Teaching with technology

Teaching with technology can deepen student learning by supporting instructional objectives. However, it can be challenging to select the “best” tech tools while not losing sight of your goals for student learning. Once identified, integrating those tools can itself be a challenge albeit an eye-opening experience.

The CTL is here to help you (novice, expert and everyone in between) find creative and constructive ways to integrate technology into your class. If you are looking to flip your class, make use of Canvas or simply want to experiment with some new instructional technologies, we can help.

What do we mean by “technology”?

The term “technology” refers to advancements in the methods and tools we use to solve problems or achieve a goal. In the classroom, technology can encompass all kinds of tools from low-tech pencil, paper, and chalkboard, to the use of presentation software, or high-tech tablets, online collaboration and conferencing tools, and more.

The newest technologies allow us to try things in physical and virtual classrooms that were not possible before. What you use depends fundamentally on what you are trying to accomplish.

How can technology help you?

• Online collaboration tools, such as those in Google Apps, allows students and instructors to share documents online, edit them in real time and project them on a screen. This gives students a collaborative platform in which to brainstorm ideas and document their work using text and images.
• Presentation software (such as PowerPoint) enable instructors to embed high-resolution photographs, diagrams, videos and sound files to augment text and verbal lecture content.
• Tablets can be linked to computers, projectors and the cloud so that students and instructors can communicate through text, drawings and diagrams.
• Course management tools such as Canvas allow instructors to organize all the resources students need for a class (e.g. syllabi, assignments, readings, online quizzes), provide valuable grading tools, and create spaces for discussion, document sharing, and video and audio commentary. All courses are automatically given a Canvas site!
• Clickers and smartphones are a quick and easy way to survey students during class. This is great for instant polling, which can quickly assess students’ understanding and help instructors adjust pace and content.
• Lecture-capture tools, such as Panopto, allow instructors to record lectures directly from their computer, without elaborate or additional classroom equipment. Consider recording your lectures as you give them and then uploading them for students to re-watch. Studies show that posting recorded lectures does not diminish attendance and students really appreciate the opportunity to review lectures at their own pace.