not be okay. Sometimes we don't feel our best or we need a mental break. Let students know it is okay to feel this way.

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Often when students are working in groups or completing activities it can be hard to get the focus back on the teacher. Transitions can be extremely helpful in getting students' attention back on you. Here are a couple of strategies for attention/transitions that will be taught and used during class time :)

Strategies for Attention

1. Call and Response. The teacher says, "Hocus Pocus." Students call back, "Everybody focus."
2. Clap Once, Clap Twice. The teacher calls out while also modeling the clap, "If you can hear me clap once, clap twice."
3.  Clap a Rhythm. The teacher claps a rhythm, students repeat that rhythm.
4. Waterfall Fingers. The teacher puts up their hands and calls out, "Waterfall fingers." Students put up their hands and bring them down while saying "shhh."
5. Narrate your countdown! The teacher stands at the front of the classroom and counts down from 5 or 10.