5 Tips to Help Teachers Who Struggle with Technology

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"I'm not very tech savvy" is the response I usually hear from teachers that struggle with technology. Whether it's attaching a document to an email or creating a PowerPoint, some teachers really have a difficult time navigating the digital world. As schools around the globe begin to embed the use of technology in their learning environments, these teachers can be left feeling frustrated and marginalized by the new tools they are required to use but do not understand.

The school where I teach is currently within its post-BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) implementation age. We started with a small cohort of tech-savvy teachers to pilot a BYOD program with selected classes. Starting small was definitely beneficial, as we were able to troubleshoot issues and best prepare ourselves for the school-wide BYOD rollout. Front loading any work is always helpful in education, especially when developing resources for teachers who struggle with technology.

If you plan on introducing a new technology or are embarking on the mighty task of becoming a wireless BYOD school, here are five tips to help your teachers still struggling with technology.

1. Build a Tech Team

Integrating technology can be very stressful for educators that aren't familiar with it. Having a support team that's flexible and available to struggling teachers is crucial for any tech rollout. Our tech team consisted of teachers, support staff and administrators. This group was able work together across multiple content areas and grade levels to support successful tech integration. We focused primarily on mind mapping ideas and helping teachers slowly introduce technology into their classes.

2. Scaffold Effective Professional Development (PD)

One big mistake when introducing technology is either too much or too little professional development. Teachers that struggle with technology might feel overwhelmed if you introduce too much too soon. On the flip side, if you don't provide enough PD, teachers may feel isolated. Going back to tip #1, have your tech team develop a feasible plan for effective PD using input from staff members.

Credit: Clker

PD also needs to be focused on being of value to teachers facing the hurdle of technology. How often do these teachers say, "Why would I try this when I've been doing just fine without it all these years?" If you are planning PD for the whole year, poll your teachers and ask what tech-related areas they would like to focus on. Select only one or two of these areas and make a concerted effort to help those teachers who are struggling.

3. Make Time

While I'm talking about PD, all educators know that extra time for PD is scarce throughout the day. I've had amazing administrators that carved out dedicated time for tech PD. Allowing teachers to meet and collaborate with each other is part of building a successful environment to support student learning, especially regarding the use of technology.

Aside from just having dedicated time for teachers to meet, create a homegrown professional learning community (PLC) that focuses on monitoring tech integration throughout the school. This PLC can be powerful and insightful while supporting those that need additional help.

4. Make It Relevant!

Some teachers feel technology is being pushed on them, especially those who struggle with it. They might start using technology just for the sake of using it. This has shown to be an ineffective method for both tech-savvy and tech-challenged teachers. There is a big difference between using technology to teach and the successful integration of technology into lesson plans. This goes back to having a meaningful plan to incorporate technology into the yearly PD plan.

Create a school-wide culture of tech integration and an openness to take risks. Some lessons will not go as planned -- and that's great! Reflect and learn from these challenges. Be willing to press on and continue to learn. After all, don't we expect the same from our students?

5. Encourage Them

Even with the best PD and resources available, some teachers will still struggle. Support them! I've worked with great veteran teachers that just wanted me to stop by every few days and discuss their tech ideas. Once they have mastered one technology, present them with another to consider. Encourage them and celebrate their willingness to try new things. Focus on the learning (by teachers) and share their successes.

Are there any tips that you have for helping teachers in your school who struggle with technology? If you're a teacher still trying to master technology, how have others helped you? Please share your stories in the comments section below.

• JOSH WORK'S BLOG

Apps for Digital Storytelling

These apps will help get you started with digital storytelling.  Use the "Submit Recommendations" page to share your favorite apps to add to the list. All-in-One Apps for Digital Storytelling Story Kit (free) iPod Touch/iPhone version Add Images Simple Drawing Record Sound Add Text Records the file for each image individually Final product looks great on the iPad Sonicpics (free lite version, $2.99 full version) iPhone/iPod version Add Images Record Story Send to computer via URL, email, or post to YouTube (emailed file must be small) Recommended by Kim Dearing Storyrobe ($0.99) iPhone/iPod Touch version Upload images Record Voice Pictures need to be horizontal or they will be cropped Emails as Quicktime or upload to YouTube Storyboarding/Layout Strip Designer ($2.99) iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad versions Create comic strip pages with images and balloons Idea Sketch (Free) Lets you create simple mind maps, diagrams, or outlines Like Kidspiration and Inspiration myMemoir ($1.99) A memoir/journal writing app Searchable Include pictures from photo library Share as ePub or PDF Scripting/Writing Pages ($9.99) Word process your script A more simplified version of Pages for the computer Exports to email, pdf, Word, iWork.com Evernote (Free) Allows you to do text Take screenshots Pull images  Record voices Sync your account between computer and device for instant sharing The pieces can't run together, but can be used independently Audiotorium ($7.99-You can use notes for free, but you get no audio recording capabilities) Allows you to type in your script Record your script and playback for rehearsals before official recording Images PhotoPad (free) Ability to import pictures from iPad photo library and edit Add, change color, tint, write or illustrate on picture Save into iPhoto library to use in digital story app Drawing Pad ($1.99) Easy drawing app Like KidPix Created for the iPad Images can be saved to the iPad for use in other story apps Masque ($5.99-Free lite version) Photo editing Add photos from iPad photo library or sign in and import from Flickr or Facebook.  When finished, share back to iPad photo library, Flickr or Facebook Audio iTalk Recorder (free) iPod Touch app Voice recorder Must be installed on the computer to sync audio recordings  Voice Memos ($0.99) Recorder for the iPad Can record voice and sound and trim selection before sharing Will sync with iTunes voice memos AudioNote ($4.99) Import/export notes through iTunes file sharing Export notes in PDF format

5 Reasons Every Teacher Needs To Be On Twitter By: Scott Garofola

If I told you your child's teacher was constantly on Twitter, you might, without thinking, react negatively. What a waste of precious time. Aren't there better things you could be doing? How dare you troll around on social media instead of planning my child's next thrilling Common Core lesson. The truth is much the opposite. There is an amazing world out there on Twitter, and for educators, there is much to find and benefit from.

1. Personal Learning Network

Teachers should be actively growing their Personal Learning Network (PLN). Whether their expertise is literacy or technology, growing a PLN of colleagues and organizations that share similar curriculum, challenges, hurdles, and content specificity will only drive new ideas and collaboration encouraging best instructional practices.  

2. Classroom Resources

Following organizations and websites such as Edutopia (@edutopia), eduClipper (@eduClipper), or ISTE (@isteconnects) provides teachers with a constant flow of new and engaging resources that can help to keep classroom learning fresh and captivating.  

3. Communication

Once students have reached the point where they all have cell phones, they also all have Twitter. Teachers can tweet homework, upcoming tests, and project due dates. Classroom communication will never be as efficient as it would be with Twitter. Plus, this helps teachers gain a little street cred with their tech savvy students. In regards to parents, with school closings, field trips, early dismissals, and any other emergencies occurring, classroom teachers can tweet out pertinent information at a moment's notice. Also, tweeting a picture of some of the great classroom activities or presentations going on can go a long way with parents. The school community will appreciate it more than one would think.

4. Staying Up To Date

Much like the news in any other field, education news typically will hit Twitter first. This means any connected teachers will be able to stay up to date with the newest resources, the latest news in their field, and the most effective instructional strategies.   

5. Ed-Chats

Ed-Chats are conversations that occur over Twitter where, with the use of a specific hashtag, teachers can participate in a live, streaming conversation with other educators from another district, or another state. These conversations are often with leaders in specific fields and bring about collaboration and conversation about best instructional practices for kids. Ed-Chats such as #nyedchat, #edtechchat, #satchat, #flipclass, and #tlap are all great choices, and moderators provide great topics and questions for enlightening conversations.

I had the pleasure to discuss this topic with Dennis Schug, a Principal on the east end of Long Island. He is a passionate educator who feels strongly about the positive benefits of Twitter. As the principal of Hampton Bays Middle School, he encourages all of his staff to be active on Twitter. As he put it, "The world is a much smaller place when teachers are connected to other passionate educators. Through these connections teachers gain access to valuable resources 24/7. Being on Twitter also models digital literacy and citizenship for our students, which is an important part of developing their 21st century life skills."

It looks like Twitter is on the rise in education. It's time to get on board.

Photo: Flickr | Denise Kreb

BONUS: Good Looks, IQ, Family Income, and Standardized Test Scores Are Not the Keys to Success

13 Ways Technology Can Improve Student Writing By Mike Hanski on January 29, 2014

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As an Edudemic reader, you are well versed in the importance of technology in education. But are you aware of the specific role it can play in writing? Take a look at the findings of a recent study:

• 96% of participants agreed technology allows students to share their writing with a wider, more diverse audience.
• 79% of participants claimed digital tools encourage greater collaboration.
• 50% of participants said it was easier to improve student writing with the use of technology.

Let’s take a look at 13 specific technological tools that can enhance students’ learning, performance, and efficiency in writing. If you’re lucky, you might even get them to enjoy the process too!

Utilizing Scoring Engines

Free up valuable time in the classroom by using a scoring engine for writing. These programs automatically grade compositions and provide instantaneous feedback.

1. Criterion Online Writing Evaluation – This web-based writing tool is instructor-led. It will help students plan, organize, and write their essays. With immediate, detailed feedback, students can easily revise their work too.
2. GradeMark – This program allows instructors to provide five different types of feedback:
   • a. The originality check reduces plagiarism and copied content.
   • b. The QuickMark Sets allow teachers to quickly drag comments (both pre-loaded and custom-made) to the appropriate place on the paper.
   • c. The voice comments allow for personalized audio feedback.
   • d. The grading rubrics help students understand clear expectations. Teachers can utilize pre-loaded rubrics or design their own.
   • e. The general comments section encourages instructors to provide broad, general feedback on the overall quality of the composition.
3. My Access! – This award-winning cloud-based program includes over 1,500 writing topics in math, science, language arts, and social studies. After creating a composition, the program provides instant feedback in five categories: Focus and Meaning; Content and Development; Organization; Language Use, Voice, and Style; and Mechanics and Conventions.

Incorporating Writing Aids

Sometimes, all students need is a little guidance and encouragement. Here are two writing aids that can help make the process more efficient and entertaining.

1. Odyssey Writer – Teachers will appreciate the fact that Odyssey Writer makes the composition process more efficient. Students will appreciate that it makes writing fun! Odyssey Writer uses popular techniques (like stream of consciousness writing, outlines, note cards and graphic organizers) to navigate the student through the four phases of writing.
2. StoryBird – This program is a great way for creative students to express their thoughts more efficiently. It helps students create short, art-inspired stories that can be published and shared with others.

Appreciating Apps

In this day and age, technology is all about the apps. Fortunately, there is a beautiful relationship happening in the app stores; it involves education, writing, students, and technology.

1. Evernote – Evernote is one of the most versatile apps ever created. It can be used by just about anyone in just about any situation – and students in a classroom are no exception. This mind-mapping app is a great tool for successfully navigating the writing process. Students can use it to take notes, store audio files and photos, track the progress of assignments, sort research findings and much more. Once all this information is amassed, students can easily find what they are looking for with a keyword or tag search.
2. Day! – The Best Story of Mine – Like Evernote, Day! helps students track their thoughts and observations as they proceed through the writing process. It will appeal to a student’s creative side with personalized photo calendars, mood expression, and more.
3. Popplet – This app can be introduced at a young age and help student throughout the course of their educational career. This mind mapping and story planning app helps students visualize where their composition is going. They can document their ideas, sort them visually and then collaborate with others.
4. Dragon Dictation – Help students understand that writing is nothing more than communicating. Encourage young writers to speak their text into this audio transcribing app. As they speak, students can see their text. Not only is this process faster than typing, it also helps students overcome the fear of a blank page.
5. Toontastic – Toontastic is like putting on a puppet show – only way cooler! Elementary and middle school students can draw and animate cartoons. Then, they can set their creations into motion and include an audio soundtrack. This visual creation is a great addition to written compositions.
6. ABC Cursive – It is important to remember that mastering the writing process starts early. The most basic skills, like learning cursive writing, are essential for laying a solid foundation. Even the youngest students can benefit from technology with this app. It helps youngsters practice writing their letters, numbers, words and eventually sentences.
7. iCanWrite – Again, writing fundamentals begin at an early age. If students can’t write their letters, they can’t write their essay! Kindergarten and first grade teachers can use this app to help their students learn to write letters. When one letter has been successfully traced, the next will appear.
8. Sentence Builder – After mastering the ability to create letters, students will quickly need to learn to create sentences. This app helps students build grammatically correct sentences. With 3 different levels and 100 pictures to build sentences around, students will quickly catch on to essential grammar lessons. The learning process is enhanced with audio reinforcement and progress statistics.

Many educators are using technology in a general way to guide learning in their classroom. However, it can also be used to instruct specific skills – like writing. Use these technological tools to enhance the students’ interest, understanding and involvement with the writing process.

Do you know of any tech tools we left off the list? Let us know! We want to hear how you are using technology to improve students’ writing!

Demystifying 5 Myths About iPads in The Classroom

I have been quite amused reading the comments beneath stories on the Internet regarding school programs that are providing students with their own learning device. The LAUSD program has really whipped a lot of opinion on this. If some of these commentators are to be believed, we are heading into an apocalypse that will destroy the very fabric of our community. Yesterday I read a comment on a New York Times article that said that staring at a wall was more educational to a child than anything on an iPad or television.

Here are some common myths about iPads that I come across regularly:

• Teachers will just sit and read the newspaper or play on their iPhone while students are babysat for six hours by their iPad
• Students will no longer interact with each other or their teacher
• Too much screen time is bad for kids
• iPads are not real computers
• Students will steal and or break them

Having actually been involved with a large program for the last year three years in the Encinitas Union School District, which now has given every student from kindergarten to sixth grade their own iPad, I have a good perspective in which to dispel some of the mythology. I feel that many people are misinformed about how learning happens in classrooms in general, let alone with a device like an iPad.

This post is not to set the record straight with the armchair critics that litter the internet, but to provide some actual real life examples to counter what I am seeing as many people talking out of their backsides. A good teacher is still central to the learning process and it is their management that determines whether these myths have any truth to them.

Debunking The Myths

Teachers will no longer teach because students will just be playing on their iPads

I have yet to walk into a classroom in my district and see kids just freely playing on the iPad while the teacher does her nails or some other leisure activity. One thing about the teachers I work with is that they are professionals who know the importance of their jobs and will not let the iPad become a baby sitter. Teachers are generally excited with the technology and are finding ways to integrate throughout the day without it becoming a replacement. I would say it is actually enhancing their job, not replacing. Classroom management is needed to make sure that students are not distracted by the device. Many of our teachers have protocols for the students for managing the iPads. If a teacher can see all the students iPads on their desk with the covers on or with them flipped upside down, they have their attention at least off the iPads. I am now teaching our teachers about the Guided Access feature on the iPad. This function can lock the iPad into a single app mode that can only be released with a code the teacher needs to input on the device when they are ready for the student to be using other apps on the iPad.

Students will no longer interact with each other

Students do get focused when working on their iPads, especially in some of the digital programs like ST Math that our district has adopted. It is important that students are able to focus on the task at hand and get in the flow of learning. A good teacher knows how to balance learning time so that the students are talking and collaborating, as well as having time in which they can deepen their understanding of topics on their own. Some teachers are taking the collaboration into the digital realm with having students collaborate on a shared document in Google Drive that students will often work on outside of class hours.

Students will have too much screen time

The American Academy of Pedriatrics came out with a recommendation of two hours or less of screen time for children under 8. Without reviewing the actual policy statement, it would be easy to assume that this includes all activities that are on a light emitting screen. Of course if you look at the text of the recommendation, it talks about “entertainment” related screen time that was targeted at passive television watching. They do not directly address the screen time that happens with devices at school. In fact, they advocate for media education because they realize that it is now just as important as reading and writing. I still have not seen conclusive proof that students whose primary access to curriculum is through a digital device will suffer any long term problems. One piece of advice we give teachers is to get students to look away from their screens and focus on something far away every ten minutes they are on their iPads. This will help students to regulate their vision from near to far.

iPads are not real computers

Kids need something that is easy to use and allows them to be able to both create and consume. The iPad does both well. Next!

Students will steal the iPads or continuously break them

If you are going to have a program that gives students access to a device with a glass screen, there is going to be some breakage. That is part of doing business with iPads in schools. The problem of breakage is best solved by a strong protective case. The first case that we purchased for our iPads in Encinitas USD ended up not having the corner protection that we had hoped and we did see a fair share of damage to the screens. It was a small percentage, but it was happening at a higher rate that we had planned. We have since adopted a case that is very protective of the corners and sides. There has been a huge decrease in breakage because of this. Theft has been a non-issue in our program by our students. There have been a few instances where an iPad went missing, but none that were attributed directly to the student themselves. I can’t speak for all iPad programs, but our students are hyper protective of their iPads and do not want anything to happen to them that would result in them not having them in class.

By Mike Guerena on February 4, 2014

6 Ways Social Media Will Change In 2014 By Katie Lepi on January 2, 2014

When the clocks flip and 2013 becomes 2014, some things may change. One that probably won’t is that you’ll still be using social media in your classroom. We know that technology and trends are changing all the time, so what will 2014 hold in store for social media? The handy infographic below takes a look at 6 trends and predictions for social media in the new year. While it is somewhat geared towards businesses, each one has implications in both the classroom and for personal use as well.

Do any of these signal changes for your classroom? For those who don’t use social media, #1 will reign supreme. If you’re not already on the social media train, 2014 will be the year to hop on. If you’ve already been riding the train, check out #2-6 to see what the trends are expected to be!

Social Media in 2014

• Social media is not an option – it is a must!
• Mobile is growing – users will expect websites and tools that work mobile as well as desktop.
• You need to pay attention to Google+ – so far, it has been Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but you can’t ignore Google!
• Images, images, images – Images will be the top content and furthest reaching in social media.
• Video – Vine, Instagram, Google + hangouts, and YouTube will be popular media for getting messages across.
• Podcasts will continue to grow.

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It's our job to prepare students for their future and not our past.

I thought you all might find this interesting.  It's great to see!

As many of you have taught Matthew Paletta I thought you would appreciate seeing his latest article on APPS that he writes on a monthly basis for the Learning Centre Newsletter. 

His insights have given many students, parents and staff practical suggestions on apps that are helpful in the academic field.  Matthew is our star  student reporter.

Regards,

Lina Marino

on behalf of the Learning Centre