Leveraging Technology in the Classroom
I love technology and I have a ton of cool toys. One of my goals is to leverage these technologies in the classroom to engage students in learning. In this blog, I'll give you a quick tour of our learning space, some of the equipment we'll be using this year and some ideas on how students could use it to actually learn how to read, write, and understand math concepts.
Google Daydream VR Headset
I picked this Google Daydream View up for $30 over the summer when Verizon had a flash sale. I didn't use it much at home, so I brought it into school. What's really cool about the Daydream View is that it is super easy to cast to the whiteboard using Chromecast. This way, others can see what the student wearing the headset is seeing.
There are a ton of cool things to do with VR, but my focus is to use it to inspire students to read, write, and build math concepts.
Here's a possible learning scenario:
Students work in partners and go on a Google Expedition. Student 1 is the observer, student 2 is the recorder. The recorder writes down all of the things that the observer sees and then synthesizes information. Once the exploration is completed, students switch roles.
Here's another:
Students work in pairs to watch YouTube VR. The recorder is in charge of jotting down words that the observer tells them. Afterwards, the roles are reversed. Then students work together to write short descriptions of what they saw and how they felt.
Green Screen Video
Here's a shot of one of the bulletin boards in our classroom. It is covered with green butcher block paper, turning it into a low-budget (free) green screen. I have been experimenting with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) to capture student livestream. While there is a lot of potential using the software, it is a little intensive for second graders. Another option that we have yet to experiment with is an iPad app called Green Screen by Do Ink. A third alternative will be to record using a digital camera and use WeVideo to color key the green background out and insert a different one.
I've got some cool ideas on how to use this technology in the classroom and I am sure students will take the ball and run with it. Here's just a couple that I had:
I picked this Google Daydream View up for $30 over the summer when Verizon had a flash sale. I didn't use it much at home, so I brought it into school. What's really cool about the Daydream View is that it is super easy to cast to the whiteboard using Chromecast. This way, others can see what the student wearing the headset is seeing.
There are a ton of cool things to do with VR, but my focus is to use it to inspire students to read, write, and build math concepts.
Here's a possible learning scenario:
Students work in partners and go on a Google Expedition. Student 1 is the observer, student 2 is the recorder. The recorder writes down all of the things that the observer sees and then synthesizes information. Once the exploration is completed, students switch roles.
Here's another:
Students work in pairs to watch YouTube VR. The recorder is in charge of jotting down words that the observer tells them. Afterwards, the roles are reversed. Then students work together to write short descriptions of what they saw and how they felt.
Here's a shot of one of the bulletin boards in our classroom. It is covered with green butcher block paper, turning it into a low-budget (free) green screen. I have been experimenting with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) to capture student livestream. While there is a lot of potential using the software, it is a little intensive for second graders. Another option that we have yet to experiment with is an iPad app called Green Screen by Do Ink. A third alternative will be to record using a digital camera and use WeVideo to color key the green background out and insert a different one.
- Students learn story elements by making storyboards and creating green screen videos.
- Making stop motion films.
- Student run live stream morning meetings with weather forecasts, interactive calendar, etc.
Audio Recording Station
This one is near and dear to my heart because I am an audiophile. It's not a lot of equipment, but I did bring this in from home. While it doesn't cost much, it still might be a hit to a teacher's wallet if they need to purchase equipment on their own. Here's a list of what I plan to use in the classroom.
- MAudio Digital Recording Interface
- Shure SM57 Microphone
- AKG K240 Studio Headphones
- BandLab Online Recording Studio
If you were to go out and buy this equipment, it will cost a little bit. However, there are cheaper alternatives. If you have iPads, you can simply use the stock Garageband app and hit record. My idea with the recording station is to record voice tracks for book read-aloud videos. Students will record their voice tracks and put them to video slideshows of the books. Other ideas could be student-run podcasts, student read audiobooks, and maybe music production!
MakeDo Cardboard Construction
Although it's not technically technology, MakeDo cardboard construction is a great way to encourage design thinking in the classroom. When I came across the MakeDo kits, I immediately thought of Cain's Arcade. This is a picture of students simply exploring how the tools work. The next step will be getting them to follow tutorials and building simple constructs. Eventually, I envision students using drawing models and scaling them up using tape measures and bringing their designs to fruition.
Students got a taste for these technologies for the first time last week. We have yet to explore using them with purpose and intent. There is always a learning curve to using new technology, so we need to get a hang of each one before we can use it effectively. Once we know how to use the technology, we can use it to produce some really amazing content and products. This combined with intensive, rigorous instruction has the potential to make a significant impact on student learning.
Have an idea on how to use any of this equipment in the classroom? I'd love to hear it. Drop a comment below or on my socials. Let's shoot some spitballs.
Although it's not technically technology, MakeDo cardboard construction is a great way to encourage design thinking in the classroom. When I came across the MakeDo kits, I immediately thought of Cain's Arcade. This is a picture of students simply exploring how the tools work. The next step will be getting them to follow tutorials and building simple constructs. Eventually, I envision students using drawing models and scaling them up using tape measures and bringing their designs to fruition.
Students got a taste for these technologies for the first time last week. We have yet to explore using them with purpose and intent. There is always a learning curve to using new technology, so we need to get a hang of each one before we can use it effectively. Once we know how to use the technology, we can use it to produce some really amazing content and products. This combined with intensive, rigorous instruction has the potential to make a significant impact on student learning.
Have an idea on how to use any of this equipment in the classroom? I'd love to hear it. Drop a comment below or on my socials. Let's shoot some spitballs.
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