Search, Click, and Submit! Connected Through Technology

Funded Dec 30, 2020

would like to take the time to explain how the new technology in the class is helping students learn. In my class, all students have access to a computer which gives them a different way to learn. During COVID, we have had to find different ways of engaging students in the classroom. For example, students would be able to do a collaboration board with each other, now they can do a collaboration board digitally. The different ways students engage in the curriculum is clearly evident based on the diversity of educational resources available such as laptop computers. Whether it be mathematics, literacy, science, physical education, or performing arts, students are enthusiastic about their learning, and seem to take ownership of their academics with a different attitude because of the integration of technology in the classroom. One example is how our students request Quizizz.com, Flipgrid, Whiteboard.fi, and Nearpod.com. These are platforms for online instruction in the classroom in which students engage in the curriculum in a fun and creative way for even us as the classroom instructors. Quizizz is a program that provides healthy competition among students, where various skills in math and literacy, develop or strengthen in a constructive way. Nearpod allows us as the classroom instructors to present a lesson, in any subject, where students can interact with the curriculum directly on the presentation slides. Students appreciate Flipgrid because they create videos recording themselves discussing the text or math problems. Whiteboard.fi is a platform that allows us to demonstrate and model for the students, whether it be a writing task or solving a multi-step word problem in mathematics.

What is most exciting to our students about this product is that they can be in school and still join Zoom meetings with students who are learning remotely. This allows for the in-person students to interact and collaborate with students whom they normally wouldn't interact with. We have conducted multiple lessons in this fashion where students have participated in virtual scavenger hunts, Socratic Seminars, and small group discussions and tasks. Our students truly enjoy the countless benefits of this technology due to accessibility of the internet, which in turn leads to the different platforms that students can be interactive with, in collaboration with their peers.

In particular, we have noticed that our student Talia, who has a natural aptitude for learning, has exemplified a newfound energy in the classroom ever since the implementation of the technology. We've noticed that she now participates more in whole group discussions, she appears to be much more confident in sharing her findings or answers in each subject, and she demonstrates an overall more positive attitude in the classroom. Talia is excelling academically and is excited to engage in the various online platforms. In fact, Talia created a video impersonating the famous Civil Rights Activists Rosa Parks, during the Celebration of Women's History Month. She posted her video on iLearnNYC.com, and she did a terrific job. We believe the integration of technology has given her the confidence to overcome her natural shyness.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Sims