Our classrooms are equipped with a teacher computer, printer, document camera, Smartboard, 4 student computers, an iPad, and an iPod. So the equipment is available to allow for infusion to occur.
Infusion isn't just giving the students an iPad and allowing them to play a game. Infusion isn't just letting them play games or type on the computer. Infusion isn't just turning on the Smart Board and watching a video about the life cycle of a butterfly. Infusion is putting the learning into the hands of the students and allowing them to make a product or to showcase their learning.
The first barrier I face when infusing technology is thinking about Bloom's Levels. Is my lesson just at the Remembering or Understanding level? Or have I raised the bar to Apply, Analyze, Evaluate or Create?
The second barrier I face when infusing technology is branching out into new Web 2.0 sites. It is easy to use Popplet every time. It is kid friendly and easy for students to use, and it is easy to use with a variety of subjects and topics. I have used Popplet many times from 2D shapes, family vocabulary words, characteristics of the sun, moon, stars...etc. The list goes on...
The third barrier I face is not having a device for every student. Now our campus does have iPad and iPod checkout carts, but they are shared across the campus. So, advanced planning is necessary to make sure they are available on the dates you are planning to infuse. Also, making time to allow students to practice the app or game is necessary so that they can be comfortable using the app. You don't want to spend the whole time troubleshooting or walking students through unfamiliar territory.
The fourth barrier I face is understanding that even kindergartners are comfortable with technology. They have been raised around technology since they were born. Smart phones, iPods, iPads, and computers have been their way of life. They were born into it. They sometimes even know more that I do. :) It is hard to let go as a teacher and put the learning into the hands of the students.
As I plan and think ahead about the upcoming school year, I have a goal in mind... more infusion of technology. I want to find a way around these barriers and blaze forward!
What a great reflection piece. The technology department is here to support you as you break the barriers. Sounds like you have already begun.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, you are gifted writer! As I read your blog post I found myself nodding to your statements and believe that you have shared what many of our teachers feel. By reflecting on the task versus the tool you are making great strides in your technology infusion journey. Continue to use Popplet, it is a great tool for students to compare, analyze, describe, explain and organize information. I suggest making it a goal next year to add two more apps to your students repertoire (Apple Apps: Skitch, ChatterPix, ScreenChomp, Story Buddy 2 Lite, Explain Everything, Book Creator). Relinquishing control is a struggle for all of us, our students are technology natives (https://youtu.be/pz5JnjByXh4) we have to help our students see technology as a tool and not just a social outlet.
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