Technology is part of our everyday lives and should be part of the education process. Technology can greatly enhance education when used effectively. Teaching earth science to middle school students can be difficult as many topics are not easily recreated in a classroom setting. By using technology resources like animations, virtual laboratories, and video clips, students can better visualize earth science processes and content.
Below are some of the technology resources I utilized in the classroom. You can get more information about each resource by clicking the link in the text, or by clicking on the image next to the text. Additional educational technology resources can be found under the following pages: educational apps, classroom technology, and robotics.
Below are some of the technology resources I utilized in the classroom. You can get more information about each resource by clicking the link in the text, or by clicking on the image next to the text. Additional educational technology resources can be found under the following pages: educational apps, classroom technology, and robotics.
iPad: The middle school I taught at was 1:1 with iPads. This technology tool transitioned the way I instructed and assessed students. The district utilizes Schoology for the learning management system. Students have access to daily activities and assignments directly on their iPad and from other devices through the web. With the iPad, students are better able to collaborate, create, and share their knowledge with others. The iPad offers a variety of resources that help keep students engaged and involved in their learning process.
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Google: Google Drive is resource I utilized often with my students. One example I used it for is having students input data from a lab assignment into a single Google Sheets for further classroom analysis, allowing for quick access to data from each class and to easily graph the information. I also utilized Google Forms for exit tickets and feedback. Students used Google Docs to collaborate and work together on projects. Google Classroom is another great tool for managing assignments with students.
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Learning Management System: Before going 1:1 with iPads, I used a classroom webpage that helped students keep track of assignments and activities. The online learning management system our district used after going 1:1 was Schoology. The LMS provides an easy place for communication between the student and teacher as well as among peers. Having access anytime and anywhere not only to class materials, but also to the instructor and classmates to ask questions or offer assistance is a valuable tool in helping students be successful.
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Active Learning: Prior to having student iPads I used a SMARTBoard for virtual labs and other activities. The students took turns using the SMARTBoard to help demonstrate concepts. Other resources that provide interactive lessons include Nearpod, ck-12, Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids, Educreations, and ClassFlow. Many of these resources offer a database of ready-to-go lessons. Many of these websites also allow instructors to create their own lessons and content. Interactive lessons keep kids engaged and actively participating in their learning process.
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Formative Assessment: Clickers are a great technology resource that give immediate feedback to students. I used response clickers as a review tool and integrated clicker questions into regular lectures and activities. I also created a clicker tutorial for other teachers. Other great formative assessment tools include Kahoot, Quizizz, Nearpod, Newsela, GoFormative, Plickers, and ZipGrade. Students enjoy interactive review games, and they pay more attention to lessons when they know there will be questions integrated throughout the lesson that provide immediate feedback.
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Webquests: Webquests are a great tool to keep students engaged in a lesson. They can help introduce students to new topics and ideas. I also used webquests to review topics and help students better visualize concepts that are difficult for them to picture on their own. Webquests make it easy for students to find correct websites or information by having the necessary information linked directly into the webquest.
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Virtual Labs: Virtual labs give students the opportunity to work with concepts that are not easily recreated in the classroom. They can be used to introduce a unit, reinforce concepts, or review a topic. Our science textbook offers a wide variety of virtual labs, designed to go along with each unit. In class, we may do the virtual labs as a whole group when starting a topic. Other times, students will be individually assigned virtual labs, or they may complete them in small groups.
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Online Textbook: Students have access to their textbook online. The online book can help students who have a difficult time reading scientific material because the online book can read the text aloud. It also offers visual concepts, as well as review questions and activities that can be answered while reading the material. This gives the students a chance to check for understanding as they are reading.
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Animations/Video Clips: I used numerous animations and video clips throughout for teaching earth science concepts. These short animations help illustrate scientific processes that have multiple steps or that are not easily captured in a single image.
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Skyward: Grades are updated regularly through Skyward. Students and parents are able to view current progress in every class and check for missing assignments. I also use skyward communicate with students and parents about upcoming tests or projects. I can send reminders about assignment due dates through Skyward as well as progress reports to parents.
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Document Camera: A document camera is a great tool to use while demonstrating a scientific concept. You can project colored assignments any maps or 3-dimensional items for better viewing. Students can quickly showcase their project to the class, and I can use the document camera to help students better visualize concepts.
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Cell phones: Before going 1:1 with iPads, I allowed students to use cell phones and other technology devices on certain projects and assignments. Students are accustomed to having information at their fingertips, so I allowed students to use cell phones and other devices to look up information. I also used cell phones for taking pictures of science related items for projects we worked on throughout the year.
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