Teacher Tech blog with Alice Keeler

Paperless Is Not a Pedagogy

Alice Keeler

Exactly Why Are You Using Tech????

why use tech?
Exactly Why Are You Using Tech????

why use tech?

Exactly Why Are You Using Tech????

Just because it is digital, does not make it better. As was true before we were using tech, we need to thoughtfully and intentionally design activities for student engagement.

4 C’s

When using tech I want to know how it makes the task BETTER?

  • Allows for more collaboration.
  • Increases critical thinking opportunities.
  • Students can clearly communicate their ideas in a unique way.
  • Students can demonstrate creative thinking.

Draw a Cell on a Tablet

I was asked, how can students draw and label a cell on a tablet. This is the exact same task we were asking students to do when we used paper. So my question is, how does tech enhance this task? Why are students more engaged?

Sketching a cell on a tablet hits NONE of the 4C’s.

Engagement

Sketching a cell is not that engaging. If students are going to remember the parts of the cell beyond the quiz or test an engaging interaction certainly helps.

[tweet]Technology does not create engagement, your lesson design does![/tweet]

Projects

Technology is not always the answer. Let’s not cut out making things from our classrooms. I remember the projects and activities I did in school, not so much the note taking and tests. Is “fine” the answer to “how was school today?” or “It was so cool, we did ____.”

If I sketch a cell, it’s a task I probably will not remember. If I build all the parts in play-doh…. that is braggable. “Mom, we used play-doh today to make mitochondria!”

 

 

Create cell in Gelatin biology cell
Create a Cell in Gelatin

Try a search for “3D cells project ideas,” lots of fun ideas!

Tech

Allowing the students to choose their medium can be an easy way to increase student engagement.

Some students may want to:

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