Useful
Tech Tools
In this time where virtual learning is front and center; technology and its uses towards improving learning has become one of prime focuses for educators. There are so many technological tools and online programs that exist and for a teacher seeking new technology this can be a bit overwhelming. A tool can only be as effective as it's designed purpose. Meaning that using a tool without any specific goal in mind can actually hinder learning rather than cultivate it. Here are four criteria that I consider when choosing a new piece of technology to implement in my classroom.
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On this page I have listed the top five most helpful tech tools, programs, and websites that have helped to increase learning in my virtual classroom.
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This tool serves a a portable projector. It operates through connecting with the software, Sphere2. This software connects with the camera that is inside of the Aver document camera to capture and project images onto the pc screen that can be shared with viewers. Sphere includes features like annotation, highlighting, recording, and even file sharing, that teachers can use in real time to support their lessons.
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This tool has been most helpful to me with lessons that were more hands on such as constructing graphs, measuring objects, etc. and were easier to model through students observing me. This tool is easy to set up on your computer and only requires images to project onto a screen. It is a great plan b if you are having issues with any other type of digital device and need something to quick start your lesson.
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XP-Pen Graphics Tablet Deco Mini
This tool allows you to draw on interactive pdfs, drawing programs, and other documents. Similar to the Aver Document Camera it is easy to set up. It does not require downloading of any program of your computer in order to run. Simply plug in the USB to end of the plug into your laptop and you should be able to operate a motion cursor. On the left side of this device are eight buttons. The bottom two allow you to zoom in or out to increase the image that is being projected on the computer screen. This comes in handy when you want students to pay attention to certain areas on a page you are sharing.
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Depending on the feature of the drawing app you are using this device with, you are able to highlight and draw in different colors and this is very helpful for lessons that involve exploring and constructing parts of models and diagrams. It has been quite helpful to me with many geometry lessons involving shapes, figures, and diagrams!
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Firstly, sign up is free! Which is awesome nowadays because it seems like almost everything that is useful comes with a price tag. I recently made an account using my school work email and have been successful at setting up my account. Another cool feature regarding signup is that this tool can sync with google classroom. This tool can be accessed and utilized comfortably with a tablet or computer. There are a myriad of pre-designed lessons across math subjects that teachers have access to if they want to look for ideas when creating their own lessons and activities on the site. When creating a lesson, pages are given in the form of slides that students can navigate across. On these slides you can create notes and input text, math formulas, multiple choice questions, lists, check boxes, graphs, sketches, and many more cool features!
When implementing a lesson, the teacher has the ability to share specific pages to certain students or the entire class. Using this feature has definitely helped to encourage peer-to-peer support and collaboration in my classroom. At a time where students do not get the close interactions with their peers like they used to, because of virtual learning, this can be a way to help students build communication skills and at the same time get those needed social interactions with their peers.
The teacher can monitor students’ screens as they are working and share their screens with the class. I often use this to see who is staying on task or to see who might need more support during an activity. If teachers want to collaborate with other teachers or professionals on a lesson, Demos features co-teacher which allows for multiple teachers to work and monitor a lesson at the same time. It seems like the possibilities are endless with Desmos. If you are a math or science teacher I strongly encourage you to try out this tool.
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GeoGebra is an interactive application that utilizes algebraic, geometric, statistical, and calculus functions. It is intended for teaching primarily mathematics and science in primary and secondary school. This program app is available in various platforms: desktop, tablet, cellphone. This program is similar to Desmos in terms of features and capabilities, however majority of the tools that are presented in the features are used for building geometric constructions which can be precise and meticulous at times. So I would rate this for grades 9-12.
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I have used this program more often with my geometry class than my algebra 1 class because of the relevance of its tools with geometry concepts. GeoGebra allows exploration of geometric shapes, this has maximized opportunities for my students to develop a deeper understanding of why and how certain concepts or theorems work the way that they do. I have observed that GeoGebra helps students who are struggling most with visualizing math theorems or concepts because these students are able to connect parts of diagrams in the with math terms.
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Schoology functions as a combination of Google classroom, PowerSchool, and as a mode of digital communication between students and teachers. On the website you can create, share, and upload files of lessons, assignments, activities, for students to access, complete and review at any time. Some teachers have used the google drive feature to upload files, videos, and links from their google drive accounts into Schoology. I prefer uploading directly from my computer since the majority of my material is created and saved directly from it.
One unique feature that I appreciate is that I can choose to restrict files for specific students and set assignments as unpublished until I assign them. I find that this helps both my students and I, in terms of pacing, stay organized in the progression of lessons, assignments, and other materials. More recently I have taken advantage of the asynchronous format of online teaching. For the past few weeks I have selected one day out of the week, uploaded videos of myself teaching, and required my students to watch the video prior to coming to class. This has reduced the time I spend teaching material in class significantly, and has allowed me to assign more time for students to practice what they have learned in class. Interestingly, I have observed that on these days my students tend to pay more attention in zoom class and engage more with other students which I am enjoying! Similar to PowerSchool, in Schoology, I can grade assignments and they update instantly on Schoology for students to view. I can also mark assignments as either missing, incomplete, or excused for select students to identify which assignments they have not yet completed. Schoology has a message feature that allows me to write mass or individual messages updating students on any changes that have been made to the class. These messages are also automatically sent directly to students’ school emails, increasing the efficiency of overall class communication.
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