How to Spark Curiosity...Remote Learning
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“I would love to give this episode a great review, but I came away feeling disappointed. When I hear how difficult remote learning is for this generation of so-called digital natives, I feel pretty good about both my teaching and technology skills as a retired teacher about to turn 70. What I hear from teachers who are struggling with remote learning is that they are missing the golden rule of integrating technology into the classroom. It is, to paraphrase one of my favorite authors, David H. Jonassen [Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking, c. 1996], let the teacher do what s/he does best and let the computer do what it does best.
I have been tutoring 3 students at 2 different grade levels in 4 different subjects during this pandemic using Zoom. I realize that I have the luxury of one on one instruction, but I plan my lessons as I would have if I had been back in my fifth grade classroom. Then I think through how I can deliver it on line. With a little bit of playing around with Zoom, I now know how to: use the interactive whiteboard with my students, use high quality PowerPoint presentations from a math teacher I admire, put up my documents, scanned or created by me and saved in Files (in folders for each student), thereby making them available on any of my three devices: a MacBook, an iPad or my phone. We are able to write and share work on the whiteboard, play math games there and solve open ended problems together. I am sure Google provides all of these same opportunities, but I can’t understand why teachers aren’t using them. Episode 72 was a discussion among three excellent teachers who probably use technology every day, but don’t seem to see its value as a tool for learning.
Just to give you a little background into why I am so passionate about this, I was part of a research project in the 90’s set up by Apple Computers. I worked with 4 teachers and a project administrator at one of four schools in the United States. Each school was given $90,000 worth of equipment for the participating classes. Each of our classrooms was given 6 computers, a digital camera, a video camera, a videodisc player, Appleworks software, and lots of other state of the art software (Tom Snyder, Science By Mail from the Boston Science Museum, etc.). This was before the World Wide Web was in existence. We had some of the first email accounts in Vermont. Our kids learned how to program using HyperCard and HyperStudio. And all along the way, we met often, taught each other, discussed what we were doing and why, and wrote weekly about our experiences. Our kids were able to create spreadsheets and use databases, draw and paint to show their understanding of content. We learned when to use a computer and when to use a pencil. Most of all we were teaching for understanding and teaching to our students’ strengths.
Our work is documented in a book by Cathy Ringstaff, Judith H. Sandmore and David C. Dwyer called “Teaching with Technology: Creating Student Centered Classrooms.” We went on to create a teacher development center at our school and then spent years teaching other teachers how to think about integrating technology into their classrooms.
When I look around today, I see teachers who use technology personally and even use it with their students, but this pandemic has shown that, in an era where our phones can do more than any computer in the 90’s, many teachers are unable to critically think about ways to use technology as a tool to enhance their teaching. This has become clear from how overwhelmed teachers seem to be when asked to expand their use of tools they have at their fingertips. It is about engaging our learners in new ways or even ways teachers are already using in their classrooms, but taking an extra step to learn how to use these tools online.
Retired Elementary and Fifth Grade Teacher, Apple Classroom of Tomorrow Teacher, Zoom Tutor”
Old DogUnafraid of New Tricks via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/20/20
More reviews of Making Math Moments That Matter
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“A huge thanks for making these podcasts. I listened to many as I train the summer and became sold on the idea of changing up my senior math classes. No more boring first classes for me! The activities were a hit and I was very happy with the engagement. After 16 years, I feel keen for change.”
sheepdogtess via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/06/19
“Kyle and jon are two passionate educators who can relate to our struggles and are willing to tackle tough issues head on with practical advice. They offer actionable steps to help with topics such as but not limited to: classroom management, concept based lessons, mathmatical practices, managing...”Read full review »
shershey0303 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/20/19
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“I've listened to a few of Kyle and Jon's podcasts. I recently listened to # 84 and it was interesting although I couldn't shake this uneasy feeling from my stomach during this particular. It seemed really heavy with advertisements of the making math moments matter class. The hosts...”Read full review »
TeacherReviewer_21 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/17/20
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