Educators are turning to technology to boost student outcomes, but how can it drive real engagement? It’s not just about using gadgets; it’s about sparking curiosity and building connections.
Kelly Mitchell, a Digital Learning and Teaching Facilitator from Onslow County Schools in North Carolina, has a wealth of experience. After four years in the classroom, she’s spent over a decade helping teachers incorporate tech into their teaching. She encourages students to “work together, create, and move around the room!”
EdSurge: How do you foster authentic engagement in your classroom, and what strategies have you found effective?
Mitchell: I love the station rotation model for blended learning. Setting up learning stations used to take a lot of time, but we can keep it simple and practice transitions. When students feel their learning styles are valued, they excel. Even while moving around, they stick to important standards, which keeps them engaged!
Giving students a choice in how they show their understanding boosts their interest. They feel heard, which encourages collaboration and focus. Those moments of engagement truly energize the classroom.
One popular tool is Lumio. It provides ready-to-use activities and interactive features, making lessons more dynamic. Teachers can easily bring in core materials and make them more engaging. For instance, using graphic organizers lets students express character traits through art or writing. Recently, third graders created posters to sell the traits of a character in a book, showing how effective this strategy is!
Technology empowers students to express their understanding creatively. They can record audio or provide visual aids alongside text, making learning personal.
How does technology make core curriculum materials more engaging?
When using core materials, it can be tricky to make lessons engaging. With stations and playlists, teachers can work with small groups while others stay busy with independent or collaborative activities. This model simplifies lesson planning and allows for game-based learning and digital tools, enhancing engagement.
How do you involve students in integrating technology into learning?
We give students choices in how they show their learning. Each new school year, I suggest that teachers choose a tech champion in their class. This student can help peers navigate the technology, easing the pressure on the teacher. It empowers tech-savvy students and provides leadership opportunities.
What advice do you have for educators wanting to foster authentic engagement with technology?
Keep it simple. Learn alongside your students. The teacher doesn’t have to be the only expert in the room. Today’s students prefer exploring answers on their own, revisiting problems as needed.
One of the best things about Lumio is how easy it is to start using it. Need to enhance your core materials? Try a Super Sort for practice. Want to boost student involvement? Use Shout it Out!. Start small, and gradually add group activities or quizzes for lesson reviews. Teachers don’t need to master every detail of Lumio; small, engaging moments make a big difference.
Personalized learning isn’t just a program with a set pathway; it’s about understanding different personalities, strengths, and interests. This generation values choice in their learning journey!
