Five Tools to Encourage Teacher and Student Collaboration

Technology is a wonderful tool to supplement strong instructional practices in today's digital learning environment. Students, on the other hand, must be taught how to utilize technology efficiently and how to be good digital citizens. To better accomplish these objectives, we switched from a 1:1 iPad program to a 1:1 Macbook Air program two years ago, which required substantial training and support for our professors and staff.

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In addition to assisting instructors with their new devices, I assist in identifying their technological requirements, recommending resources, and facilitating implementation. When we choose technological resources, we search for tools that will help us tackle certain problems. We specifically select ones that improve classroom learning, aid with time management, and foster cooperation and openness. With these objectives in mind, here are a few of our favorites:

Chalk

We began using Chalk four years ago to help with lesson planning. Previously, the school did not use an online lesson planning tool; most things were still done on paper and were not easily available. We can use Chalk to generate digital lesson plans that are standards-aligned. Teachers may readily access and interact in real-time on lessons developed by other members of their professional learning communities (PLCs). Meanwhile, department chairs and other administrators can stop by to evaluate a lesson plan before any teacher observations to verify it corresponds to what's going on in the classroom. Chalk also provides live help, which we utilized on a regular basis for the first couple of years until we were confident in our ability to educate instructors on our own, and we continue to use the tech support chat option as necessary.

Canvas

Canvas, our learning management system (LMS), is used to facilitate communication for both academics and extracurriculars. In addition, each grade level has its own Canvas page for grade-level business, calendars, and communications. Teachers, club moderators, and even club executives can use Canvas to publish announcements, files, and assignments, as well as conduct surveys and quizzes. Work may be submitted and evaluated using the system, and online discussion forums are used extensively in many subjects. Teachers may utilize the system to email big groups, and the Canvas Calendar keeps everyone up to date on upcoming events and even manages a to-do list. It's hardly unexpected that "It's on Canvas" is a familiar mantra on campus.

Quizizz

Quizizz is frequently used by our teachers to help students reinforce their learning and prepare for forthcoming tests. This application enables self-paced multiple-choice study and assists students in focusing on the areas where they require the most assistance. They can go over frequently missed questions and take many practice quizzes before the formal in-class exam or test. Students like the memes that follow comments on their answers; Quizizz has a library of acceptable memes, and teachers may contribute their own.

Gimkit

Gimkit is a popular choice among students. This program, created by a high school student, allows kids to earn in-game currency by accurately answering questions. They may spend this "money" on power-ups, insurance, and other entertaining stuff to use in the game. Students can participate by adding their own questions to the "kit." Special modes are occasionally available to make Gimkit even more entertaining. During Halloween, students in my class played Humans vs. Zombies, and subsequently, we tried out Thanos Mode, which was inspired by Marvel Comics. This technology promotes focused study of information, increases engagement, and generates a game show-like setting that stimulates students by promoting friendly rivalry.

Textivate

Textivate, a technology that generates a variety of games for students based on certain text extracts, is being used in our global language classrooms. We utilize it to develop a series of exercises, including gamified vocabulary review, to improve close reading of the text. Challenges are accessible for a limited period, and students gain points by playing the games of their choice. The champion is the student who has the most points at the end of the Challenge.

Using technology to help students learn

Implementing technology in the classroom necessitates extensive preparation, communication, and continuing support. We optimize success by ensuring that our monthly professional development days are intended to give crucial context and teach new skills, as well as to allow for adequate practice and sharing.

We begin with a 30-minute interactive presentation in which we demonstrate teaching techniques, digital tools, and resources. Teachers discuss what was presented and immediately implement the lesson in their PLCs. Our hands-on approach allows people to talk about their specific goals, share issues they're facing, experiment with technology directly, and receive tailored help.

We're pleased of how far we've gone with technology integration and implementation, and we intend to keep growing and enhancing our curriculum year after year in order to provide our children with the greatest possible preparation for life in the digital era.