Caching out of Summer...

As I shift focus from summer learning to the 2019-2020 school year I find myself looking back and reflecting on the summer learning opportunities and which pieces I can bring to my practice. One theme that resonates with me is the infinite possibilities with technology. Whether connecting students to the 9/11 memorial via Google Expeditions, or promoting student voice in the classroom, technology has the potential to transform the learning journey.

Approximately, five years ago I distinctly remember having a conversation with my superintendent about our iPads and how students viewed them as a gaming device. The device was new to education but not new to our young learners. Through this conversation I shared my vision that as we continue to use the ipad (or other devices) in education to enhance learning the shift from “gaming device” to “learning tool’ would naturally and gradually happen. These infinite possibilities with technology and this shift to “learning tool” were very evident at ISTE 19.

Ask yourself, “How can you create an opportunity not possible without the technology” is a common statement and something I hear regularly. During my first day at ISTE 19 I was surrounded by examples of learning opportunities not possible without technology. I spent most of that day in poster sessions that focussed on Augmented (AR) and Virtual (VR) Reality. There were so many examples of students virtually traveling to and experiencing things that many could never physically visit. There were examples of students creating things in three dimensional environments, printing and reflecting on how it could be improved, replicated and shared. Besides the opportunities to promote curiosity and wonder, AR/VR in the classroom provides opportunities that were previously impossible or inaccessible for most.

“One of the most powerful ways we can promote student voice in the classroom comes from the purposeful use of technology.” This quote from Holly Clark also represents a way to enhance learning with technology. Not only can technology allow us to hear from ALL students, it also creates a new level of transparency in the learning process. This was particularly evident in the announcements coming from FlipGrid. In addition to Flipgrid, utilizing tools like Seesaw and Adobe Spark, can also create opportunities for visible thinking and learning.

You may still debate the idea of learning tool vs gaming device. We must continue to promote curiosity, inspire students to find their passion for learning and create spaces for choice and voice. Together we can enhance learning and provide opportunities not possible without the technology. Here’s to another great year of learning, growing and collaborating.