Blog Post
Technology in a Diverse Learning Environment
June 6, 2023
By: Michelle Adolph
In today’s world, technology is everywhere. I can honestly say that every child in my classroom has used a tablet, cellphone, or video game system in their free time and knows exactly how to at least turn on the camera function. But do they use it educationally or with a purpose other than just to distract themselves? Most would admittedly say no.
As someone who struggles to use technology in my classroom knowing full well the kids will be using screens at home and in abundance, I was hesitant to have iPads exclusively in my class. Until recently, we booked our school iPad cart one half hour block per cycle and usually didn’t use them. That being said, being a huge supporter of small group activities, having a technology centre is special to the students and watching my first graders get super excited for independent learning apps is always fun. Not only do they ‘buy into’ the technology aspect, they look forward to it and it helps keep them on task and focused when I am working with a small group or one on one.
Currently, my school is using Reflex Math for basic math skills practice and although it suggests using it for grade 2 and up, my first graders love practicing their skills and earning ‘money’ to buy things in the store. The reward of getting a certificate after so many answered questions is tons of fun, too! We make a whole presentation of it once a month when everyone has one and they love cheering each other on!
We also use our iPads for a listening to reading station when doing Daily 5. This allows our class to listen to books they have picked through the free app Epic! and let’s them hear a story with fluency and follow along in the text.
As a multi-lingual classroom, we also use our iPads for demonstrating our learning with each other and our families. We often record ourselves reading or singing in Ukrainian. Those recordings are fun to share within the school (with permission) or even at assemblies! The students have a blast making videos and it allows them a space to share their learning if they aren’t comfortable speaking in front of a group. The great thing about recording their learning is that they can also take multiple ‘takes’ if need be and that relieves some of the stress off of them when performing. The students also enjoy using the Ukrainian keyboard function allowing them to type out words they are learning to read.
I have found that my grade one and two students also love presenting on the iPad. Green screen technology has come so far in the last few years that they are easily able to change their background to fit their personally written story or their research projects.
This easily accessible and guided technology use allows them to feel like ‘big kids’ and gives them educational tools to help them in their differentiated learning.
The independence these iPads have given my students has been a game changer. They are aware of the rules and guidelines in using them and they are using technology in a fun and educational way. It isn’t just busywork and is helping build a respect for the tools we use on our every day lives. Going forward, we hope to expand our uses and personally I will be researching ways to use the iPads for virtual field trips and reviewing prior knowledge.
If anyone has any suggestions on apps for first and second graders, please feel free to email me at: madolph@sunrisesd.ca. Thank you!