After attending the UNL TechEDGE Conference I have seen the importance of incorporating technology in my teaching and professional development.This week I got the chance to review using the Nearpod app on the iPads. I didn't feel completely ready to incorporate this into my class, after all, I am just beginning my own discovery with this plethora of new technology. However, one thing that I thought is that I could possibly never feel totally prepared to introduce technology into my lesson plans. So, I thought that the best way for me to get used to it would be to jump in with both feet. Sometimes you just have to jump in and be ok with failing, but learning what to do next time.
I started out class saying, "Today we are going to do a review over special right triangles." I could hear the groans sweep across the room. Then I continued, "However I want to try something a little different. We are going to do our review on the iPads." This is when their ears perked and they sat up a little straighter. Even though the school has an iPad cart for everyone's use, usually it stays in the room that is its' "home base." This usually means teachers don't take advantage of this resource.
The lesson went really well. The students didn't totally understand the material that I was going to be quizzing them over, but I thought that this review style made them a little more eager to try to succeed rather than just sitting idly by. The students really liked not only the app, but just the change of "scenery." I would say that this lesson was a success for me and I am excited to keep incorporating it into more lessons to come.
Great job of jumping in and trying it! I've found that I'm never totally ready with new tech but you do have to try and see how it goes. One piece of advice is to always have something non-tech planned as your backup. It's also awesome that you are rubbing off on your CT!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that this went so well! It is always nerve racking to dive into something and I will have to do it soon too. More teachers need to make use of that resource. Do you feel you will be using this in a lesson as well or stick to using the iPads for more of a review tool?
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I've noticed that every time I try something that isn't like the "normal" class, students have a change in their attitude. Do you have ideas on how to use the iPads in a regular lesson?
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool that this really worked and got the students interested. How long did it take to set up the Nearpod note? And is it worth the time to set it up? I feel if it takes too long to set up, that you miss out on a lot. But if it doesn't this is a great thing to use in a class. I'm glad you jumped in and tried it.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you on your willingness to try something new! Taking risks can be so beneficial and no better time than when you are student teaching! I cannot wait to hear about more success you have with the technology in your class. I was wondering if you were able to get an iPad to each student?
ReplyDeleteI also think that is really cool how your CT asked you for help and advice. Those students are definitely going to benefit from this.
I am so happy that you tried something new!! I bet your students liked it too! Recently, I had a conversation with a school official (not at my school) who dismissed technology because it can be a distraction and "a student only gets to learn algebra once". While I agreed that it can be distracting if not used properly and with the absences of rules, I think your lesson and experience shows that it can also be a GOOD thing. Keep doing what you are doing and have fun with trying new things!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you tried something new!! I bet your students liked it too! Recently, I had a conversation with a school official (not at my school) who dismissed technology because it can be a distraction and "a student only gets to learn algebra once". While I agreed that it can be distracting if not used properly and with the absences of rules, I think your lesson and experience shows that it can also be a GOOD thing. Keep doing what you are doing and have fun with trying new things!
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