N Mu Hello All, I hope everyone is well

 N Mu

Hello All, I hope everyone is well. Incorporating technology into science lessons may be done a variety of ways. Todays diverse classroom setting will most likely utilize a combination of methods for different learning styles.

Throughout my experience I have gathered that auditory learners are most efficient through hearing strategies. These students may tend to absorb reading material a bit slower and may have trouble when attempting to follow directions. Recorded lessons, audio books, and power point presentations will best suit this population of learners.

Visual learners depend on seeing materials or visualizing concepts. These students typically like to read, have a knack for details, and even take written notes. Maps, graphs, scaffolding, and whiteboard usage are beneficial for this group.

Kinesthetic learners thrive through movement and mobility. Providing opportunities for these students to choose where he or she would like to sit, stand, or use flexible seating arrangements can aid in the process of constructive learning. When the weather permits, students love outdoor learning. These students develop essential skills while keeping their bodies in motion. In addition, keeping hands busy are going to nurture these students as well.

Auditory: Teacher may have students use auditory books rather than a hard copy when viewing text, perhaps to find the main idea and supporting details of a specific topic.

Visual: Teacher may have students partner read and take notes highlighting specific vocabulary or sequences on a certain topic. Computer programs can help to keep students engaged.

Kinesthetic: Teachers may rotate these students daily or weekly depending on the need of where he or she will sit or learn for the day. Decomposing lessons into shorter portions with limited screen time could prove effective. Taking breaks to walk around or stretch muscles, may have sensory manipulatives as well. Teacher may incorporate flashcards, building a structure with various materials, such as a globe or planet from papier Mache.

Kinesthetic learners might struggle the most when utilizing technology because it may require sitting for long periods of time. Interactive games or including music can foster the growth of these students. I feel that music can be blended into all these learning styles, some may need soft soothing music, while others need more upbeat rhythm to enhance and motivate them.

 J Fe

Today technology in the classroom is one of the most important things because we are evolving so rapidly with technology this must be something that students understand how to use. Everyday we are using technology in our lives whether it is for work or for fun. Often technology is a fun way for students to learn about the material being taught. 

Visual: Visual learners can see information being presented to them on a smart board. Here students can see diagrams, charts, and pictures helping them to better understand the material that is being presented to them. Technology can also provide these students with videos or graphics to help them better understand the material. When looking at science class we can use the example of plant growth. Here a teacher could do a PowerPoint presentation showing the different stages of plant growth through photos and diagrams. Visual learners will be able to connect the material that is being presented to them with the image they see on the board, thus resulting in better understanding of the material. 

Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners or hands on learners can use technology to help them get the hands on learning that they benefit most from. For example, using touch screens such as an Ipad with an interactive diagram. Here they can click on different parts of the diagram or picture and interact and manipulate this. Again looking at plant growth in science class Kinesthetic learners would benefit from being able to interact with the diagrams that is present on the board. Here offering an interactive diagram would allow for Kinesthetic learners to physically interact thus better connecting and understanding the material. 

Auditory: For auditory learners technology can be utilized through things like audio books or Youtube. Here we can have students have material be read to them as they follow along. Here this helps them to retain the information that is being taught to them. In science class looking at plant growth auditory learners would benefit from Youtube videos that talk about plant growth. The technology produces the auditory information that allows for students to be able to connect and understand this information. 

Difficulties: I think that Kinesthetic learners would be the most difficult to produce material for when it comes to technology. Here finding the interactive diagrams or different technologies would be one of the most difficult things to find. I am sure that there are many different science websites that offers things like this that I just have not found yet. 

 K Ja

Technology is something that has been incorporated into most schools, especially during the past year with COVID. Through the use of technology, all learning styles can be addressed in a science lesson. Being able to accommodate for all learners is an important component of being an effective teacher.

Visual learners can watch videos of experiments, or watch the teacher and/or classmates conduct an experiment. Other videos can also be viewed of specific scientific subjects, such as volcanoes, earthquakes, animals, etcetera (depending on the grade and what is being taught at the time). Visual learners can also use tools, such as a microscope to aid them in their learning style. Other examples of technology that can be used for visual learners include a smart board, interactive maps of different landmarks, and anything the teacher may post on an online forum (such as a Google Classroom).

Kinesthetic learners are more hands on, so anything that involves movement would help them. A smart board could also be used for kinesthetic learners, so long as they are the ones interacting with it, instead of watching a teacher or classmate. These learners could also use a microscope, just as the visual learners, but again, they would need to be the ones conducting the movements. Kinesthetic learners can also create powerpoints on the computer, or type a short response on the computer. Even simple movements of fingers on a keyboard can help kinesthetic learners.

As for auditory learners, they can be provided a text to speech option. Because they prefer to listen to learn, most times written work or activities might be difficult for them. Also, when conducting a lab, it is important for the teacher or classmates to read the directions aloud for auditory learners. Other technology auditory learners can use include recorded lessons or videos.

Of these learning styles, I believe the most difficult to address with technology is auditory learners. Some of why I believe this is because I am not an auditory learner. My first preference would be visual, then kinesthetic. However, over the years, I have worked with many auditory learners, so I do have some ideas of how to incorporate technology for these learners.

part 2

 Ni Mun

Hello All, I hope everyone is well. As a paraeducator and future teacher, I think that check-ins daily, weekly, and intervention as needed can help support students and allow the student and teacher to ask and answer questions pertaining to the content and navigation of the computer or technical device. Regular monitoring for some, and perhaps small group collaboration with teacher for others. Some students may require one on one assistance. Providing activities that can be practiced at home on either a school issued, or home device can foster building confidence and allow a student to work without anxiety of a full classroom.

Teachers can create summative assessments or quizzes pertaining to the subject of study and conference with students as needed, gaging where the gap lies, or what the student seems to be struggling with. Teachers can demonstrate/model and provide laminated cards for home and school with directions, tips, and reminders. A checklist of a few tasks delegated by the teacher could improve skills when attempted consistently by the student. Student can keep a note pad or journal checking off tasks done with ease, and circling tasks that were difficult.

 Ka Ja

Being able to make sure students are understanding content is important. If the classroom is technologically based, the teacher can do many alternatives to ensure students are still understanding, even if they have a difficult time with technology.

One way teachers can ensure their students are understanding the content is to do a verbal check in with students. While working on a task, the teacher can ask the students what they are struggling with, or what they are understanding. The teacher can also do weekly check ins with the students to see what they have liked or not liked about the technological components used that week.

Another option could be to include different forms of technology. Sometimes a student might not be good with a computer, but might enjoy using a microscope or interacting with a smart board. The teacher could also include projects or worksheets periodically to have a variety of learning opportunities for students.

A final option could be to have assignments on a computer at home for the students to work on. The district I work for has provided laptops, as well as “hotspots” for all students, so they are able to use technology. If not all students have access to technology, then this would not necessarily be a good option. However, there could be something as simple as to watch a short video and type three of their favorite things in the video. This way the students can practice their computer and typing skills, too. If a student might have a difficult time with this, the teacher could have printed instructions for the student and/or parent/guardian to help them.

There are many different options, but these are some that I would consider using in my own classroom.

 A Jo

Hi Class,

 As a future teacher, I believe we need to be understanding when it comes to students not all being on the same level. Each child that enters your classroom will have different backgrounds, "norms", and understandings. So, differentiating your lessons and adapting situations to fit each child's needs is . With that being said, some students may require one on one assistance, family interventions, or added home resources to ensure success. Some of these resource are activities that can be practiced at home, or providing school issued devices. Being able to make sure students are understanding content is important.

One way teachers can ensure their students are understanding the content is to do a verbal check-ins, daily assessments, or provide differentiated technological options for students to use. Teachers can model or give directions, tips, and reminder sheets. A checklist of a few tasks set forth by the teacher could help drastically improve skills when practiced routinely by the students struggling. Student can also keep a journal checking off tasks that are done with ease, and circling tasks that were difficult. If the difficulties continue family and educator may need to intervene together to set up a plan that work best for the child to succeed.