Powerful Ways to Use Technology to Engage Students in the Classroom

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

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?

Notepad graphic featuring 5 technology goals for teachers

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. 

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. 

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

systems for teachers to get organized graphic

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. 

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    Guide to a Focused Classroom

    Guide to a Focused Classroom

     LOOKING FOR EASY SUMMER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?

    If you are one of the lucky ones like I am, you have been able to enjoy at least a full week from all school-related duties. It has been glorious! My creative itch began to emerge. I was looking to share my ideas with others and decided to submit an idea for a session. Out of that, Cultivate Calm was written.  This guide features a lot of ideas to help you in the classroom.

    The idea for this came out of the past year I spent in an exhausted state. I barely made it through. I know I am not alone in realizing how tough it was. I questioned why I was still in the classroom.

    I knew I had to make a plan and hopefully help other educators along the way. You will learn:

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

    This guide is designed to give you ideas, guidance, and actionable steps to discover what works best for your personality and teaching style. Create your own action plan to start creating calm this week. As with all other teaching strategies you learn and attempt to implement, you get out of it what you put in.

    Here’s a peek inside!

     

     

    WHAT’S YOUR REASON TO CREATE CALM IN YOUR CLASSROOM?

    You are always rushing around in the mornings. You’re always tired and can’t seem to get ahead. Your classroom is chaotic at times and you are ready for change. You should listen to what your heart and brain are telling you. That you need to slow down, you need to reset, and you deserve a fresh start.

    What's Your Reason?

    Discover your reasons for wanting to cultivate calm in your classroom. Design your classroom to fit your teaching style and needs. Have flexibility in what you do and how you approach your teaching day.

    WANT TO SEE A SAMPLE CHAPTER BEFORE YOU BUY?

    If you are ready to make a change for yourself, I highly recommend checking out this free chapter sample to see if the ideas in the guide fit your personality and teaching style. We know what works best for us. Simplify your teaching by choosing how you will design your classroom.

     

    HOW TO TAKE BACK YOUR CLASSROOM

    Achieving a functional, calm classroom is attainable if you’re willing to put in the work. You have to be willing to devote your mindset and class time to teach your students to create calm within your class. This is not to say that classrooms bursting with noise and excitement are bad because sometimes mixing it up in your classroom is exactly what you and your students need to stay balanced. We all like to have fun and it belongs in the classroom! Just be aware of your trigger points that exhaust you and focus on creating moments of fun. Schedule them into your day so it does not become a spur of the moment decision that gets out of hand.

    One of the most important elements you should build into your schedule is a morning routine. This gives students a chance to work on meaningful work while you get administrative tasks finished. Think about incorporating music into your morning. This can be when students are arriving or after announcements to signal a transition.

    Next, have a greeting for when students come into your classroom. Over the years I’ve seen how important and beneficial it is to greet my students at the door. Harry Wong was right, of course!

    The next thing you should add to your morning routines is a predictable way for students to come in, put away their things, and begin working on morning work. Those activities should allow students to work on them independently. They can be print or digital. You can also let students self-assess or grade them yourself.

    After they finish morning work activities, you can have a choice board available for students to choose various activities. Ideas include EPIC!, Prodigy, XtraMath, virtual classrooms, and many more.

     

    FREE Sample Chapter

    Morning routines help you start your day with a planned set of activities. Learn more about the variety of options you have to choose from. Curate a list of favorite ideas you love to new things you want to try!

    A POWERFUL MORNING MEETING

     

    I started incorporating morning meeting into my classroom practice when I was a 1st grade teacher. That was 7 years ago! I knew with my little ones, it was important to review the calendar and include number sense in daily meetings. When I moved up to 4th grade, I knew I had to adapt it, but I was going to continue with it.

    I invite you to try this out or adjust it to fit your needs and try it for one semester. See the benefits you will experience when you set up your day with a focused plan. Here’s a peek into my morning meeting components.

    RE-IMAGINE YOUR CLASSROOM

     

    Take the summer to refresh your mind and soul. Flourish in the summer moments that give us a taste of our childhoods. When things were simpler – or so it seemed to us. Now that we are adults, we must pause and reset ourselves. Listen to what this past year has taught you and move forward with a new perspective.

    What parts do you want to hold onto? Which ones are you okay with letting go? Really think about designing your classroom to cultivate a calm and focused classroom. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying too many. Choose 1 or 2 to start with and build from there.

     

    Take care,

     

    Find Your Passion and Create Your Side Hustle

    Find Your Passion and Create Your Side Hustle

     I WANT MORE OUT OF MY CAREER

    I realized that I need some type of creative outlet in addition to my work that I do in the classroom. After a year of pandemic/hybrid/remote learning, I need to scratch my creativity itch. I have debated leaving the classroom altogether, but realize that is not what I need right now. I do need to find balance in my career where I can branch out and use my talents and nurture my passions. 

    I found Daphne Williams of The Teacher Career Coach, joined her community and invested in her course that teaches teachers how to find their next path – education related or not. While some day I know that I will leave the classroom because it is not my forever job, I devoured her information about creating a side hustle and how to use your transferable skills in other ways.

    I have always enjoyed technology and am self-taught in most technology apps, image creation, website design, and other tech related elements. After doing some soul searching, LOTS of reading, and writing down my thoughts and goals, I have figured out that having a side hustle is my best option right now for finding more passion in my career and in my personal life.

    I decided that creating courses for other teachers to learn from is what I want to try. I watched, listened, and wrote down everything I was soaking up from Daphne through her course and podcast. I also watched Michelle Emerson from Pocketful of Primary to learn how to manage my time better and be more productive. Angela Watson’s podcast called Truth for Teachers has been a validating source for me as I deal with all the things that have happened over the last few years.

    I gained enough confidence to submit a proposal for a professional development session for a virtual conference. I was thrilled and terrified when my idea was selected! I’m excited to see where this will take me; even if it is just a learning experience. I enjoy sharing what I know with others, so I’m looking forward to sharing how I created a calm morning routine that engages students and creates community. However, it is a little terrifying to speak in front of your peers!

     

     

    Cultivate Calm: Routines and Rituals for a Focused Classroom

    Day(s)

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    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS LOOKING TO CREATE CALM IN THEIR CLASSROOM

    I am creating a ebook guide for teachers to use for reference during the professional development session. I will be releasing the guide for everyone after the presentation on June 9th. Sign up now to get on the list to receive the free download. Here’s the details about the session:

    Our learning environments have drastically changed and we are facing different expectations and situations. One thing we can rely on for a source of stability and familiarity is to build routines and rituals in our classrooms by giving students the tools to help create the calm environment we all crave. 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.

    This talk is designed to give you ideas, guidance, and actionable steps to discover what works best for your personality and teaching style. Create your own action plan to start creating calm this week. As with all other teaching strategies you learn and attempt to implement, you get out of it what you put in. Are you ready to make a change to calm?

     

    What's Your Reason?

    Discover your reasons for wanting to cultivate calm in your classroom. Design your classroom to fit your teaching style and needs. Have flexibility in what you do and how you approach your teaching day.

    The Roadmap

    This outlines the topics that will be presented during the professional development session “Cultivate Calm:  Routines and Rituals for a Focused Classroom.” This guide will serve as your roadmap to creating your most focused classroom yet. Being intentional about creating your students’ learning environment is a critical element of supporting our students.

    LOOKING TO MAKE A CHANGE YOURSELF?

    If you are ready to make a change for yourself, I highly recommend checking out the free roadmap to see the list of topics that will be covered. These topics, strategies, tips, and action plans allow you to have the most autonomy given each person’s unique teaching situation.

    Join me in figuring out your next passionate path. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

     

    Cultivate Calm in Your Classroom
    Roadmap

    This roadmap will give you the pathway to creating a calm and focused classroom.

    Need a boost and support in finding your balance in the classroom? Your investment in your own professional development will help you take back your classroom and enjoy your time.

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
      How To Overcome Overwhelm In Your Teaching Job

      How To Overcome Overwhelm In Your Teaching Job

      A GROWING ISSUE

      I started to write this post on July 19, 2020. As I sit here on a quiet, dreary October evening, I realize that I have managed to hold it together through the 1st Quarter. I read a few posts by Angela Watson the other night that really struck a cord with me. She has been my “cornerstone” and go-to person since I found her website about 10 years ago. I was beginning my career as a teacher and was searching for quality information that fit my pedagogical style. A few of her blog titles caught my eye. I was feeling hopeless the other night endlessly perusing the internet for nothing in particular. I was shocked when I came across a post from Angela saying she was taking a sabbatical. She didn’t know when she would be back officially, but committed to appearing again in 2021. My initial thought was shock, but then I thought “Good for her! I wish I was strong enough to do that right now.”

      Then I realized that if I am going to survive this school year and remain in the teaching profession, I have to actively decide to practice self-care as well. Mine is going to look different, but that’s okay. I have been fighting a dreading sense of loss of normalcy in teaching and was able to read comments from other teachers around the world who are experiencing the same thing as me. Our profession can be a lonely one to begin with, but the current state of our world has exacerbated the loneliness and despair of what teaching has become.

      Time has dredged on. Now I find myself sitting back down to write with two weeks to go until Thanksgiving. Where did the time go? Now, we are hearing word that we need to brace ourselves for the possibility of returning to remote teaching. Even though I’ve lost my excitement for the job at this time, I find myself enjoying those small moments of joy being with my students in the classroom. Knowing that I might not be able to help them in person soon makes my time with them now more important than ever. With all of the uncertainty happening around us, it is so important that we choose to live our days in a certain way. We must choose joy. We must choose what we can control and forget about what we cannot. We must choose to show up each day and give our students the best we can. This, my friends, is what grit is all about.

      Our kids need us more than ever now. What will you do to help make that one child’s day a little better? What can you do better for your kids that requires grit from you?

       

      CHOOSING TO CHANGE

      Now that 2020 is behind us and as we are looking forward to a new year, new presidency, and a new way of doing things, I have to remind myself how lucky I am to work for a district that has allowed us grace while we figure it all out together. My to-do list still continues to be endless and I work to check off and cross off tasks, meetings, and responsibilities. I found myself needing something more – a balance that worked for me and my lifestyle. I’ve been teaching for 7 years and I feel like I have earned my right to have a better work/life balance. My mindset has to change because that should be something that everyone strives for instead of earning your right to it.

      Our literacy coach/3rd grade teacher (she was put back into the classroom to support our need for an added 3rd grade section) offers book studies for those who are interested. The title of this month’s book – “Balance Like a Pirate:  Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator” by Jessica Cabeen, Jessica Johnson, and Sarah Johnson. I didn’t hesitate to sign up for this group, knowing that this is probably exactly what I needed right now. We are two weeks into discovering our four quadrants in life and what fuels us as educators. I’m excited to see what action plans we can come up with to help balance our lives professionally and personally. I have realized that this is part of the grit that I need to keep me going forward. I have to work on myself and really devote time to self-care instead of just talking about it. I NEED the balance, but I have to choose it and make changes to get there. It is a work in progress.

      I feel that enough time has passed for us to be able to look at 2020 in hindsight, take stock and reflect upon what we learned during that time, and forge a path for moving forward that gives us balance in our lives as teachers while nurturing our personal lives as well. So, when we are facing the unknown, let’s find grit in these uncertain times for our students, our families, and ourselves. Find one thing you can do to persevere through these times and make it a habit or part of your daily routine.

      Moving Grade Levels

      Moving Grade Levels

      FROM PRIMARY TO INTERMEDIATE – FIRST TO FOURTH GRADE

      Choosing to move grade levels can be exciting and overwhelming. I recently had the opportunity to apply for a fourth grade position in the same district I’ve been teaching in for 5 years. I am so grateful for the opportunity, yet my mind stays full with all the “stuff” I have to do.

      You may be reading this and wondering how you are going to get it all done, too! I don’t know about you, but my mind works best when I “brain dump” or enjoy a little mind mapping to keep my mind right.

       

      REFLECTIONS

      I need to be honest with myself and get my priorities straight because I know that I am in for some major shocks moving from a primary building (PreK-2) to an intermediate (3-5) building. Woah! I haven’t taught intermediate grades for four years and now that I will be entering my sixth year in the profession, I feel confident that I can ebb and flow with the changes. After all, fourth grade is what I’ve always wanted to teach. 😉 It’s where I got my start – as a 26 year old student teacher.

      Yes, I was a little older when I entered the teaching profession. Not unlike other adults who are figuring out their way to their passion. Mine was just a little delayed.

      I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English – but without a teaching degree. Teaching high school wouldn’t have been a good fit for me and the wait list to get into the elementary program would have had me graduating with a Bachelor’s degree after about 7 years! Wait. What?!

      That’s why I made the decision to just graduate in 5 years and go back for my Master of Arts in Teaching. I did and here I am with five years of self-contained classroom teaching under my belt. Where does the time go?

      I have noticed in the past year or so that my ideologies and practices are changing. For the better, though. I have become more thoughtful in my practice and am starting to take on projects that I believe have meaningful outcomes for myself and my students.

      After recently finishing up two courses through Advancement Courses about Cultivating and Managing Student-Centered Classrooms, I feel more grounded in my professional practice. Our world is changing and my district is in the process of restructuring the type of professional development they are offering to us. So, I decided to take control of my own PD so I can give my fourth graders the best learning experience possible.

      WHAT WAS I THINKING?

      This question has rolled around in my head a few times, but I have to remind myself why I chose to leave a grade level I was comfortable teaching.

      Content. Maturity. I was ready for a change! I liked teaching first grade and had an amazing team, but I was ‘comfortable’ teaching. Meaning – I felt like a robot teaching, but I already had everything prepared and it was like a walk in the park.

      So, what was the problem? I was not challenged as a teacher. So, were my students? Probably not. This was my wake up call. While I was not burned out, I had become complacent. I was frustrated that I was not able to take my students to a higher level because it was developmentally inappropriate. I loved teaching kids to read; however, I missed teaching kids to interact with what they read and reading to learn.

      Retention was always something that broke my heart. I never again want to have to tell parents their child will need another year of foundational skills because they were unable to make all of the connections during our year together. Those conversations are difficult and while most are not surprised, you always question yourself if you made the right choice. You question if you did everything you could. You question the interventions. You question everything. In the end, you have to believe that you are supporting that child with what he or she needs. That’s the mission I have as a teacher.

      WHAT WILL I BE DOING TO PREPARE FOR A NEW BUILDING, GRADE LEVEL, AND TEAM?

      While I spend this summer on the couch (although it’s about time I started doing something to prepare for the new year), I will be organizing and purging materials that will serve a purpose in my student-centered classroom. I have accumulated so much stuff that half of it is outdated and links no longer work that it’s a mess!

      The DELETE button is my new favorite thing!! It feels good to look at “stuff” that is organized in meaningful ways. Beautiful, color-coded, alphabetical order. HA! My OCD is showing. =) There is just something so simple and calming about organization that allows you to give your best.

      I will also be organizing and labeling my classroom library. I have 4 large plastic totes and 8-10 paper boxes full of intermediate level books collected over the years and gifted to me by librarians and retiring teachers.  That is the major summer job I gave myself. Ugh! I remember doing that for my first grade library. I vividly remember glaring at my living room floor as piles of books lay helplessly in organized chaos.

      Now, I know I said organization is calming, but I never said the process was great! It is a huge task to organize a library. Where do I start? Well, I’m going into a new grade so my first attempt may not be my last as I adjust to my students’ needs throughout the years.

      I will organize my library by:

      • Genre
      • Accelerated Reader (AR) Level (my district/grade level uses this tool)
      • Special Interest
      • Student Created books

      Special Interest books will be interdisciplinary with cross-curricular ties to our current literacy and social studies units.

      The student created books will be published books from students that would like to share their work with their peers. Throughout the school year, I will be providing my students with opportunities to self-publish their work. I will be researching different platforms available for free that will have the capabilities I’m looking for. I have a few in mind to start, but let me know if you know of any great self-publishing tools for students to use! I plan to revisit this topic in a later blog post and will focus on student-centered writing projects.

       

      CURRICULUM

      What about curriculum? The great thing about this is that the fourth grade team is AWESOME!! They have been working hard to create curriculum guides and share their notes and resources in a common space. I have had access to the curriculum since May and you better believe it has become like a second job for me to read and understand my new curriculum.

      I am so excited to be teaching fiction and nonfiction, literature, and biography series! I get to teach about Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King, Jr.! I also get to teach Science! So much has changed with that – and to be honest – I haven’t spent much time looking at it. I do know they will be using an engaging platform called Mystery Science.

      If you’re like me, you have been pouring over your Teachers Pay Teachers cart and previous purchases to put together the best resources for making this year awesome! Is it bad to say that my cart total is somewhere around $350?! YIKES!! Since my focus will be implementing a student-centered classroom, I have collected a variety of resources that will make my transition smooth and provide the best authentic learning opportunities for my students.

      Here’s what I found:

      BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT

      CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT & STUDENT-CENTERED CLASSROOM

      CURRICULUM & RESOURCES

      Well, there it is. I can’t wait to post my back to school reflection after I have put everything into play that I have been researching for years!

       If you have anything to share about moving grade levels, I’d love to hear about it! Especially any tips for moving from primary to intermediate.

       

      Enjoy your day,

       

       

       

       

       

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