I came across a video recently and I saw similarities between the students in the video and our students. We are very fortunate to have the amount of technology that we do at each school. The students get the opportunity to use iPads, Apple Laptops, and Chromebooks and giving them a choice can be more beneficial to their learning strengths. I have always liked giving my students various ways of showing mastery and it amazed me what some students are capable of creating, but they have to be given the chance. Using Google Apps for Education is an easy way for students to communicate, collaborate, and share their thoughts and ideas but it is also good for allowing them a choice when doing an assignment or project, making slides vs. a video, typing a paper vs. creating a blog, let them experiment, you too may be amazed!
One school took it a step further, here’s their story:
Students are more excited to learn when they get to choose how they learn. When CCSD 59 introduced new devices, they gave students the opportunity to use Chromebooks and Android tablets, since each device has different strengths. “We saw the potential of creating a 2:1 program, where students could choose the tools they need, depending on the learning experience,” says Benjamin Grey, Assistant Superintendent for Innovative Learning and Communication at CCSD 59. Watch this video to see how CCSD 59 is using technology to amplify student’s ability to learn.
Schools don’t need to offer students two devices to put this idea into action. Provide students different ways to learn, for example, by letting them choose between a video, slideshow or article. Says Anne Truger, Director of Educational Technology Innovation at Waukegan Public Schools, “Students are paving their own learning path and are choosing the resources that help them learn best.”