https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1 The future of digital education within classrooms. en-us 2023-03-13 15:07:36 UTC 2023-03-14 03:10:51 UTC hello@padlet.com rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514657773 Since the pandemic we have noticed a stark decrease in students’ academic achievement. Many feel disconnected from school and have trouble relating to the content. What’s more, students’ entry points into curriculum content vary greatly depending on their abilities and interests. Educational technologies within the classroom provide the opportunity to personalize teaching to meet the needs of our learners. The author suggests the integration of a digital curriculum which will allow students to explore subjects of interests and accelerate the learning process. When students are put at the centre of the learning educators will have a better understanding of their students’ needs which will support them in choosing appropriate technology to enhance their learning.  ]]> 2023-03-13 15:48:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514657773 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514680974 Education trends in 2023 are now leaning towards the implementation of technology into our classrooms and lessons. This article provides insight to different educational technology practices that allow teachers to redefine students’ experiences in the classroom. First, the classroom environment can take many forms thanks to remote learning and augmented reality programs. Tasks that were previously considered too hazardous or schools trip that were not feasible are now within reach for all students. However, it is concerning that there is a growing interest in artificial intelligence. While this software could be helpful thanks to virtual assistants, tutoring systems, and language translation for ESL students, these programs could be used inappropriately by students given the increased counts of plagiarism. ]]> 2023-03-13 16:03:38 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514680974 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514690335 Since the pandemic, virtual learning has been incorporated into our learning experiences for good. Although technology in the classroom is a new concept, experts have noticed that teachers are beginning to innovate and use technology in ways that push past the simple augmentation of worksheets. Technology within school has increased students access to resources and various support tools like never before. Students are now able to complete projects that speak to their interests with ease and connect with professionals online. Students can also get access to vital intervention and mental health supports which might not be available in each school. ]]> 2023-03-13 16:09:46 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514690335 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514700311 Now that educational technologies in the classroom are here to stay, there are plenty of useful applications and websites that teachers should consider for their classroom. Allowing students to explore various learning environments available online will provide students with the ability to deepen their learning in meaningful ways as they use their natural inquiry to guide their learning. Additionally, we’ve seen a rise in the gamification of education. Students are now very familiar with applications such as Kahoot and Quizlet and often request to play these games in class. These programs make learning more engaging and interactive for students.]]> 2023-03-13 16:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514700311 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514711088 Incorporating technology into the classroom is not just the future but a necessity. Educational technology offers innumerable benefits to students’ experiences in the classroom. First, including technology in our classrooms improves availability and access to information. We are now beyond the stage of simply learning from classroom textbooks. Students should be able to learn about a subject from a variety of perspectives. Access to technology can also support different categories of learners as it can provide students information through different forms of media and text. This is extremely advantageous for students who do not connect with the typical lecture style of teaching. ]]> 2023-03-13 16:24:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514711088 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514731588 Since the pandemic, we have noticed a massive boom in the use of educational technologies in the classroom. However, recent studies have shown that only a quarter of the 100 most-used educational technology tools actually meet the Every Student Succeeds Act. Many of the programs do not meet the standards for data privacy, interoperability, federally aligned evidence and other indicators. This article shows that teachers must practise their due diligence when selecting educational technologies for their classroom. They should carefully read the terms and conditions and research their privacy policies. Teachers must prioritize the safety of their students over fun. 

]]> 2023-03-13 16:38:48 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514731588 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514746454 For many teachers, the thought of incorporating educational technologies into their classrooms is exciting and open the doors for many enriching learning experiences for their students. For others, adding technology can be very daunting especially when we are expecting teachers to do more than substitute their worksheets for digital ones. We are now expecting teachers to use technology in their lessons in more comprehensive ways that push towards modification and redefinition. However, this takes time and practice. To successfully incorporate tech, teachers need to strive for deeper learning. They need to start learning about the technology they want to use and dig for deeper learning opportunities. They must understand how the tech works and the ways in which it truly supports their students. ]]> 2023-03-13 16:48:23 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514746454 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514756644 The inclusion of educational technologies in our classroom is no longer a quick fix to pandemic times as this industry is here to stay. As it stands, the educational technology industry is expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2026. Investors are continuing to support this industry as the demand for tech in our classroom is ever growing. Schools are relying more and more on systems that are flexible and able to meet the needs of various students. This all implies that teachers should care for educational technologies and learn more about these systems as it seems to be a sure bet for the future of education.  ]]> 2023-03-13 16:54:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514756644 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514766997 A recent study from the University of Chicago and New York University found that many schools are using educational technologies that have not been properly vetted for the protection of their students. This is extremely concerning as this could lead to critical data security risks within our school network. The team also notes an increase of use of invasive educational technologies. While teachers are striving to find educational technologies that meet the needs of students and personalize their educational experience, this poses another threat to students’ privacy. At the moment there isn’t much research to determine where the information regarding student’s individual experience goes. ]]> 2023-03-13 17:01:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514766997 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514782212 While educational technologies provide many benefits in our classrooms, there are limits. The inclusion of technology in lessons does have a lot of potential benefits when programs are used to their full potential. However, there are many untested educational technologies that have made their way into our classrooms. What is more, we still lack research to determine whether technology has improved students learning outcomes and increased inclusion and equity for students. Teachers must engage in critical thinking and be willing to challenge assumptions about technology. We must be mindful of what we include in our classrooms and the technology serves our students. ]]> 2023-03-13 17:12:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2514782212 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515198221 Education Minister Stephen Lecce is looking into updating the curriculum in both computer science and technological education to include more hands-on learning. At this time, the government has recognized a gap in the computer information systems field. This calls for increased awareness and application within school to encourage the youth to pursue this career. The new curriculum will provide students with the opportunity to apply coding concepts, build hands-on projects, and investigate artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. The updates will ultimately reflect the opportunity students may have once they graduate. This all shows the importance of incorporating ed-tech within the classroom and sharpen their technological literacy skills. ]]> 2023-03-14 00:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515198221 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515241128 Museums like the Smithsonian have invested in large user-friendly programs that allow students to access an interactive data based featuring items from their collection. The Smithsonian created the Learning Lab to help students engage with the various artifacts. This website is ideal for school who do not have the ability to visit museums and book hands-on programs. Additionally, history teachers can utilize this resource with different inquiry projects and primary source studies. The website also has complete lessons complete with thought-provoking questions, access to knowledge and research from historians and other museum experts. ]]> 2023-03-14 01:04:20 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515241128 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515267123 Following the publication of the Right to Read inquiry, supporting students literacy skills has become a top priority in our schools. Along with implementing different literacy assessment, adjusting the curriculum, and creating flexible learning groups for our students, teachers could use the customizing abilities of educational technology to support students. The recent inquiry has shown that there is no one answer for each student. Educational technologies are the ideal solution for this issue as the tools can be adjusted depending on their abilities. ]]> 2023-03-14 01:21:22 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515267123 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515287250 Recently, we have seen an increased criticism of the privacy issues surrounding introducing educational technologies to students. A report issued by the Human Rights Watch revealed that many apps and websites used in the classroom have collected, monitored and tracked the personal information of students. Shockingly, the report noted 89% of these products have compromised students’ privacy and sold their information to advertising technology corporations. Schools have the responsibility to review the programs used in their classrooms and access their safety in regard to protecting students’ privacy. Teachers should also be wary of educational technologies developed by large corporations that are trying to dominate the educational sphere. ]]> 2023-03-14 01:36:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515287250 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515310331 Incorporating educational technologies in the classrooms does not necessarily mean that students are stuck watching a screen for extended periods of time. Teachers also have the opportunity to incorporate activities that combine movement and technology. Creating a more active classroom benefit students because it increases their engagement, collaboration, creativity, motivation, mental health and behaviour. Teachers can utilize different tools likes QR codes, magnetic tablet cases, game-based approaches, and styluses to combine movement and technology. Among these practices, including interactive games into our lessons is a great way to help students channel their energy and help students that have a tendency of fidgeting in class. Having purposeful body breaks in class could help recentre our students and support transitions between lessons. ]]> 2023-03-14 01:56:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515310331 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515371537 The educational support system, Paper, was created by a former McGill University student with the aim of serving every student and closing the equity gaps in schools. Paper provides unlimited tutoring and access to a variety of educational support tools for free. The program was developed to help level the playing field for all students. Since the pandemic, many families have been in need of tutoring services to help support their students following the two years of academic disruptions. However, many families do not have the luxury to pay for tutors. Paper hopes to provide access to education and support for all students. The company has even provided laptops and other digital devices to students in need. ]]> 2023-03-14 02:47:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515371537 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515387131 Students’ wellbeing and focus on their success should be at the centre of our teaching. All learners bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the classroom which can greatly impact their achievement levels. Teachers must be mindful and strive to create a safe environment where students feel like they can express themselves and succeed. Educational technology has the ability to improve relationships within the classroom and maximize student participation. Additionally, there are a variety of educational technology applications that are dedicated to supporting students’ mental health. These sites support students as they work through difficult emotions and provide them with coping mechanisms. This all is especially important since the OCT reported that one in five students experience a mental health illness of concern in any given year. Teachers have the responsibility of supporting students’ mental wellness because these skills provide them with the ability to manage their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, making it possible to set and achieve goals, create and keep relationships, adapt to and cope with stress and sadness, and feel happiness.]]> 2023-03-14 02:59:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515387131 rmarshal1 https://padlet.com/rmarshal1/vqn056jcubmfm3n1/wish/2515400137 Depending on your school board, teachers sometimes have a seat at the table when it comes to deciding what educational technology companies the school will purchase or invest in. According to the chief learning officer for the International Society of Technology in Education, Joseph South, teachers’ voices are not heard. The main reasons revolve around the distance between teachers and procurement and the perceived separation between education and technology. However, since the pandemic, teachers have been more vocal about the technology used in their classroom. This only makes sense as they are the first to test out a product’s effectiveness with students and determine if it fits the needs of their classroom. With that, there needs to be more representation of teachers’ voices at the board level when it comes to purchasing new educational technologies. 

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