Tech Usage vs. Integration using Interactive Screens
Have you been trying to integrate technology into your classroom? Did you know to truly integrate technology into the classroom rather than just use technology that’s available in your immediate surrounding, students must have an active role in manipulating the technology. The graphic below illustrates the difference between simply using technology in the classroom and true technology integration.
Heick, T. (2016, May 6). The Difference Between Technology Use And Technology Integration. Retrieved from https://www.teachthought.com/technology/difference-technology-use-technology-integration/
One way to actually integrate technology into your classroom is by creating lessons using interactive whiteboards. Not every classroom may have a SMARTboard but there are other interactive websites and software that can be used to create a similar screen. Classroom Screen is one web 2.0 tool that allows educators to create lessons where students can interact with media on the screen. This tool has many different features such as a text feature, a drawing feature, and even a QR code scanner. When students are able to click, move, write, and draw, they have an active role in self-correcting and gauging their own understanding as it relates to content material. When students are able to have an active role in their learning, they are more likely to stay engaged in the lesson or activity. Creating high-quality lessons where technology is truly integrated can teach students how to use technology in appropriate ways and can deepen their understanding of content knowledge.
Screenshot of ClassroomScreen with features
Here are some links to interactive whiteboards:
What are some ways you use interactive screens in the classroom?
How do you know that your lessons truly integrate technology rather than just use technology because its available?
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! This was a great reminder that just because you are using technology in your classroom doesn't mean you are integrating it. You bring up a good point that our students have to be actively manipulating the technology for it to be true technology integration. Coming from a district that doesn't have much technology, I found your suggestions helpful! My Smartboard would be an excellent center that students could use for a matching activity, to draw and highlight characteristics of shapes, or work out a math problem. While I am fortunate enough to have my Smartboard, I still found Classroom Screen to be a valuable resource. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Karen,
DeleteI'm glad you found some of the suggestions for using interactive whiteboards helpful. There are so many different things that one can do with a Smartboard. I do not have a Smartboard in my classroom but use the other screens to create interactive lessons.
What is your favorite activity to use on your Smartboard? Is there a time of day or activity that you use it for the most?
Hi Caitlin,
DeleteThanks for sharing your great ideas about how to integrate technology in the classroom. Another teacher in my school shared Classroom Screen with me this school year and it is amazing! My favorite feature is the voice levels to help students be aware of their volume and if they are too loud during workplaces (math games and centers around the classroom). I do not use other interactive screens in the classroom, but I did see a teacher post on Instagram recently where the teacher created an interactive whiteboard lesson where students pop a balloon with touching the SmartBoard. The popping balloon shows points that students earned for their group during the class review session. The teacher asks a question, the students answer and if they get it correct, they get to pop a balloon. The team with the highest score is the winner. I would love to try this in my classroom, and I like the game-like feeling it is when there is a chance to get an unknown amount of points.
I liked your post about Integrating Technology vs Using Technology. The comparison graphic you chose was very eye opening. I've always thought I did a good job incorporating technology in my classroom but seeing these comparisons, I still have places to improve. While I lucked out an have a Smart Board in my room, I do have several teacher friends that aren't as lucky. I look forward to sharing the interactive whiteboard options I suggested with them. I've used Educreations before but Classroom Screen has quite a few unique features that will be great for both teacher and students. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! I really love the infographic you provided about technology use versus integrating technology. It really allows you to see if you are integrating technology in your classroom or just using technology in your classroom. I do not have a smart board in my classroom, but I try to integrate technology as much as I can. I make sure that my lessons integrate technology by having students use the technology, collaborate, and gain knowledge. I also try to have students connect with the material to allow them to be interested in the material and stay focused. Great post!
ReplyDelete