Here are great ideas from the Ask a Tech Teacher crew on how to keep tech fresh this summer.
3 Fun Ways to Use Tech in the Classroom in the Run-Up to Summer
Summer is right around the corner and as a teacher, you might be in search of creative ways to leverage technology to ensure your classroom remains an entertaining, engaging and educational space.
Fear not, we’ve got you covered! Buckle up and join us on this delightful journey through tech-savvy classrooms – from elementary school to high school – we’ll unlock a treasury of innovative ideas guaranteed to amuse the young minds while also preparing them for their future. Let’s dive in!
Elementary School – Interactive Learning Apps
Picture your elementary school classroom filled with excited young learners, their eyes glued to their screens as they explore new ideas and grasp essential skills through educational apps. Interactive learning apps are perfect for captivating the minds of these little ones while making education enjoyable and accessible.
These apps come in all shapes and sizes, catering to various subjects including math, language arts, science, and social studies. For instance, ABCmouse offers an extensive curriculum with more than 10,000 learning activities that cover reading, math, art, music, and much more. Meanwhile, DragonBox focuses on fostering critical thinking skills through a series of entertaining logic games rooted in mathematics.
Another fantastic example is Lightbot. This app introduces young kids to the concepts of coding and problem solving in a playful setting by guiding a robot through increasingly challenging puzzles. As students progress at their own pace within each app’s adaptive environment; they not only learn important academic concepts but also develop digital proficiency which will prove invaluable as they transition into higher grades.
You can also expand their exposure to technology by introducing them to Mixbook’s Christmas picture cards creation process. This allows students to leverage their creativity while also understanding how digital design works.
To sum up this section: blending technology with learning creates an interactive experience that can transform your elementary school classroom into an engaging space where students eagerly explore and absorb new knowledge.
By incorporating educational apps like ABCmouse, DragonBox, and Lightbot, younger students will benefit from a dynamic learning platform that accommodates their interests and abilities while enhancing their overall academic experience.
So, next time you’re looking for ways to captivate your elementary school students with technology, consider introducing them to interactive learning apps that provide an enjoyable educational adventure.
Middle School – Multimedia Projects
Imagine a classroom where middle school students enthusiastically collaborate on dynamic projects that channel their creativity, showcase their knowledge, and highlight their unique perspectives. Multimedia projects can be the catalyst that sparks this enthusiasm and fosters a deeper understanding of various subjects.
Encouraging students to engage in digital storytelling assignments or video presentations opens up a world of possibilities for exploration. Whether they’re reenacting historical events, explaining a scientific concept through animation, or crafting persuasive arguments in visually appealing ways, these projects integrate technology into the learning process while also addressing diverse learning styles.
Not only do multimedia projects promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but they also foster teamwork and communication abilities essential for success beyond the classroom. Students can find inspiration by working with their classmates from various different backgrounds who bring fresh ideas to the table.
To bring this section together: incorporating multimedia projects into your middle school curriculum creates an enriching environment where students can unleash their creativity while strengthening both academic skills and social development. The fusion of technology with traditional subjects paves the way for well-rounded education experiences that keep middle schoolers engaged and eager to learn.
High School – Coding Tools & Platforms
As high school students embark on their journey toward adulthood and future careers, providing them with the opportunity to learn valuable coding skills creates a strong foundation for success. By diving into the fascinating realm of programming languages, these young minds unlock vast possibilities, both academically and professionally.
There are numerous coding tools and platforms available for students with varying levels of expertise. Starting with beginner-friendly options like Scratch, they can easily grasp basic coding concepts through interactive projects. As they progress, Codecademy offers comprehensive courses in languages such as Python and JavaScript and helps them develop marketable skills.
Your role as an educator in fostering their passion for coding is just as vital as the resources themselves. Encourage collaboration on group projects that combine creativity and technology, so that students can design mobile apps, video games, or even program robots! Supportive classroom environments allow learners to tackle real-world challenges by applying their newfound skillsets collaboratively.
In essence: equipping your high school students with coding knowledge not only arms them for future academic pursuits but also sets them up for success in an increasingly tech-driven world. By introducing coding tools and platforms in the classroom, you’ll help students discover new passions and develop essential skills that extend beyond the confines of traditional education. Prepare them to innovate, build, and thrive through the empowering world of programming.
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Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
