19 minute read
Special Feature: Are you up for learning new skills and changing old habits?
Chances are you’ve been venturing out of your digital comfort zone more than usual for the past two years. But a teacher’s life never stands still. With a new school year, comes time to renew, refresh and try something different. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills or just change some old habits, here are some suggestions for your digital development in the coming months.
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The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
SOCRATES
If the pandemic had struck 50 years ago, or 25, maybe even just 10, imagine the impact on everyday schooling. Learning as we know it would have been severely disrupted, if not brought to a grinding halt.
As it was, teaching life did go on, albeit in novel circumstances. And that was, it no small part, thanks to digital technology, which helped us get through one of education’s (and the world’s) biggest challenges in recent times. In fact, in the last two years, we’ve experienced not only a consolidation in the strong bond between innovation and teaching but a vindication in the belief of this digital direction, too. But what next? Further COVID disruptions aside, what should be on your radar for technology in education in the coming year? Are you up for learning new skills and changing old habits?
Bring on the benefits
Of course, there are always reasons to be reluctant about change. It’s not easy or straightforward. You may not see the point. The training being offered might not suit. Expectations may seem unrealistic. Nevertheless, the advantages of a digital technology in the classroom are well documented. It can:
• create a more engaged learning environment; • incorporate different learning styles; • improve collaboration; • prepare students for the future; and • connect teachers with their students and their colleagues. Clearly, if you give things a go, you may well be pleasantly surprised.
Trends and expectations
Many of you are already doing great things with digital. One recent survey reported 84 per cent of teachers used the internet at least weekly to find content that will engage students. How can you do more?
There are always advice and tips available. Some you may use, some not. Just soak it up and make your choices. You’ll probably have seen some of the ‘trends’ predictions, the ones that come at the start of most years. Business magazine Forbes (forbes.com) identified ‘Five Ed Tech Trends To Look Out For In 2022’ that seems to sum things up nicely: • Personalised learning, with more digital tools in the hands of teachers allowing them to gain a better understanding of students’ data, with deeper insights and a more detailed evaluation of their progress; • Closing the gap, with more access to digital devices, parental support and broadband at home; • Focusing on the teacher-student relationship, with human-centred technology solutions, now that we’re more familiar and confident in virtual learning tools; • Blended/hybrid learning is not going away, with tools introduced in the past two years have become a mainstay in today’s education; and • Gamification, mixing healthy competitiveness and effectiveness for teachers who wish to deliver educational tasks more engagingly and social remotely.
VIRTUAL ACTION: ENJOYING VR IN THE CLASSROOM
Anything else on the horizon?
What else? Well, perhaps two other trends that we would expect to see making their presence felt in 2022 are sustainability and esports. Schools are increasingly making ecofriendly choices and that’s not going to change. If anything, we’re going to see them picking even more devices that hit not only budget and performance targets but also reach a certain level of environmental friendliness, with optimised energy consumption and upgradable, built-to-last designs. Esports is a another – and is a subject we’ve covered several times. Growth here will be huge again, with the popular activity promoting a competitive yet inclusive community, where students are engaged and expanding their skills. There are a number of school competitions running – we featured the Esport Zone Day at Northcote Intermediate last year. This and other events like it are fairly simple to join but offer so much in return. Check them out.
Animation to augmented
Turing our attention elsewhere, coding’s been at the top of many people’s ‘to do’ list for a couple of years now. While it’s gradually become more embedded and mainstream, it still remains an unknown
quantity for many. There are multiple, simple online courses to get you going. As for others, here are three more to think about:
Animation – More than simply entertainment, the use of animation offers opportunities for storytelling and simulation, while leveraging students’ engagement, skill creation and knowledge retention.
Big Data – Collecting of data can be used to analyse a student’s academic performance based on test results and assignments. These results can lead to the development of personalised education plans, achievements and goals.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented
Reality (AR) – We are on the cusp of the new meta world (or so we’re being told). VR and AR are already breaking apart the physical world and replacing it with a 3D/ immersive real-life interactive environment where students can interact with all manner of objects, people and places, from seeing dinosaurs and visiting historic spots, to going inside the body or journeying to outer space.
Decreasing attention spans
There is one other key thing to bear in mind – and perhaps one you didn’t expect. Research has shown that as digital technology has grown, attention spans of students has gone in the opposite direction. In 2000, a study published by Microsoft placed the average human attention span at 12 seconds. By 2015, the same study found that number had fallen to eight seconds. (By comparison, a goldfish has been measured as having an attention span of about nine seconds.) Has it decreased further in the last six years? Whether or not is has, the inference is clear, this change has potential impact on how teachers keep students engaged. They need to find ways to catch and keep their attention, by adapting the course delivery method and pace. Today’s students want to be challenged, and they value interaction. Remember, put material in front of them that’s highly visual and engaging, and you’re in with a shout. One technique is ‘Bite-Sized Learning’, which, as the name suggest, teaches specific academic skills with brief, focused activities. This allows students to learn skills, often building on each other, in convenient, shorter bursts over time instead of all at once in long classroom lessons.
Take the win
Where technology is concerned, change can come at an astonishing rate. Throw in a global pandemic and who knows what is around the digital corner. Here we’ve tried to highlight just some of the trends and developments for you to keep an eye on in the coming months. Some may not hit the spot for you; we hope others will strike a chord. If you can take something from these suggestions, make even just one change for the good, then that’s got to be a win – and something you can build on.
The INTERFACE Team
Hybrid learning is here to stay
While you might think hybrid learning and blended learning are synonyms, there’s a key difference between the two, in their relationship with online and in-person learning, as Acer’s Education team explain. Blended learning is focused on balancing distance learning with face-to-face interaction. In this type of environment, resources such as videos, podcasts, online lectures, articles and LMS play a complementary role, enhancing the in-class learning experience. By contrast, the online factor is much more prominent in hybrid scenarios, where learning leans heavily on the remote side and incorporates multiple teaching techniques to create a flexible environment. Asynchronous online material makes an integral part of the main lesson plan, and resources available on the internet are a valuable alternative to in-person materials. What’s more, hybrid learning’s socalled Hy-Flex iteration foresees the possibility of simultaneous one-to-one and online learning, with some pupils attending in person and others following classes from home, while it’s the same teacher to deliver the lesson.
Own pace, no pressure
Thanks to hybrid learning, pupils can learn at their own pace without the pressure of in-person interaction. At the same time, parents can get a greater insight into their sons or daughters’ learning, and teachers can deliver more personalised outcomes, especially for students with specific learning needs. Moreover, in hybrid scenarios, learners have an active responsibility to accomplish their tasks. In the long run, this will have a positive impact on the students’ style of learning, helping them develop a self-directed independent approach to education. Plus, the hybrid model relies mostly on online content, which has proved to be highly effective in terms of engagement and retention. Hybrid learning can become an engine for a great change in the world of education. Educators need to learn how to make the best of this approach and welcome it as a positive upgrade that can be beneficial for everyone. Read more at acerforeducation.acer.com
Old ways won’t open new doors.
ANONYMOUS
Six ways to put a spring in your teaching step
Keep up to date
A successful teacher knows how important it is to be up with the latest news, social trends, educational developments, and, of course, technological advancements. Plus, sharing this information with your students helps to keep them updated, too, adding value to the learning experience and pushing to find out more about things that happen beyond the confines of their classroom. Tech tip: Following news sites, Twitter feeds, Reddit forums, and the like, is a quick and easy way to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world.
Take risks
As the saying goes, “No Risk, No Reward!” Whether going out of your comfort zone works or not, at least you’ve given something a go. Remember, students watch your every move. If you take risks by trying new things every once in a while, they’ll also be confident enough do the same. Tech tip: You know that video editing software you’ve been wanting to try, give it a go. Or the coding program everyone’s raving about. Or Minecraft. Or the robot that’s in your cupboard.
Be Fun and Enthusiastic
Do you like to be around someone who’s grumpy and serious or someone who’s fun and enthusiastic? Exactly. And students like fun, too, and they’ll be far more comfortable engaging with teachers with a smile on their face. Sure, there’s a time for serious but the way you carry yourself greatly determines your approachability. Get excited, smile, and crack a joke or two. Tech tip: Share amusing anecdotes, cartoons and videos. There are plenty of online sources to find these.
Play games
Everybody likes games and using it in education is a classic way to stimulate student thoughts and engage them in the topic. Research shows that playing games in the classroom can increase motivation and attentiveness, as well as promote problem solving skills and collaboration. One study of the popular multiple-choice quiz game Kahoot found that it improved students’ attitudes toward learning and boosted their academic scores.
Tech tip: We often profile digital games – there are three on p32. Start the day with a brain teaser, build a game into a class project, or set quizzes to test what’s been learned.
Ask and encourage questions
Questions are a powerful tool for promoting learning and the exchange of ideas. Students may get bored and lose concentration if all you do is talk. A useful rule-of-thumb is that you don’t explain ideas or facts uninterrupted for more than five minutes at a time. Instead, set a good example by asking questions and also invite questions from students that steer the discussion and improve engagement. Tech tip: Try an online polling tool to pose questions to students during class or after an activity. The results could show in real-time as they answer or be reviewed later. An example is Poll Everywhere on page 33.
Keep learning
Even teachers don’t know everything (!). However, the more you know, the easier it will be to teach your students, lead their learning and answer their questions. That’s why you need to feed your mind with as much information as it can take in. Keep your brain working hard. Remember that students always engage better with (and prefer) teachers who they see as possessing in-depth knowledge and are confident about a specific subject or skill. Tech tip: Learn new skills and pick up ideas by joining a virtual learning forum, following social media feeds of educators you admire, or by downloading some Podcast PD (find out more on p24-25).
Listen up. Could podcasts provide the perfect PD?
Looking for an effective, convenient and enjoyable way to find out about new teaching skills, thoughts and ideas? One simple approach is to listen and learn from the knowledge and experience of others through their podcasts.
If there’s something you’d like to learn about chances are there’s a podcast on it – and if you’re interested in education there are definitely plenty to choose from. Learning through podcasts is a popular and growing activity. People share thoughts, opinions and experiences; all you have to do is sit back, listen and soak it all up.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a collection or series of digital spoken recordings that are made freely available for downloading or listening to online (a bit like a radio chatshow). Often, they’re focused on a particular topic or theme, and typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
How to listen to podcast
You can access podcasts on your mobile, tablet or computer through an app or a browser. Both Apple and Google have in-built podcast apps, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts respectively, where you can browse and sign up to shows. Other popular places to find podcasts are Spotify, Pocket Casts and Stitcher. Podcasts are not always available on every service, so it’s always worth trying different ones.
Podcasts to try
Want to give it go? There are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from. Have a look and see if anything takes your fancy. To get you started, here is a selection of podcasts you could try:
Teach Me Teacher
(teachmeteacherpodcast.com) Teachers discuss topical, informative, and inspiring subjects. Designed for teacher development, this podcast aims to help you better your craft, learn new skills, get ideas, and have some laughs along the way.
Teaching Today (teachingcouncil. nz/resource-centre/teaching-todaypodcast/) About teachers, with teachers and for teachers, Teaching Today’s hosts speak with experts from the education sector – tune in for discussion and insight. Social Studies (mrdtimes3.com) Elementary school teacher and comedian Joe ‘Mr D’ Dombrowski mixes humour with real-life stories. Topics include working with crotchety teammates, teacher hairlines, teacher gifts, and parent emails.
CORE Podcasts (core-ed.org/ free-resources/podcasts/) Have you ever wanted to eavesdrop on an engaging discussion between leading educators in their area of expertise? From Leadership and Game-based learning, to Digital and innovation, CORE offers a collection of podcasts that will engage, entertain and educate.
The Modern Principal
(themodernprincipal.com) Whether you’re an aspiring, new, or seasoned school leader, get ready to laugh and learn while listening to the Karen and Christy, two primary school principals, share their anecdotes, past mistakes, and lessons learned.
This Teacher Life
(monicagenta.com) What crazy stuff is said in school? How do you motivate kids? What does ‘learning’ mean? These are the types of questions that Monica Genta, a middle school teacher and educational consultant, explores through her weekly podcast.
It Takes A Village (rnz.co.nz/ programmes/it-takes-a-village) Setting boundaries, COVID vaccines, keeping the peace, taking risks. These are the sorts of topics covered by this parentleaning podcast. While you’re there, check out the awesome series of podcast produced by RNZ.
The Creative Classroom with John Spencer
(spencerauthor.com) Host John Spencer, a former middle school teacher and current professor, discusses transforming classrooms into spaces that fill teachers and students with joy and creativity.
Two Talkative Teachers
(anchor.fm/twotalkativeteachers) In this relatively new podcast, two passionate teachers talk teaching life in New Zealand and put a spotlight on the amazing things teachers are doing, both in our own backyard and around the world.
Ten-Minute Teacher Podcast
(coolcatteacher.com) On offer are five episodes a week, each focusing on different themes in education. You can tune in to Motivational Mondays, EdTech Tool Tuesdays, Wonderful Classroom Wednesdays, Thought Leader Thursdays, and Five Idea Fridays. Each episode features a short interview with a teacher.
Truth for Teachers
(stitcher.com/show/angelawatsons-truth-for-teachers) This podcast is packed full of useful tips for teachers. It’s stated aim is to speak life, encouragement, and truth into the minds and hearts of educators and get you energised for the week ahead.
Art Ed Radio
(theartofeducation.edu/ artedradio/) If you’re an art teacher, this is the podcast for you. There’s lots of ideas for those that teach K-12 students, so you can get them excited about art and creativity.
What teaching-related podcasts do you listen to? Let us know and we can share with INTERFACE readers. Send to
comment@interfacemagazine.co.nz
How to go about creating your own podcast
Starting a podcast isn’t difficult, but there are a number of steps you’ll need to go through in order to get it going. If you want to give it a go, here’s your starter of 10 steps to take: • Choose a topic • Pick a name
• Decide on your show and episode format
• Create a suitable logo • Select intro and outro music
• Equipment selection (you need recording and editing tools) • Record your podcast • Make it available for others to listen to (you may just want to load it on a blog or school website to begin with, before working your way up to the big time on iTunes and
Spotify) • Promote your podcast • Keep going and record more episodes For help, insights and advice, there are many videos and blogs that cover the subject in depth. If you do become a podcaster, let us know how you go!
Forget a quick fix of caffeine. What you need to kick-start the year is a digital declutter!
Content chaos? Desktop disorder? App anarchy? Just as a ‘spring clean’ can do wonders for the physical space we work in, it’s as important to tidy our technology space. Find focus more easily when using your computer (and keep it in good shape) with a digital declutter.
Start with your email
Most of us receive a constant stream of email and it’s easy for your inbox to get overwhelmed. If you have a backlog, get rid of it. Start by deleting everything that’s still there from last year – or filing it, if it’s important … just don’t let it sit there any longer. Now, purge old emails, organise folders, and delete old emails, especially those with large attachments that may be using memory on your computer.
Uninstall old programs
Your computer will have come with dozens of programs you never use and you will have likely added a fair few, as well. Uninstall any outdated software or programs that you no longer use. If you haven’t accessed it in the last year, chances are good that you don’t need it, so get rid of it!
Tidy your desktop/homescreen
Do you really need all those shortcuts, apps, folders, images, and files? Every program on your computer can be easily accessed via other means – and you can pin the ones you use most commonly to the taskbar at the bottom of your screen. All the other stuff should simply be filed away properly.
Move on from old files
Take a hard look at your files: documents, photos, videos, downloads, etc. Start with archiving photos and videos (the cloud’s a great option as it’s all backed up and you won’t run the risk of losing them), then eliminate duplicate files, and, to finish up, identify anything you no longer use or need. If you don’t want to get rid of it completely, consider moving it to an external hard drive.
Clean up your hard drive
There are a number of tools that you can use to maintain and tidy your computer, freeing up storage space and improving performance. Generally, how they work is that they’ll search and analyse the hard drive for files that are no longer of any use and suggest what can be removed – like cookies, deleted files, temporary internet and operating system files, and offline (cached) web pages.
Use consistent file names
The first thing to do when organising is to make sure the naming of files and folders follow the same rules. By getting consistent with naming, you’ll always be able to find what you need quickly and won’t end up redoing work or saving multiple copies of the same file in different places.
Review and re-set
While you’re in the mood, now might also be a good time to change passwords and logins, and review and update privacy and security settings on your online accounts.
Keep up the good work …
And lastly, once you’ve got things back under control, try to keep it up. Devoting a few minutes each week to clearing out some digital clutter will help you feel calmer, less overwhelmed and keep you at maximum productivity. Now that the decluttering’s out of the way, surely it must be time for a coffee!
Compiled by the INTERFACE team.
