8 Strategies for Using Technology in the 21st Century Classroom | Resilient Educator (2023)

We have all seen the black and white photographs of a classroom. Students sit in orderly rows facing a teacher who is writing on the blackboard. Until the last decade, our classrooms were not that different from those photographs of 100 years ago. We are fortunate to live and teach in a time of rapid educational change. Instead of personal boards, many students now have access to electronic tablets. Many teachers are now able to use smart boards instead of white boards. The limits of the basic textbook have exceeded the unlimited information collected online.

While these changes are exciting, using technology in the classroom can seem daunting when you have multiple goals to accomplish each day and 30-35 students need to be involved at the same time. So how do we deal with the advanced learning environment of the 21st century? Here are eight real-world strategies for slaying the fearsome dragon of the engineering classroom.

1. Start setting up your classroom

As with any well-run classroom, setup is essential. First, set up the tables so that you can see all or most of the screens. For example, student desks could face in a circle toward the outer walls of the classroom. Or, if rows or pairs work best for your class, consider placing your desk at the back of the room. You can see all screens and students without being in the foreground.

Create, demonstrate, teach, and review your classroom rules and procedures for using devices. Students need to be aware of expected behavior and how to deal with issues related to the use of technology. To create this structure, number each device. Students have a sense of ownership and numbering aids in technology support communications.

Finally have a system for student logins. Any teacher with computer experience knows the headache of registering students. Help students become more independent by creating sign-in cards. Each personalized login card should contain your device login and some of the major websites or apps used. Be sure to keep a master enrollment list. Enrollment should be, for the most part, the responsibility of the student, although this depends on age and whether or not your students have special needs.

2. Make digital citizenship a priority

Now that you have the devices in the hands of each of your students, they are ready for this type of learning. This is your chance to teach one of the most important skills needed in a 21st century classroom: the responsible use of technology, also known as digital citizenship. Students cannot automatically navigate the Internet safely, communicate effectively and respectfully, and deal with other digital dilemmas. These are all skills that need to be taught.

Regardless of the class you are teaching, take the time to guide students in becoming responsible digital citizens. Although this can be a daunting task, there is a great collection of comprehensive free lessons, materials, and study plans online. One of my favorite resources when teaching digital citizenship iscommon sense educationIt offers a curriculum for each grade level and includes highly engaging tutorials, materials, and teacher lessons for each classroom.

3. Will miniaulasBeforeuse devices

The number one mistake I have seen in classrooms that use computers is the order of the process. Imagine a room full of students beginning to vibrate with excitement as the teacher plays the C.O.W. (computers on wheels) in the classroom. The teacher hands out the numbered devices to his students, and his fingers enter their personal logins as soon as they place their hands on them. Relieved that all the devices are working, the teacher begins his briefing on today's lesson and the purpose of using the device. What is wrong with this picture? What percentage of students do you think actually hear instructions or instruction concepts?

Teaching mini-lessonsanteriorfor student access is key. Students will not be distracted and are likely to participate fully, knowing that they have the privilege of using devices if they pay attention and demonstrate their understanding of rules, procedures, and assignments. Mini-lessons also provide time to ensure students fully understand your expectations and the homework involved with the technology. Even when the lesson is onsurvey-based, students must still know what is expected of themBeforecombustion

4. Use the power of choice

Traditionally, the teacher is the center of the lesson. In a 21st century classroom, educational technology empowers each student to make decisions about their own learning. Making a choice gives the student responsibility for what she learns. Within each of the three categories of educational technology activities (hands-on, creative, and discovery), there are opportunities for students to make choices.

Apps that help students practice and improve their skills, such asacademia Khan, usually allows them to choose what to work on or what game to play while they practice. A creativity challenge provides many opportunities for students to demonstrate their ability to apply the concept, evaluate their own work, and take full responsibility for the finished product. A discovery task allows students to use their natural curiosity as a navigational tool.

When planning a lesson using educational technology, remember to give your students the opportunity to make the choices they want. To learn more about the importance of offering choice, see the study ofUniversal design for learning..

5. Remember that sharing is caring

Give students time to share something they created or discovered. Knowing that they will have this opportunity helps to focus. In addition to the focus, other students are inspired by their peers and find value in their own work. Sharing doesn't have to happen at the end of a project.

As you walk around the room, choose a student who is doing something right and show it to the rest of the class. Students who don't do particularly well in traditional classes often don't get much credit. Technology is changing this environment, providing opportunities for all students to shine, including English learners, introverts, and those who may be deficient in certain subjects.

6. Make Teacher Records

One of my favorite strategies for managing a complex classroom is to perform continuous check-ins on teachers. Educational technologies allow our students to have a more personalized learning experience: work at their own pace, use tools that suit their learning style, and learn about topics that interest them.

While this can create an ideal learning environment, how can a single teacher manage each student's learning? Allow time for teachers to check in with each student once a week. Or do these records using an online survey, e.g.Google form. Your online survey can include key questions about challenges and achievements. Feedback is quick, and you can use it to create a plan to provide support and intervene when necessary.

7. Create device areas

Technology can be motivating for students in and of itself. However, just like with adults, students' focus can be diverted when working online. To re-engage students with the task at hand, take them away from their devices for a few minutes and have them turn around for face-to-face interaction with a colleague. If possible, have students stay away from their devices or use management software likeVeyónto view and lock your devices for three to five minutes.

8. Software tools are your friends

About five years ago, when the one-to-one (one device per student) initiative began, there was a big shift in edtech from teacher-centric to student-centric tools. Thanks to these educational technology tools, many students are now learning for themselves in the driver's seat. Various types of software have been developed to help manage this new scenario. Classroom management software tools have been developed to support behavior management, such as:dojo classmicraft class. Open source learning management systems such asBody,Moodle, zSchoolThey are designed to help with course design, assignment submissions, file organization, and digital gradebooks.

More recently, software tools have been developed that represent the "all-seeing eye" on student devices in use. Device management software likeGoGuardianallows teachers to view, control and freeze student devices from a single teacher dashboard.

Our classrooms are finally beginning to evolve with the world around them, and by implementing these eight strategies, you'll create an innovative and thriving learning environment for your technology-hungry students. If you're interested in taking your "EdTech" skills to the next level, check out oursMd in Leadership in Educational Technologyfor a comprehensive program that will help you lead the way as a 21st century teacher.

Nicole Mace earned a Master's in Educational Technology from Lesley University and a Graduate Professional Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has spent nearly a decade in education, teaching at various grade levels in the United States and South Korea, and serving as a senior instructional designer at the university level. Nicole currently works as an online supplemental teacher and independent instructional designer.its websiteprovides essential resources for instructors looking to crack the code for quality online instruction.

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