Teacher Resources

Amanda Perez

ETEC 424.02W

February 13, 2017

Teacher Resources

Incorporating a classroom response system, more commonly referred to as “clickers”, is a great way to promote student engagement in the classroom. In my classroom, I believe clickers could be used to measure my students’ ability to recall information about the required reading. For example, if we were studying Pride and Prejudice, I could ask, “Which character moved to Netherfield Park?” and list four different characters, allowing students to select the one they think is correct. Questions like these would allow me to assess what my students are comprehending and what they are having trouble with. Clickers could also be used to assess what literary concepts or terms my students best comprehend. By using clickers, every single student in the classroom is participating and also allows them to answer anonymously, meaning students who are typically shy will be more willing to engage in the classroom activities.

Teaching with tablets is another great way to incorporate technology in the classroom. Tablets provide teachers with several different tools that can help with time management and are more accessible than a desktop, or even a laptop, since they are extremely portable. I would download an app that would help me keep track of grades and attendance. I could also use an app that would allow me to memorize the names of my students more quickly. Voice recording and note taking apps can be handy if inspiration suddenly strikes for a classroom activity. There are even apps that would allow me to project information from my desktop onto a screen at the front of the classroom. And, of course, as an ELA teacher, the kindle app is especially appealing because it allows me to access eBooks and share them with my students.

Finally, I believe that online projects and collaboration tools are beneficial to students, specifically in the form of a blog. Using a blog allows students post all their information in one place. For example, for an essay assignment, students could post their outline on their blog, which would allow other students to provide them with constructive feedback. This method is particularly useful for students who may have difficulties speaking up in a group setting. A blog also allows students to share any information they find online (provided they cite their source!) in regards to the required reading. Furthermore, it gives students a creative outlet. Provided I had the required resources, such as access to a computer lab, I would allow the students to work on the blog in class, perhaps twice a month, since there may be students who do not have access to a computer at home.

Overall, I believe these chosen technologies will help foster cooperative learning in my classroom, as well as creative an engaging classroom. I hope to accomplish a successful integration of technology by using only materials that will be beneficial to the students and teach them in the best way possible. Blogs and clickers encourage student participation, while apps on a tablet allow me to monitor student progression. Checking up on student blogs, creating material for the classroom response system, and being able to access grades and texts on a tablet will also keep me accountable as a teacher. 

Sources:

Bruff, Derek. “Classroom Response Systems (‘Clickers’).” Center for Teaching. Vanderbilt University. n.d. cft.vanderbilt.edu//cft/guides-sub-pages/clickers/#teaching. Accessed 13 Feb. 2017

Clark, Chris. “20 Types of Tablet Tools for Teaching.”  NspireD². University of Notre Dame. 10 June 2011. ltlatnd.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/20-tablet-tools-for-teaching/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2017

“Lessons from a First-Time Blogger.” Cacophony: Communication Across the Cirriculum. Bernard L. Schwartz Communication Institute. 12 June 2009. cac.ophony.org/2009/06/12/lessons-from-a-first-time-course-blogger/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2017