Beyond the Basics

Chapter 5 in the textbook dives into the discussions of different technology tools available to teachers to use during instruction. I found it resourceful that the textbook was able to provide so much detailed information on the different types of tools teachers can use that are specific to their content area. As a general summary, all of the tools listed have various unique features about them that benefit the classroom. For example, the textbook highlights the student controlled clicker response systems. I recall using the clicker response system in my own schooling. I always remember being excited when my teacher would pull out the cart containing the clickers on it. I think I liked it so much because it was a different way to interact with the material in such a way that it was almost like a 'competition' or self-checking system. Now teachers use sights like Kahoot almost as a gameshow-like system where the class can compete. However, Kahoot is even more efficient because all the students need is a mobile device. To refer to content-area specific tools, the Global Positioning System caught my eye. I have caught myself thinking before, "what did we do without GPS systems"? I can recall a time where my parents would print out mapquest directions before a road trip, now we just need to type an address into our phones or devices. Event before printed directions, people used physical maps to figure out where they were going. It is really amazing how a small device can tell us where we are anywhere we are in the world. Geographic information systems and global positioning systems can both be interesting tools to use in a social studies classroom. A geographic system can be great for students in a geography class to understand the makeup of a physical topographical map. Interactive systems, such as the tools provided, help to engage students in ways that make their time feel effective. Even teachers use these tools, such as IEP outlines. It is an incredible time saver to be able to type all of your information into an organized outline format. These tools are useful to everyone, not just students, involved in education.