Educational Technology Resources

Adrienne Ducato & Michaela Callahan

What is it?
Educational technology (EdTech) is
the implementation of appropriate
and effective technological resources
into everyday classroom routines. It
aids in facilitating learning through
the application of senses, memory,
and cognition to enhance
performance outcomes.
Why it Matters?
Technology is everywhere and
entwined in our daily lives so when
technology in the classroom is used
correctly it opens up the possibilities
for more student learning. By
integrating technology in a
purposeful manner, it helps to create
an environment where students
become active learners and are much
more engaged. Using technology in
the classroom positively transforms
the way students generate
meaningful ideas and leads to an
increased interest in learning.
How to Incorporate Technology into the Classroom
There are a multitude of easy ways to use technology in classrooms on a daily basis;
whether the class only has an interactive whiteboard and projector, one computer, a
pod of three to five computers, or access to a multitude of various mobile devices.
When first introducing technology into the classroom make sure to start small and
provide a guide for students to help them use all of the technological tools effectively.
Remember, the point is not to let technology take over your classroom, but to
integrate it. When combined effectively, with the methods you’re used to, there will be
many benefits for teachers and students alike.
Benefits of Incorporating Technology into the Classroom
When technology integration in the classroom is seamless and thoughtful, students . . .

● become more engaged,

● take more control over their own learning,
● retain information better,
● and develop skills essential for the 21st century.

Technology truly has a profound impact on student learning in more ways than one,
especially if integrated into classrooms in a fun and interesting way.
21st Century Skills: Collaboration
Collaboration is the ability to work productively and equitably while valuing others in
diverse educational settings.

● Google Chat is a really good tool for collaboration amongst colleagues and
students.
● In the classroom, you can use Google Chat to allow students to receive help from
their peers within the classroom without the students having to leave their seats.
● With colleagues, you can work with one another without having to leave your
students.
21st Century Skills: Communication
Communication is the ability to successfully use interpersonal skills and components
of literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to contribute to teaching,
learning, and development

● Remind Messenger App - Communicate with anyone who signs up to receive

texts or messages through the app from you (the teacher). Perfect way to
communicate with parents and students about what is due or what to bring
tomorrow … etc.
21st Century Skills: Creativity
Creativity is the ability to develop, choose, and integrate novel, unconventional, and
innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

● Popplet - A mind mapping and brainstorming app /

website for students. This tool allows students to create
mind maps or even a classroom-guided brainstorm.
Students can work together in groups to promote
creativity with their mind maps and form solutions to
problems.
21st Century Skills
Critical thinking is the ability to effectively use higher order thinking skills to plan,
teach, and reflect on instructional practice while integrating and applying theories of
teaching, learning, and development.

● 60 Second Adventures in Thought - Six 60 second videos that show “thought

experiments” that we all know and have learned throughout the years; including,
Einstein and Greek Philosophers like Socrates and Plato. Students are then asked
open ended mind boggling questions and must prove
their thinking.
Assessment and
Study Tools
Prodigy

A curriculum aligned math game for

first through eighth graders that
addresses the individual needs of
every student. Prodigy sees to it that
each student succeeds at their own
pace. Everything the students work
on in Prodigy is reported back to the
teacher in real time. Undoubtedly,
this is a great assessment, feedback,
and differentiation tool built into one
game.

https://www.prodigygame.com
More Assessment and Study Tools
Kahoot VERSUS Quizlet
Kahoot
Game-based learning designed for all ages. It
assesses the knowledge of the individual taking the
quiz in an engaging and fun way which helps to
enhance learning.
- Learn more by clicking here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XzfWH
dDS9Q
Quizlet
A simple online learning tool that allows for
students to test their knowledge with flashcards as
well as learning games. It can be used on a variety
of devices for free to help students study more
efficiently.
- Learn more by clicking here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oJk0IBy
noU
Grading Resources
Groovy Grader
An app designed to be able to input the designated
number of quiz and/or test questions needed. After
the students have completed the questions, you
(the teacher) will then receive back a chart of the
students’ scores based on the number missed.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/groovy-
grader/id376433959?mt=8
Numbers
This resource helps to organize grades into a
spreadsheet type program. It is able to compile the
averages of every student and then produce a class
reports that you can send to anyone at any time.
https://www.apple.com/numbers/
Classroom Management Tools
Class Dojo
A very helpful tool for teachers to gather and
generate data on the behavior of students. It
enables real-time classroom management and is
easy to use because it gives instant reports that can
be sent to parents in order to update them quickly
about the status of their child. This app helps to
build an amazing classroom community and really
bring an entire school together.
https://www.classdojo.com
Too Noisy
This app acts as a noise level meter. It is both a fun
and engaging tool that allows for you to be able to
set a specific noise level that will play out loud. If
the noise in the classroom goes over the assigned
level for more than three seconds an alarm will
sound and the screen will “shatter.”
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/too-noisy-
pro/id521646496?mt=8
More Classroom
Management Tools
Edutopia

A website that has all kinds of tips

and tricks for classroom management
among many other things.

Seven zones for all classrooms

- 1) Discovery Zone, 2) News
Zone, 3) Supplies Zone, 4)
Community Zone, 5) Quiet
Zone, 6) Teacher Zone, 7)
Subject Area Zone

https://www.edutopia.org
Connecting Parents and Teachers
Remind
A real-time messaging app that allows for faster
communication among everyone you need to
reach. Through this app you can schedule
reminders ahead of time, send quick and simple
messages to any device, as well as send photos,
PDFs, voice clips and more. This is a free app that
has proven to be effective for many.
https://www.remind.com
Edmodo
This is a social network for teachers to
communicate with parents and students. You
provide feedback, send grades and assignments, as
well as communicate through the app if there is
any confusion among students or parents.
https://www.edmodo.com
Quiz Questions
Test your knowledge with just a couple of questions! Search https://kahoot.it and type
in the game pin to be able to participate in the quiz.

Afterwards, please answer the following survey questions about this presentation by
visiting https://goo.gl/forms/bFNaPyOjrgM7P8VI3.
Bibliography
● https://generalassemb.ly/blog/what-is-edtech/
● http://edblog.smarttech.com/2016/09/importance-education-technology-changing-world/
● https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-implementation
● https://www.capella.edu/blogs/cublog/benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom/
● https://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/20-time-saving-grading-apps-that-teachers-love/
● https://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-learning-zones-classroom-veronica-lopez
● https://www.teachthought.com/technology/14-teacher-recommended-classroom-
management-apps/
● https://blog.ozobot.com/2018/04/19/26-tech-tools-teachers-can-use-inspire-classroom-
creativity/
● http://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-teach-critical-thinking