TLDW (Too Long, Didn't Watch) #1

There are SO many videos on the internet with valuable teaching and learning information. However, I realize that not everyone has 15 minutes to sit down and watch these videos, so I decided I would start creating blog posts called TLDW (Too Long, Didn't Watch). I will briefly summarize key points in these AWESOME videos and add my own reflections. YAY!

So here we go.

Matt Miller is one of my education role models. He wrote a book called Ditch that Textbook that is pretty thought-provoking. He regularly updates his website with resources and ideas which are always useful. If you are interested, check out this post with 101 Practical Ways to Ditch that Textbook!

He recently began a video series called Tech to Learn. The first video is 3 Key Tips for Classroom Tech Success.

1. Ask "Does tech move the needle for learning?" There has to be a measurable difference from how we did it before to how we did it with technology. This can be measured by more than just scores. We can measure the difference by the reactions of students, the quality of work received, and the general success of a lesson.

In my opinion, this a nod in the direction of the SAMR model. If we are using technology in our classrooms to do something that could be replicated without technology, is it really moving the needle for learning?

2. Don't use too many digital tools.

Sometimes, we sit in training and learn about new technology and find ourselves wondering if we are doing a disservice by not using the tools we are learning about. However, Matt proposes that we are doing them a disservice if we inundate them with too many digital tools. There is a learning curve with each new tool for teachers and students. If we are thinking about the tools more than the learning, we are having issues. To address that issue, we should find tools they are already comfortable with and then find a new twist in the way that we use them. Using technology should be transparent, like using a pencil. They don't think about using a pencil. They use the pencil to accomplish learning goals.

3. Go to your students' world.

Look at digital tools and apps that our students love and see if they fit into our classrooms. In order to do this, we have to do the unthinkable (please catch the sarcasm here). Ask. Have conversations. Use the experience in the lessons that we teach to make connections with the real world. To do this, we can technology to recreate apps that they are using in order to help them make those connections.

Here is a link to a variety of social media templates that you are welcome to make copies of to use in your own classroom!

In other words... Be purposeful. Be selective. Be connected.