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Unit 1: Introduction to Technology Toolbox

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Unit 1: Introduction to our Technology Toolbox

Start Here!

By the end of this unit you will be able to:

  • Identify different instructional technology platforms and their benefits.
  • Understand how these platforms can benefit instruction in the classroom.

Participants will participate in a group document by exploring resources and creating a K-W-L Chart for the 'Lab'

Useful Platforms

As you explore the following Google Slides Document you will learn about not only the importance of Instructional Technology in the classroom, but you will also be introduced to multiple platforms that can be easily utilized in lesson plans.

  • Some of these platforms include:
    • Quizlet: this platform can be used by students to study as well as by teachers to create an interactive lesson.
    • Kahoot!: this is an amazing platform for teachers to utilize when quizzing students and doing it in a very creative and interactive way.
    • Desmos: while this is sometimes only known as a platform that can be used for graphing (almost in lieu of a graphing calculator), this is also an amazing platform for math teachers to utilize in an interactive way.
    • Interactive Whiteboards: as it has been seen more and more throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Interactive Whiteboards have presented themselves and an amazing way for an entire group of people to share their thoughts, no matter how far away they are from eachother. There are many platforms that can be utilized for interactive whiteboards.
    • Augmented/Virtual Reality
      • Platforms such as Nearpod can be utilized for this, it is an incredible and groundbreaking strategy to use technology-wise. From interactive lessons to virtual field trips Augmented and Virtual Reality have brought a whole new aspect to education.
    • Peardeck: this platform is one that is more of a Google Extension. It can be added to any Google Slides document, something that has proven to be incredibly convenient as many teachers also utilize Google Classroom which is 100% compatible with Google Slides.

Why Use Instructional Technology?

Instructional Technology can be used for THREE things, according to Stosic 2015:

Domains of Educational Technology:

  1. Technology as a tutor.
  2. Technology as a teaching tool.
  3. Technology as a learning tool.

When saying this, it means that technology can be beneficial to both instructors AND to students. As far as different technology platforms go, the domain may vary from situation to situation.

It goes without saying that technology, whether it be something like a computer lab in a school building or each student receiving their own laptop, is making more and more of a presence in schools everywhere. As you explore the materials for this unit, keep in mind how much of a difference technology has made in the education community.


Click here to find the group document where you will find resources to explore including videos and readings. This is an editable document so this is also where you will respond to a prompt.

This will be the layout for every unit.

What Did We Add to Our Toolbox?

After exploring this unit, hopefully you have learned a lot about instructional technology and their benefits in the classroom. The resources that were given in this unit were meant to display the necessity and benefits of using Instructional Technology in all areas of the classroom.

Looking ahead, we can focus more on how to use and the benefits of Instructional Technology in the math classroom.

References:

Clark, R. E. (1983). Reconsidering research on learning from Media. Review of Educational Research, 53(4), 445–459. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543053004445

How instructional technology can improve the learning process. Instructional Technology Can Improve the Learning Process | LSU Online. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://online.lsu.edu/newsroom/articles/how-instructional-technology-can-improve-learning-process/

New EdTech Classroom. (2019). Why Is Technology Important In Education? YouTube. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://youtu.be/UJQKJ2aoKfk.

Stošić, Lazar. (2015). The importance of educational technology in teaching. International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education (IJCRSEE). 3. 111-114. 10.23947/2334-8496-2015-3-1-111-114.

The Future of Education: How Technology is Changing the Classroom. (2023). YouTube. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://youtu.be/X9L4jBMuv6s.

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