Classrooms are made up of unique individuals with unique needs and unique learning styles. Teaching these diverse students and meeting each of their instructional needs can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming for teachers. Students also work at different paces, which makes things even more challenging for teachers. While technology is a great asset to have in the classroom, it is often pushed on teachers without proper training and support (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019). One of the best ways to balance the demand of standards-based curriculum while meeting each students’ needs is through choice. Multiple Means of Representation (MMR) and Multiple Means of Expression (MME) are two concepts that help with the balance. With MMR, students can access, engage, and learn information in ways that best fit their needs. Through MME, students can demonstrate their knowledge in a way that works best for them.
The tools teachers have access to are limitless. With tools being classified as devices or software, teachers and students can use Chromebooks, iPads, projectors, Google Docs, Google Classroom, Twitter, and more (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019). In my classroom, especially with hybrid teaching, I use Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets for student collaboration. I have been using Google Slides for Philosophical Chairs activities. Students move their name box to either the agree or disagree box, make a comment stating why, and reply to classmates. Group work has been enhanced through sharing Google Docs and completing work together. I also include video timers from YouTube into my Google Slides so students can visually see the time remaining on tasks. While this is a simple task, it enhances instruction. Technology can be used in the classroom, but as Delzer (TEDx Talks, 2015) states, if something is boring on paper, it will be just as boring on a device. When using technology in the classroom, technology should be used in a way that helps transform learning and/or teaching. Using technology just to use it is a waste. We also need to prepare students for their future. Technology is what they know, we need to teach them how to use it responsibly. References Roblyer, M. & Hughes, J. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching, 8th ed. Pearson. TEDx Talks. (2015, October 13). Reimagining classrooms: Teachers as learners and students as leaders [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs
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