Through out this project there were both challenges and successes.
It can be difficult to teach new tech to a whole class with only one adult in the room. There can be problems with WiFi, keeping the iPads updated, solving problems as they arrive so that students don't become frustrated and many other things. The biggest problem I faced was supporting all students when teaching as a whole class - fortunately our students gained confidence quickly with technology and were able to support each other. We implemented the three before me rule - check in with three students for support before the teacher. This was the biggest help with our learning. Our second challenge was how were we going to get our work off the iPads. We used drop box and air drop to move our work from one ipad to another and print out our work from a computer when it was finished. I also had to learn about QR codes for sharing videos made by students.
The biggest success for us during this project was the growth in the students learning. This learning crossed many boundaries. The number of subjects that were brought in to this project was great as it linked together all our daily learning from Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math and Art. Students also grew in the core competencies especially creative thinking, critical thinking and communication. Students have grown in their ability to share with each other, communicate, create and collaborate. Another great success was the engagement of students that usually find reading and writing difficult. The use of technology provided access to the curriculum and learning that can be frustrating and create dis-engagement from class. I am so proud of all my students.
Final words of wisdom - for anyone thinking of taking on a project like this try to remember the following things. Our students come with a lot of technology knowledge but need to be shown that tech is a tool and not always for play. When choosing the apps you want to use pick a few and use them often in different subject areas so that students have time to get confident with them. And finally remember that it is OK to learn along side your students, it is OK to tell them you don't know how to do something yet. A growth mindset is key.
It can be difficult to teach new tech to a whole class with only one adult in the room. There can be problems with WiFi, keeping the iPads updated, solving problems as they arrive so that students don't become frustrated and many other things. The biggest problem I faced was supporting all students when teaching as a whole class - fortunately our students gained confidence quickly with technology and were able to support each other. We implemented the three before me rule - check in with three students for support before the teacher. This was the biggest help with our learning. Our second challenge was how were we going to get our work off the iPads. We used drop box and air drop to move our work from one ipad to another and print out our work from a computer when it was finished. I also had to learn about QR codes for sharing videos made by students.
The biggest success for us during this project was the growth in the students learning. This learning crossed many boundaries. The number of subjects that were brought in to this project was great as it linked together all our daily learning from Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math and Art. Students also grew in the core competencies especially creative thinking, critical thinking and communication. Students have grown in their ability to share with each other, communicate, create and collaborate. Another great success was the engagement of students that usually find reading and writing difficult. The use of technology provided access to the curriculum and learning that can be frustrating and create dis-engagement from class. I am so proud of all my students.
Final words of wisdom - for anyone thinking of taking on a project like this try to remember the following things. Our students come with a lot of technology knowledge but need to be shown that tech is a tool and not always for play. When choosing the apps you want to use pick a few and use them often in different subject areas so that students have time to get confident with them. And finally remember that it is OK to learn along side your students, it is OK to tell them you don't know how to do something yet. A growth mindset is key.