Evaluating EdTech Resources

When looking for something new to try out in class, we always come across a thousand apps, websites and possibilities. How can we choose the best one for our students? How to find the right one for that specific class? How can you know if that's a good resource or not? Well, there's no magic, but I'll share here some tips.

Whatsapp?

I guess everybody knows whatsapp and how it works, so I won't waste time here explaining the basics. I'll go straight to ideas on how to use it in class! The main point here is to make activities more interactive and to bring them closer to students’ realities.

Google Forms

Google offers a number of free tools that can help teachers improve interaction, learning and engagement in the classroom. One of my favorite tools is Google Forms. If you’re not familiar with it, think of it as a way to create quick surveys. Now we can think of how to use it in class.

All the data collected is automatically compiled into a Google Spreadsheet, making forms a great way to quickly collect and also share information.

I´ll share some ideas with you now.

1. Google Forms is a great medium to create exit ticket/ wrap-up activities (a means to measure what a student has learned at the end of a lesson). You can ask key and reflective questions about the topics you covered that day.  
2. Needs analysis
3. End-of-topic tests – you can even allow students to use Google Forms to create their own questionnaires about a unit of work. Students can then complete other students' quizzes to make it more fun! Since Google Forms is available online, students can create & answer the quizzes during lesson time or as a homework activity.
4. Debate controversial topics - This is a nice activity to practice oral productive skills and build lexis.Choose a number of controversial topics related questions, the more controversial the better. Learners vote, complete form. Then learners can analyse graphs (quantities and numbers e.g. "just over half of us think", the majority ...", less than a third ..." "X seems more popular/better/more acceptable .. than Y". You can also assign roles - Ss speak for, against and moderate debates in small groups. Maybe then you can re-take vote and analyse changes.
5. Survey & Check-In with Students - Google Forms can be a great way for you to check in with your classes and get individual responses. “How is the pace of the course?” “What has been your favorite lesson/ activity and why?” It also provides a safe place for them to leave meaningful feedback such as what elements of the course are challenging, how they interact with their peers, and best ways to engage them in learning. Responses can be anonymous and forms can be completed at home, so students don’t feel embarrassed to speak their minds.

If you have never used Google Forms, but would like to, this video tutorial will help you build and share your own forms!

ClassDojo

Today we'll talk about an app/ website that will help you with behavior management. ClassDojo helps you keep behavior observations organized. Parent reports can be printed and sent home, so parents can take part in the students progress in class. 

Google Search Tips and Tricks

Google Search can help you be efficient with your time in and outside the classroom, allowing you to focus on what’s important – the students’ learning. There are some tips and tricks to help you make your searches even more efficient. They can help you save time and get relevant results according to your needs.

Technology will revolutionize education - or not!

It might seem weird for me to say here on this blog that technology will not revolutionize education, but I'll explain it. 

21 things a 21st century teacher should do

I bet you've heard the term "21st century skills" about a hundred times by now... But how much into it are you? The term relates to the collaborative, creative, and communication skills that teachers should be implementing in class so as to have more engaged learning in class. Many people relate it only to the use of technology in class, but there's much more to it.