2. Learning Management Systems

3. Laptops

Most students that I interviewed stated that they were visual learners. Students want their teacher to give different types of examples for them to grasp the material. While some students can learn by listening to the teacher, others need the teacher to model on the board. A few students wanted the teacher to show a physical example of topics discussed in class or to watch a video to further learning. Students also enjoyed learning when it was a whole body experience. Students want to be up moving and interacting with the content and their peers.

One takeaway that I gathered from the surveys and interviews is that I need to increase student participation with the curriculum. I often find myself in the groove of lectures and worksheets. However, what if I ran a simulation in my American History classes? Would students gain more knowledge from the lesson? Yes! From what I learned, my students would understand the content better when they are fully engaged by doing. One change I foresee is running a mock constitutional convention in our next unit on the foundation to American government.

“My phone for taking notes, canvas stuff”
    -Student comment 

Students are using technology to interact with the course online. Few students were using technology in the classroom to build content knowledge and explore content. Majority of the students interviewed at my school are using technology to retrieve assignments, turn-in assignments, or check grades. Students agreed that Teachers will have students complete webquest and research using technology but consistently use Learning management system such as canvas.

I believe that teachers use canvas a lot because it is being pushed by our district and school more this year. Also, we know that it will be required to use canvas next year so teachers are taking this year to become familiar with the system. I would love to use more technology in the classroom however it is difficult when we are not a 1:1 school. Without the technology to support lessons we are stuck in a  traditional  mode of teaching.