Wrapping It Up (Part 3)
Challenges, successes and recommendations!
Challenges - When entering into a project involving this level of technology there can be several challenges to face.
1) Students entering with different levels of knowledge and experience - use the students as teachers, it helps.
2) Wifi issues - district issue that you can't do anything about.
3) New apps to learn about - can be scary but keep trying, learn with your students.
4) Managing the iPads - can be time consuming, make a plan for 2 to 3 times a year to up date and clean up.
5) Finding a balance between the use of tech and hands on learning - offer options to students, give them voice and choice.
Successes - These can come in a variety of different sizes and even small successes should be recognized and celebrated.
1) Students were given a more level playing field when they had access to technology that supported their learning needs. Students that face difficulties with written output, reading abilities and fine motor skills had increased engagement and success across all subject areas.
2) Students were able to focus on the core competencies of creative thinking, critical thinking, communication and collaboration while working through different parts of this project. They were able to identify and give examples of work that showed their strengths and stretches in each of these areas.
3) The growth in student independence was amazing this year. Revisiting the same apps allowed students to independently produce amazing pieces of work.
4) I am so proud of all my students, their growth, their accomplishments and their determination.
Recommendations - My advice is still the same as at the end of last years project with one added piece. I kept this advice in the forefront of my mind throughout the project this year.
1) Our students come with a lot of technology knowledge but need to be shown that tech is a tool and not always for play.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) A growth mindset is key.
5) Remember to celebrate the small stuff and share your knowledge and experience with others.
Challenges - When entering into a project involving this level of technology there can be several challenges to face.
1) Students entering with different levels of knowledge and experience - use the students as teachers, it helps.
2) Wifi issues - district issue that you can't do anything about.
3) New apps to learn about - can be scary but keep trying, learn with your students.
4) Managing the iPads - can be time consuming, make a plan for 2 to 3 times a year to up date and clean up.
5) Finding a balance between the use of tech and hands on learning - offer options to students, give them voice and choice.
Successes - These can come in a variety of different sizes and even small successes should be recognized and celebrated.
1) Students were given a more level playing field when they had access to technology that supported their learning needs. Students that face difficulties with written output, reading abilities and fine motor skills had increased engagement and success across all subject areas.
2) Students were able to focus on the core competencies of creative thinking, critical thinking, communication and collaboration while working through different parts of this project. They were able to identify and give examples of work that showed their strengths and stretches in each of these areas.
3) The growth in student independence was amazing this year. Revisiting the same apps allowed students to independently produce amazing pieces of work.
4) I am so proud of all my students, their growth, their accomplishments and their determination.
Recommendations - My advice is still the same as at the end of last years project with one added piece. I kept this advice in the forefront of my mind throughout the project this year.
1) Our students come with a lot of technology knowledge but need to be shown that tech is a tool and not always for play.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) A growth mindset is key.
5) Remember to celebrate the small stuff and share your knowledge and experience with others.