For parents, nothing spells out the end of summer more than shopping the back-to-school sales for lunchboxes and pencil cases for the new school year. But “back-to-school supplies” for teachers mean something a little different.
Every year, new teaching technologies emerge that can improve the classroom experience. These technologies may include online learning platforms, computer accessories, and science experiment kits. For teachers and principals, finding the right back-to-school supplies is a challenging exercise that requires consideration of budget, curricula, and student needs.
This article looks at how teachers can create a warm welcome-back-to-school experience for their students — not just through games and icebreakers, but by integrating technology that can engage and excite kids who are still fresh from their summer vacation.
Benefits of Technology Integration
Technology is part of the modern-day classroom and is here to stay. Laptops, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and robotics kits are now as commonplace as the digital calculator. Yet some teachers and parents remain unsure about the benefits of technology in schools.
At Sphero, we firmly believe in the benefits of integrating technology in the classroom. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Engagement, Motivation, and Differentiation
Technology has the potential to immediately excite and motivate a classroom. And why wouldn’t it? Technology in all its forms represents complexity, modernity, and infinite possibilities. When balanced with other teaching methods, use of technology can provide an immediate engagement boost.
Unlike a textbook, many teaching technologies — from design software to coding robots — are also highly adaptable. As teachers and resources are stretched thin, technology can help scale differentiated and personalized learning. There are ways to manipulate technologies to suit students with different learning styles, and many technologies offer a multimedia aspect as opposed to plain text.
Enhanced Research and Critical Thinking Skills
Teaching technologies — particularly internet-connected technologies where students can harness the power of the web to achieve their learning objectives — empower students to conduct research, analyze information, and develop critical thinking skills.
Experimenting with technologies is a great way for students to develop technology, media, and information literacy, as well as other 21st century skills.
Preparation for the Real World
When was the last time you used a protractor at work? (Math teachers, put your hands down.) While traditional back-to-school supply kits contain important tools for learning new concepts, technology in the classroom can have a more direct link to a students’ future lifestyle.
Kids who know how to use a word processor, operate a 3D printer, or even wire a circuit are already developing skills that will stand them in good stead during adulthood.
Parent-Teacher Benefits
A Firmin and Genesi study argued that classroom technologies can be used to benefit parents by offering them a more direct link to their kid’s classroom activity: “With the aid of technology, parents are able to communicate with teachers and view their child’s assignments, attendance, and work online. Furthermore, educators can engage in professional development using technology as it is made accessible to them anytime, anywhere.”1
Planning for Technology Integration
There are infinite ways to use technology in the classroom, but planning will ensure that lessons really benefit students and meet their individual needs.
Identifying learning goals aligned with national, international, and state standards is a great way to start. Technology shouldn’t be bought for its own sake; it should cater to a specific need in line with the teaching curriculum. Teachers also need to consider how they can adapt the technology to suit different learners and ensure you have the infrastructure to use it (internet access, floorspace, power outlets, etc.).
Once educators understand their objectives, they can think about platforms and back-to-school supply kits to help meet them. Fortunately, there are many possibilities, including:
- Software: Programs to be installed on school computers, such as presentation software that students can use to make multimedia slideshows (some web-based platforms are free).
- Online platforms: Digital tools that can be accessed from a web browser, including the blended learning platform Google Classroom, which simplifies teacher-student communication, online assignments, and grading.
- Apps: Programs to be installed on tablets or other portable devices. Examples include the quiz platform Kahoot! in which students can compete against one another.
- Hardware: Physical equipment that can raise your teaching level such as tablets, robots, and 3D printers. Hardware requires investment.
How to Incorporate Technology in the Classroom
After acquiring new technologies for the classroom, you’ll need to figure out how to use them to suit the relevant subject and grade. Sphero programmable robots like the new BOLT+, are adaptable for different grades, as they offer three distinct ways to program: Draw, Block, and Text. Draw is intuitive and suitable for young learners, while Text gives advanced users a taste of using real coding language.
Popular activities that use classroom technology include virtual field trips, digital storytelling, circuit building activities, interactive “finger on the buzzer” quizzes, augmented reality exploration, and robot programming challenges.
As part of planning, educators should determine how to assess students’ participation in the technology-based lesson plans, which isn’t as straightforward as grading an exam. Consider observing students’ teamwork and critical thinking skills as well as their technical proficiency.
Back to School with Sphero
Integrating technology in the classroom can boost engagement during the hectic back-to-school weeks while providing students with key skills they can use in later life. Using Sphero technology is a great way to teach coding, engineering, and other STEM concepts in a way that suits different grades and learning styles.
Browse our range of coding robots for more back-to-school inspiration!
