The Impact of Routines

This  past week, I visited some schools to meet with principals, visit classrooms, and make recommendations for how to move technology integration to the next level. My goal is to highlight some of the best uses of technology I saw during my visits. 

Kelly Parks' 4th grade students at Keith Elementary School were using Chromebooks to access a Khan Academy video to demonstrate 2 digit by two digit multiplication. Students watched the video, pausing it to practice on scratch paper when needed. Each student had a stack of sticky notes for this purpose. When they felt like they had a good understanding of the process, they responded to a discussion forum prompt on Edmodo. In their responses, they included an example of a problem and explained the process in their own words. 

When students finished, they used IXL Math to practice 2 digit multiplication problems. I asked a student to explain it to me.  She showed me the home page and explained that her teacher tells them what category to select, based on the day's learning target. This takes them to a page with math problems. Students solve the problems on paper or on a small dry erase board and submit answers. She said "I like using this program because I know right away if I'm doing problems right. And the reports let me see how I am improving with practice." Yep, a 4th grader said that. 

Kelly has established routines for how technology is used in her math classroom. She shares a cart of Chromebooks with the other 4th grade teachers in the school. They have a standing schedule, so she knows that once a week she can count on having access to the Chromebooks. Students know what to expect on the day the Chromebooks are used: video tutorial, Edmodo response to a teacher prompt, and IXL Math. On days when the Chromebooks are not available, students rotate between four stations during math workshop, and she makes use of the limited technology she has available (one ipad and a Mimeo). The stations are: 1) Problem Solving (facilitated by teacher); 2) Practice; 3) iPad - This station has one iPad; students watch a Khan Academy video and respond to an Edmodo discussion board prompt; 4) IXL Math using Mimeo. 

Effective technology integration occurs when the use of technology is routine and transparent and supports curricular goals; Kelly's math classroom is a good example of this. Students are actively engaged, participate in groups, and receive frequent feedback - a perfect environment for learning.