Technology
can be used to help students master common core standards. The question then
becomes, what are the best ways to integrate technology in order to maximize
student learning. According to Holzweiss (2014), it is important for librarians
to provide students with opportunities to use technology in a variety of ways that
will allow students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.
The ultimate goal is for students to be able to apply the critical thinking and
problem solving skills to different situations throughout their lives and as
part of future careers no matter the technology that is being used.
Holzweiss
also emphasizes the importance of using a variety of assessment forms that meet
the standards. Librarians can act as facilitators to provide students with
learning and assessment opportunities that are rich with information as part of
a dynamic learning environment. Authentic assessments work well with
project-based learning opportunities that work well with the integration of
technology.
According
to Holzweiss, finding the right technologies that can seamlessly integrated is
an important aspect of planning. Some teachers will not be confident about
working with technology and this is where collaboration becomes even more
valuable. Librarians can help teachers determine which technology tools will
work best to meet various standards or objectives. Librarians can also co-teach
lessons involving the technology to help the lessons run more smoothly.
Co-teaching also allows teachers to become familiar with student use of the
technology in a safer environment that will hopefully encourage further use of
the tools. Librarians can also work with teachers to create extension activities
that allow students to apply technology that they have learned.
One
strategy that Holtzweiss mentioned is to find innovative ways to use web tools
that you are already using. I have used interactive whiteboards in the past,
but this year I will be looking for more innovative ways to use them. The
priority will be to use the interactive whiteboards for student-led strategies.
I would like to find some games that can be used to help students master
material while also increasing motivation.
Another
strategy that I will implement from the Holzweiss article is using technology
to assess student learning. With Educreations, students will be able to explain
how they are solving problems. Educreations can easily be used in a math
classroom because students do not need to master any equation editor software.
Having students submit solutions to problems that includes their thought
process is a great tool to assess how much the students understand about the
methods being used.
References:
HOLZWEISS, K. (2014).
Using tech tools for learning with standards. School Library Monthly, 30(4),
13-17.
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