- E-mail was done by Microsoft Outlook (I am so very happy that it is no longer)
- Class documents were distributed by paper.
- Powerpoints, documents and any other file had to be turned in and shared by thumb drive.
- Content information was distributed across the internet to various sites. Usually sites were created by random people (possibly from their grandmothers basement) and weren't very engaging.
- Content projection occurred using a mobile projector that had to be constantly fidgeted with to make a readable image.
While quality teaching still happened in this environment, tools have made the learning process much more streamlined and efficient. Today technology looks much different in my classroom.
- E-mail is done using gmail, which conveniently connects to other important web based applications.
- Class documents are ubiquitously distributed using a program called Edmodo. This allows me to post instructions and seamlessly give assignments to students. This saves me a ton of time, especially in regards to catching sick students up and making copies.
- Thanks to Google Docs, documents and presentation are shared with the click of a button. This all collects to one digital file for me, which makes grading much more convenient.
- Content information can be found using many different websites, including...Teded, Brainpop, Discovery education and Kahn academy. These sites are convenient and very engaging.
- Projection is done using a mounted projector and a SMART board. These are both set up to my computer, which makes my presentations much easier to do.
These advances are clearly very significant. Without these, I don't think that blended learning would exist. It amazes me that we have shifted to this model of learning so quickly.
http://grahaminte.blogspot.com/2014/09/changing-my-classroom-to-blended-model.html#comment-form
ReplyDeleteNice time travel observations, it is fun to recall what technology was used in the classrooms of the past. Are you still teaching 7th grade?
I like Edmodo because it is a familiar user experience for students and teachers. It has a strong resemblance to Facebook with the way the commenting and posting is done, so there is little learning curve. You can post assignments, have discussion threads and question/answer threads spread to all students. Parents can access it to also check in on homework. There is no doubt it saves you time in many ways.
What do you think technology will be like in the classroom 6 years from now?
Hi Bryan,
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting to see these different observations with technology. I clearly remember using paper and overhead projectors in school and going to a specific lab when we needed to use a computer. Now I it's hard for me to even imagine my classroom without technology.
I love using Google Drive/ Docs. All of my assignments are set up through Google Drive and its so easy for my students to access the assignments, make a copy and begin to work, its also great that they can share it with one another and collaborate.
I've used Edmodo for a few different group projects but I haven't considered using it for an LMS. I was trying to see how it could work for our module project but found it didn't have the same capabilities as Canvas. Are you using Edmodo for your module project or something else? Do you think you would change LMS systems if you found it was easier for you and your students?
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI often think of the idea of "modern" technology being in its infancy when it comes to classroom instruction. Obviously, we can look at slate tablets to slideshow projectors, to overhead projectors, etc, and see that we have come along way, but sometimes I like to "blow my students' mind" when I tell them things like, "The iPhone will be some of the worst technology that you will see". I look back to my high school days when having a cell phone wasn't uncommon, but it wasn't nearly what it is today. By the time I graduated, I would say that 50% of my graduating class had a cell phone, and obviously, they really didn't do anything besides call, send an occasional text, and play snake.
It really is amazing to see the shift to blended/online learning, and the effect that it has on learning