Technology in the Classroom

Technology is used for more than social networking. Teachers can use technology to help organize files, analyze data, and simplify teaching. Teachers need to keep track of data, using it to modify instruction.

This is a major proportion of teaching and can become difficult to keep track of. Thankfully, with tools like Google Sheets and Classroom teachers can stay on top of their data and keep their teaching life organized.

Google Sheets allows teachers to collect data, convert the data into visual charts, and share the data with colleagues. Teachers can use Google Sheets to organize test scores and keep track of student attendance among other things.

Teachers can use Google Classroom to organize a course load. The teacher can create a Classroom and upload assignments, quizzes, and due dates for the entire course. The teacher can then use Google Classroom to keep track of which students are completing assignments and which students need extra help.

There are many technological resources teachers can use to help organize their teaching. According to Learners Edge, “adding technology to the classroom can help eliminate some of these tasks, freeing the teacher to focus on delivering quality lessons to the class. Programs like Top Hat, for instance, allow a teacher to manage tests securely in a digital environment that automatically grades and tracks them, while also allowing greater interaction with students and collaboration in the classroom.” Top Hat, and other programs, allows teachers to organize test scores easily and spend more time focusing on teaching students and interacting with them.

Another technological tool that teachers can use to keep organized is Google Calendar. Google Calendar allows teachers to keep track of upcoming events and meetings. A teacher can use Google Calendar to stay on top of the following tasks:

·       Conferences

·       Student extracurricular activities

·       Student assignments

·       Parent meetings

·       Personal tasks

·       Graduate courses

·       Professional Development

Google provides many valuable resources for teachers to use to improve efficiency and organization.

              If a teacher wants to utilize the many resources Google provides to improve their teaching organization, then they can follow these simple steps.

1.      Create a Google account. When a teacher signs up for a Google account, they have access to all the Google Tools Google provides.

2.      Familiarize yourself with the tools provided. If a teacher wants to use Google Classroom, then they can follow the tutorial Google provides, watch YouTube videos on creating a Google Classroom, ask colleagues for guidance, or create a room and test the features. Sometimes, the best way to learn is through curiosity and discovery.

3.      Begin small and build from there. A teacher can choose one or two tools they are familiar with and incorporate them in the classroom. When they form a well-developed integration of the tools, the teacher can include more resources.

4.      Send information home. Teachers can inform parents of any tools they will use and can invite parents to join. Parents can notify the teacher via Gmail to set up a meeting. The parents can also check with the teacher’s calendar on Google Calendar, after the teacher shares the calendar with the parent, to see availability.

Incorporating technology may seem like a daunting task, but with a couple simple steps a teacher can be well on his/her way of having a fully integrated classroom. Through this proper technological integration, the teacher can better organize the day making tasks run more smoothly. Ultimately, proper technology use can improve a teacher’s teaching and life.

 

References:

Learners Edge. (2017). Technology in the Classroom: Pros & Cons. Learnersedge.com.

Retrieved 30 July 2020, from https://www.learnersedge.com/blog/technology-in-the-classroom#:~:text=Pro%20%E2%80%95%20Technology%20Can%20Streamline%20Tedious,quality%20lessons%20to%20the%20class.