Matt Miller has taught for more than a decade, integrating technology to engage students and create unique learning experiences. He created the Ditch That Textbook blog, is a Google Certified Innovator and was named one of the top 10 influencers in educational technology and elearning worldwide by Onalytica.
Matt’s book, Ditch That Textbook, was recently published. It’s all about upgrading your classroom with powerful technology and innovative mindsets to meet students in the 21st-century world where they live. Buy a copy of Ditch That Textbook on Amazon, or don’t wait — get a copy from Matt for $20, cheaper than the Amazon price.
Matt travels around Indiana and the United States to present at schools, workshops, conferences or any other professional development event. Ask him about it in person or email him at matt@DitchThatTextbook.com.
The paperless classroom is a common buzzword in education right now. But if paperless isn’t purposeful, student learning isn’t changed with the powerful technology they have in their hands. Make it powerful and purposeful with: free content resources, free digital tools and ideas for implementation.
1. How do we gauge whether paperless is powerful?
The SAMR Model
The TPACK Model
2. Give instant feedback. When students don’t get feedback in time, the feedback loses its effectiveness and timeliness. Use tools to create activities that help students get quick feedback while they’re still wrestling with content.
3. Improve communication. Emails are only opened at a 30 percent rate — or worse. Phone calls require that the other party be ready to talk at that moment. Text messages can provide quick, to-the-point messages that get read. (Studies show that text messages, on average, are opened 95 percent of the time.)
4. Respond to data. Assessment is at its most valuable when the data from it can inform our instruction. Getting varied data points can show us things that we might not see through day-to-day class activities. Use tools that give you those data points that can help provide students with what they need.
5. Find content. Finding relevant, interesting, effective content is key. Students may do it themselves through an inquiry approach or the teacher may provide it for the students. Either way, finding great resources can feel like fishing in a big, empty pond.
6. Create content. When you can’t find what you’re looking for, make it! This mindset works for teachers, but it’s crucial for students, too. So many students consume content before thinking of creating it. Helping them become creators empowers them to embrace the future.
7. Make connections. (Even global ones.) We have access to practically anyone around the world who has an Internet connection these days. We just need something to connect us, like Skype, Google Hangouts or FaceTime. Connect your class with another class like it in another area. Bring virtual guest speakers into class. Or take students on a virtual field trip from the comfort of the classroom.
8. Utilize brain research. Cognitive science has taught us a lot about how the brain works and how it learns. We can use it to inform our instruction and choose tools to help the brain perform at its peak.