Technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable. At this level learning is fundamentally transformed. Activities that were previously impossible are now possible because of the technology in our classroom. Consider asking yourself if the technology tools you are using allow you to redefine a traditional learning task in a way that would not be possible without the integration, creating a new experience for learners.

For your morning coffee Starbucks will redefine your original cup of coffee from home if you order a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Only Starbucks and make you a Pumpkin Spice Latte. They have a trademark on the recipe and no matter what you tried at home the odds are you would never be able to get the exact same result.

Examples

Expose students to different cultures and way of life all over the world using virtual pen pals. Together students can email back and forth sharing information about their culture and way of life. This will help expose students to the world around them in an authentic and engaging manner.
Virtual field trips are another great way to expose students to different parts of the world. Using Google Earth you can travel virtually anywhere in the world without ever having to leave your classroom! The ability to interact and even travel inside of certain buildings helps students feel as if they are emerged in the culture in a given location.
Consider inviting experts in the field that you are studying into your classroom with virtual meetings. Google Meet makes this easier than ever to connect with different professionals in different fields. Consider reaching out to your community for support. Or check out an online social group in which like minded educators support one another and share resources that can be in the classroom to help support student learning.
With the use of technology you can also give students a much broader and genuine audience in which they can share their work. Consider creating digital books or magazines that can then be shared via a link or QR code with families and other members of the community. You may also consider having your students put together a class website, or individual portfolios that will showcase all of their growth throughout the year. It is a wonderful opportunity for families and members of the community to see what is happening inside the school. It is also a wonderful way for students to feel that their work has purpose and provides the knowledge that someone other than their teacher will be seeing their work. At times, the novelty of others seeing their work pushes students to put forth a bit more effort than they would if they felt their work was not being shared with others.

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