“Studies report that reading in a digital learning environment is an incentive in younger and lower performing students that feedback in e-books and apps plays a powerful role for staying engaged and motivated.” (Roskos & Neuman, 2014)
“Because teachers have access to timely data…they can personalize learning for more students at any given time…” (Roskos & Neuman, 2014)
The use of Educational Technology allows teachers to assess students quicker, provide immediate feedback, and personalize learning in a way that is much more effective than before. By using the right tools at the right times, teachers can capitalize on teachable moments and intervene with struggling students sooner rather than later. This type of personalization makes learning more motivating! And lucky for us there are tons of tools waiting to help us!
Music: If you’re not using music in your classroom to motivate your students, are you even having fun? I know it’s not directly tied to the Best Practice, but music in the classroom sets a tone and creates an experience that is memorable and in turn motivating. Typically, I’ll use a Pandora station appropriate to the text/topic we are learning about; however, sometimes I get a little more clever ::see also, annoying:: and I’ll find YouTube videos of certain songs playing for 10 hours!!!! Don’t worry, we haven’t gotten there ever, but when we’re learning about sharks and the kids see I play the Jaws theme song for 10 hours, they definitely feel the tension! Check out these top Pandora stations as recommended by teachers!
Collaborative Digital Canvas: aka a virtual corkboard! There are TONS of new websites that provide similar functions. Students can log into the site and share text, images, websites, or videos relating to a certain topic. Students become motivated to share their ideas or findings with their classmates, and it also gives the teacher a quick assessment of student understanding!
My Favorites? Padlet, Dotstorming, Spaaze, Lino It
Customized Video: aka video with questions embedded! Using videos in the classroom is known to increase motivation; however, I need to know if the students are understanding the information that’s being presented. Cue in Customized Videos! There are tons of sites created with ready-to-go videos or simple interfaces that make it easy to create such videos!
My Favorites? EdPuzzle, PlayPosit
HyperDocs: Think of this as a complete lesson in one Google Doc. Each phase of the document has students engage with information in a different way either explaining, analyzing, sharing, reflecting, etc. The beauty of a HyperDoc in the classroom is students can move at their own pace and use varying resources. I can pull for small groups, differentiate my instruction, and allow the students time to fully explore a topic on their own. Also, the HyperDocs community is VERY active and VERY generous. They share a LOT! Check out this site for some free templates and samples! And this Padlet is just insane. These people are amazing!
