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Balancing Technology & Standards
Effective educators use both direct teaching and constructivist teaching in lesson planning. In direct teaching teachers share the same information with all students, students work alone, teachers lecture, and check facts. However, in constructivist teaching, students work together in groups, solve problems, complete projects, and check applications of knowledge.
In Hughes & Roblyer, we are informed of four ways teachers may use technology for direct teaching: addressing weaknesses of students, skill-building, learning when the teacher is not available to teach the subject, and use of videos to explain (Hughes & Roblyer, 2023).
However, technology utilized for social constructivist teaching may include solving problems with computer programs, knowledge building games, use of computer models, working together on projects with other students, or learning about social issues (Hughes & Roblyer, 2023).
Learning platforms which can be utilized for both teaching strategies are Phet, Edpuzzle, and Discovery Education. In each of these applications educators can search for activities based on standards. In addition, these programs help to engage students making learning more colorful and even fun.
Phet allows students to use simulations which helps students build knowledge using scenarios, safely, and with no equipment. This effective teaching strategy is model based learning transfer (Bishop, Boling, Elen, & Svihla, 2020). In one example students may vary masses to study Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion.
Teachers may utilize programs intended for individual use but ask students to work as partners. Frequently, students discuss the correct responses with each other. In some learning platforms, like BrainPop, the quiz setting may prompt students until the correct answer is provided.
In solving real world problems, except in cases where public safety is at risk, we research answers to solve problems, find solutions through reading and consult with experts. This can also be a strategy that students learn to incorporate into how to learn. Educators should also help students learn how to learn, including how to utilize technology to practice skill building, and acquiring new knowledge.
References
Bishop, M. J., Boling, E., Elen, J., & Svihla, V. (Eds.). (2020). Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (5th ed.). Routledge.
Dohn, N.B., Markauskaite, L., Hachmann, R. (2020). Enhancing Knowledge Transfer. In: Bishop, M.J., Boling, E., Elen, J., Svihla, V. (eds) Handbook of Research in Educational Communications and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36119-8_5
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Educational Technology 630
Being a middle school educator located in Howard County Maryland, United States, is great for culture, proximity to both farms and city, and historical sites such as the Benjamin Banneker historical park, and Harriet Tubman’s cultural center.
As an educator for the past 17 years in middle school science, technology has changed significantly. Years ago, students would watch video and presentation as a whole group. Now, however, students are able to use devices such as chromebooks one to one, learn and answer questions independently. Teachers can spend much of their time, facilitating learning and have more one on one time with students while students advance through lesson materials.
One of my favorite learning platforms is phet which is a library of science simulations. Students may explore simulations independently, but still fare better when the teacher models steps to obtain results from a fair experiment.
Discovery Education is another learning platform which provides teacher and their students with resources, such as videos, articles, and exploration or simulations. Again, modeling is important for students to get the most out of the activities. The school district purchases DE for the school district, so that students have full access in the classroom and even at home, if they so choose.
Over the years, I have found that students have better experiences in the classroom when they work independently or in small group, and ask for assistance as needed, as opposed to learning from lecture format. Learning occurs more effectively when the teacher provides short whole group instruction, and the educator models. Then, the students practice learning on their own and ask for assistance as needed. In addition the teacher interacts with students by providing feedback, and formative assessment questions during the student work periods.
There is a whole group assessment platform that involves gamification, Blooket is a very engaging and engages students in learning competition, which has proved very motivating for my students. Students compete against each other in an online environment with colorful games scenarios, and exciting music, while answering questions for points. The games are time-limited, and students are ranked for 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place. There are a variety of game styles, suck as fishing, and treasure hunt. See a short video about Blooket here.
Students today enjoy learning, if the learning is engaging and they receive more immediate feedback. Technology helps teachers motivate students with colorful learning platforms, the ability to provide quick feedback, and allows educators to interact more one-on-one during lesson delivery.
D.J. Branch
March 23, 2025