Powerful Ways to Use Technology to Engage Students in the Classroom

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology has become a powerful ally for teachers seeking to engage and inspire their students. With the rapid advancements in digital tools and resources, educators have a wealth of opportunities to harness the benefits of technology in the classroom. Let’s explore various ways you can use technology to engage students.

Setting a solid foundation in your classroom is the cornerstone of creating a learning environment in which your students can thrive. Make sure you have your routines and procedures in place before introducing a technology rich environment. When students know what the expectations are, you can focus on engaging your students to transform their learning experiences.

Learn how to Cultivate Calm and set up routines for a focused classroom. Achieving a functional, calm classroom is attainable if you’re willing to put in the work. Be willing to devote your mindset and class time to model and teach your students to create calm within your class. The work you put in to establish routines in the classroom will pay dividends throughout the year. Download a free mini-guide to getting started with creating a calm and focused learning environment.

Beginning and End of the Day Routines
Morning Meeting
Time Gaps and Flexible Time
Handling Tattling and All Those Questions
Teaching Grit and Perseverance

Technology for Teachers: Empowering Educators

Teachers can use technology to enhance their teaching methods and streamline administrative tasks. From interactive whiteboards to online grading systems, technology allows educators to focus more on their students’ needs. There are plenty of websites like Khan Academy, TED-Ed, and Coursera that offer professional development courses, ensuring that teachers stay up-to-date with the latest educational trends and methodologies. You can also look into your local colleges and universities to see what courses and programs may be available to educators. Always make sure that if you are seeking professional development for salary advancement that the company or organization you choose follows your district’s guidelines for professional development.

You may have to pursue professional development opportunities on your own. In that case, you have more power and control over the content you choose. How do you want your classroom to run? What opportunities do you want to provide for your students? Each class is going to be different from year to year, so how do you want to invest in your classroom in a way that will serve your students? How will you use technology to engage students?

Technology Goals for Teachers: Striving for Excellence

Establishing clear technology goals is crucial for educators aiming to make the most of digital resources. Whether it’s mastering a new software application, incorporating multimedia elements into lessons, or encouraging collaboration through online platforms, setting specific technology goals can guide teachers in their professional development journey.

Goals

Set up a classroom website so I can communicate better with my students and families.
Teach students how to become more independent when using technology.
Implement the use of interactive learning tools that will engage my students and give my students the best learning experience.
Engage students in real-world problems by collaborating with others
Optimize data collection and analysis of student progress

These are just a few examples of goals you could work toward. Choose what is relevant for you and your abilities at this time. Ask yourself how much time you are willing to invest your time into learning technology tools. What are your students capable of right now? Then, make your goals based on those questions. Start small with one thing at a time so you don’t overwhelm yourself.

Teacher Website and Blogs: Building a Digital Presence

Blog post link that will guide you to create a classroom

Creating a website or blog is an excellent way for teachers to communicate with their students and families. Newsletters are a great way to let parents know what is happening in the classroom, but sometimes a digital version is easier and faster to communicate. Last minute changes are always happening and a website can be the best way to get information to your families. If you are interested in learning more about how to create a Google site for teachers, check out this blog post about how to set up a functional site to share your classroom with your students and families.

Creating a website dedicated to technology in education is another way that teachers can build a digital presence and share their experiences and insights. This digital presence can serve as a valuable resource for other educators seeking inspiration, tips, and lesson plans that incorporate technology effectively. We can learn a lot from each other if we are willing to share.

Engaging Technology in the Classroom: A Pedagogical Revolution

Integrating engaging technology in the classroom transforms traditional teaching methods and captivates students’ attention. Gamification, virtual reality experiences, and interactive simulations are just a few examples of how you can use technology to engage students and make learning more exciting and meaningful for students.

Check out these websites and learning tools that might engage your students!

Classcraft – Gamified Classroom Management
Blooket – Quiz style games with built in competition
Kahoot! – Game Based Learning Platform
EdPuzzle – Interactive Video Lessons and Gamification
Quizlet – Interactive Learning Platform
Flip – Record, Edit, and Share Video Assignments
Digital Escape Rooms – Search for the topic you are teaching!

Using Technology in the Classroom Benefits: A Win-Win for Teachers and Students

Infographic of the benefits of using technology in the classroom

The benefits of using technology in the classroom are numerous. Teachers can

differentiate lessons to serve diverse learning styles
personalize learning experiences
increase student engagement
improve accessibility
ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive

Technology in the Classroom for Special Education: Addressing Diverse Needs

Technology plays a crucial role in catering to the diverse needs of students, including those with special education requirements. There are many assistive technologies, interactive learning apps, and adaptive software that can empower teachers to create inclusive learning environments that support every student on their educational journey.

Dictation Programs and Assistive Programs
Speech to Text
Screen Readers
Display Settings
Interactive Boards
Assistive Technology for Writing
Read 180
NOVA Chat

Collaborative Technology in the Classroom: Fostering Teamwork and Communication

Collaborative technology tools enable students to work together, promoting teamwork and communication skills. My 4th grade team uses our Google Workspace platform to work together on curriculum and other planning. We keep all of our documents on a shared drive that we all have access to. We are mostly a Google Drive team and are able to streamline our planning and instruction through this platform. It didn’t happen overnight. It has taken us 4 years to get to where we are now and we are still tweaking each year.

Google Classroom is an option in your Google Workspace for Education platform. This allows you to create classes. You can post assignments, track grades, and feedback throughout the year. Students have access to course materials on demand and will become more independent when they have the tools they need.

Microsoft 365 is another platform for real-time collaboration on projects, encouraging students to share ideas and build on each other’s strengths. However, this is a subscription based platform and your district may not have purchased this as an option.

Technology Strategies in the Classroom: Systems for Teachers to Get Organized

Effective technology integration requires thoughtful planning and strategic implementation. Teachers should develop comprehensive strategies that align with their educational goals, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than hinders, the learning experience.

3 Technology Hacks –
- Morning Meeting Slides (FREE download)
  - Set the foundation in your classroom and provide routine and consistency for you and your students.
- Teaching Slides (Subject Matter & Flow of the Day – with timers)
  - Create Teaching Slides – Streamline your lesson flow and reuse each year! – Michelle Emerson shows you how to create your own slides.
- Starred Section – on Google Drive
  - Gives you immediate access to everything you need – no searching and trying to remember the name of your files!
Create a Teacher Dashboard
- Create ONE place to store all of your important links and materials.
Organize Your Google Drive – Michelle Emerson (Pocketful of Primary)
- Have a place for everything. Label and color-code to give you access to everything you need!
Organize Your Google Drive at the End of the School Year
- Don’t abandon your digital files at the end of the year! Name or rename those files and put them into the folders they belong to! Short on time? Create a TO SORT folder and put them in there temporarily. Remember to go back to that folder before school starts again.

systems for teachers to get organized graphic

Make it Personal and Serve Your Students

Embracing technology in the classroom is no longer an option but a necessity for educators striving to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. By staying informed, setting clear goals, and utilizing the vast array of available resources, teachers can harness the power of technology to create engaging and enriching learning environments. The benefits extend beyond the classroom, preparing students for a future where digital literacy is a key component of success.

You know your students best and what they need at this moment that you have them. How can you serve them best? What tools and strategies can you learn to provide them with engaging learning experiences that will propel them into success?

Start with building the foundations of your classroom. Cultivate calm routines for a focused classroom that will allow your students to become independent learners. Let them use technology to enrich their learning experiences.

I hope these ideas help you on your journey as an educator. Our jobs are hard and I’ve learned that if you take steps to streamline certain parts of your career, you can be more effective and productive.