One of the scariest things about being a teacher is the fear of not knowing it all. Add technology into that, and it can feel frightening!
One reason why teachers don’t use technology with students is because they don’t know how to use it.
Allow me to alleviate some of that stress for you.
You don’t have to know how to use an app or tech tool to use it with students.
Trust me. I do it. All the time.
The most important thing you need to know about using apps or web-based tools is why.
I recently discovered a couple of apps that I gave a cursory look. From what I saw, I could tell that they would be great for problem solving and coding. That curriculum connection was all I needed.
Within that same context, considering student benefits is helpful. For example, when I first discovered 3DBear I knew that students would be creatively engaged.
Whether you want to use an app or web tool for curriculum, conceptual thinking, teach a process or skill, or student engagement, knowing why is critical.
When using apps and web tools do a quick check of their privacy policy.
One easy way to do this is to determine how students will login, if at all. Apps that don’t require login, don’t typically collect personal data.
However, that’s not a guarantee.
Check to see if location needs to be enabled and how that will be used. Just because an app gives the option to turn on location services does not mean it is necessary.
You also want to check to see what information is collected. For example, if students are logging in with an email, how will the associated personal information be accessed and used.
If you don’t know, err on the side of caution. Especially, if you are unfamiliar with your district or state’s policies (COPPA).
Honestly, you may only need to know one or two things about how to use an app.
Before introducing 3DBear, I knew that kids had to click the plus sign to create a new scene, and the shapes to add assets. I didn’t worry about the rest.
Before introducing ARchitect, I knew how to orient the app. That’s it.
And I know I’ve talked about this before, but I knew nothing about Classcraft before I used it with students. Well, I did know that it was a game-based platform. But that was it.
The trick is knowing just enough to get the kids ready to explore on their own. That is different for each app.
For more tips on introducing and using apps download this handy guide! It includes quick teaching ideas a range of apps like 3Dbear, Quiver, Scratch Jr, and Answer Garden.
It also includes tips for introducing apps to students, which ages they are perfect for, and cost (if any).
Once you give them the basics to get started, let the explore. It is amazing what students will uncover within a 5-15 minute period of unfettered inquiry.
I typically tell them that I can’t wait to learn from them. They get super excited about being able to teach me something.
When students get stuck and questions, and they will, encourage problem solving. I typically say, “I actually don’t know the answer to that. I’m going to watch to see what you find out. Go ahead and try something.”
They aren’t going to break anything.
In the meantime, students are actually engaged in the Computer Science Standards!
After they’ve explored for about 5 minutes, have students share out. Then give them more time to explore with this new knowledge. They will dig even deeper into the app’s functions.
There are two ways to evaluate apps after students have had time to explore and uncover its functions.
One is to ask students. After students learn more about using the app, ask them these 3 questions:
Their answers will reveal whether or not it’s worth continuing using.
The other way to evaluate apps is to reflect on what was learned from the introduction. Consider the following:
With so many other things that we have to carve out time for, take this one thing off your plate. It is pretty freeing to realize we don’t have to know it all. Especially when it comes to technology.
So the next time you hear about a cool app, take a deep breath and go for it. Learn a couple of things about it and let your students do the heavy lifting.
