How do you deal with technology glitches in your lessons?

Hollie Gutierrez, Sagamore Hill ES, 2nd Grade Teacher

“In the beginning of my integrating technology journey, not very well. I would get easily frustrated and just say ‘never mind,’ and go on to the next thing. Now, I have learned that if I, first, have a backup plan BEFORE the lesson, I won't get frustrated if I run into a problem. For example, if they are going to complete a quiz or Google Form or an interactive slide activity, I can have the quiz or form printed out and I can adapt the interactive activity to use something I have in my classroom, on the fly. I have also decided that kids need to see that technology problems will almost always arise and let them help problem-solve (troubleshoot) with me. I have kids who figure out a button they can try or they can log out and log back in, etc. I have modeled some things that I try when my technology doesn't work and I use those teachable moments, when our technology doesn't work they way we want it to or need it to, to walk my students through some basic troubleshooting steps and/ or to have them do the parts they can do while I try to fix the problem. For the most part, we have made it through and have been able to complete our technology lesson / activity. When all else fails, we chalk it up to a ‘bad day,’ and try again tomorrow!”

How does your admin feel about your technology use?

Jenni Washington, Riverside MS, CTE Teacher

“All of our administrators are really excited about the different types of technology that our teachers use. I think that it may not always translate as well into excitement because they don’t get a lot of time to come around and see it in action. They are busy with evaluations and other responsibilities. For example, I recently hosted a hacking event and invited my administrators to attend. Only one of the principals was able to come, but he had a lot of fun participating. In fact, he and another student actually came in first place. It can be a little bit frustrating when they are unable to attend, but I do believe that they’re on our side. They want us to use more technology and do all of those fun things. Definitely send them emails and try to include them, but just have the understanding that their schedules don’t allow them to sit and play as much as we would want them to.”

What is your average class size?

Jenni Washington, Riverside MS, CTE Teacher

“All of my classes average 30 kids or fewer. The CTE department determines the maximum number of students based on the available technology in the classroom. I have 30 desktops in my classroom with the necessary software, so I am unable to have more than 30 students.”

How do you get parents involved in the classroom and give them your expectations? Do you do projects with the parents?

Jenni Washington, Riverside MS, CTE Teacher

“Each year, students spend a week engaged in Hour of Code. During this week, students access activities in all curriculum areas to learn how to code. These are self guided activities that you can have parents do with their children.

Another way is to keep parents informed of big projects. Invite them to work on those projects with their children and to come see the finished products.”

How do you influence other teachers in your field of expertise or your classroom to use more technology?

Sarah Hunt, McLean MS, 8th Grade Science Teacher

“I try to be as transparent as possible about what I’m doing in my classroom. I share my lesson resources with my teammates and we talk about how we’re using technology in our PLCs. I also provide mini trainings during our staff development days, faculty meetings or before/after school to other teachers on my campus. Lastly, I encourage others to come to me for help when they need it.”

Tamar Hyatt is a first grade teacher at West Handley Elementary School. She is passionate about integrating technology into her instruction with her first graders. Ms. Hyatt recently applied for, and won, the Fort Worth ISD Tech Idol. Here’s what Ms. Hyatt had to say about the Tech Idol journey:

1. What is the importance of technology in the classroom?

Technology is very important in the classroom. Some days, I feel like I have an additional teacher in the room, especially through video instruction and adaptive software. I can reach more students at the same time and track their progress so much faster than with traditional methods. It allows me to monitor and adjust my teaching in real time and to provide differentiated instruction to ensure that I am meeting the needs of every student. My students are engaged and motivated to learn. At the present time, children are born into the world of technology. It is so natural to them to click and tap on things. They will also need these skills to perform and compete in the real world at some point. As educators, I feel that it is very important that we help students to further improve their skills and knowledge by using technology effectively in the classroom.

2. How do you use technology in the classroom?

My students are still very young, so I spend time teaching them the appropriate terminology and how to use different tools and software. I also teach explicit digital citizenship lessons so that they understand how to be safe when using technology. Beyond that, I regularly use the station rotation model of blended learning to give students a variety of ways to use technology. For example, I may deliver a whole group lesson via Nearpod, an interactive slideshow presentation, or flipchart. Then, students break into groups according to their needs. Some of those stations may include working on the computer using adaptive software, reading eBooks and responding online through Flipgrid, learning a new concept or reviewing a concept online through video created by the teacher, or creating a product/completing an online assignment to demonstrate understanding. There is always a teacher station where I am working directly with students. Sometimes, we are using technology at the teacher station, like using a magnetic letters app on the iPad to make words or review sight words. Everyone knows that when they are working on technology tasks, they can still get help directly from me, if necessary, or go to Google Classroom and use our help and resources links to see helpful videos and documents to keep them on track.

3. What made you want to compete for Tech Idol?

Initially, I was unaware that I had been nominated by a colleague, so I was really surprised when I received the message. I decided that participating in the contest would be a worthwhile venture because it would challenge me as an educator to stick to my goal of seeking meaningful ways to integrate technology in the content areas. Another reason is that I was so proud of how well my students had progressed since the beginning of the school year, as far as being able to use technology effectively. I felt that it would be a great opportunity to grow as a professional and for my students to showcase their abilities.

4. Now that you have won Tech Idol, what is next for you?

I'm always looking for opportunities to learn something new or improve. I am still actively searching for new tips and tricks to help me continue to grow and use technology effectively across the content areas. I'm currently enrolled in several online courses offered by the Educational Technology Department so that I can gain more knowledge and earn more great classroom incentives. Some of my goals include using BreakoutEDU games, finding more time for makerspace activities, and increasing opportunities for students to create using technology.