Ed Tech Blog
Creativity continues to be a sought-after skill in high school graduates. Post-secondary educators and employers recognize the need for this next generation to be content creators who can design original, eye-catching art and text to represent the brand, company, or institution. Truly, creating is no longer just for the art major; it’s beneficial for all students to have experience in creating digital art as part of their repertoire. When students have digital art in their portfolio, it showcases them as versatile and flexible.
Although some teachers may view digital art as intimidating, it’s important to consider how this art form can break down the barriers for those students who don’t see themselves as artists capable of working with a traditional medium. Digital drawing tools today are intuitive, easy to use, and may be more approachable to digital natives than a medium like canvas and charcoal. Additionally, with so many apps to choose from (check out this list of student-friendly 12 digital art apps), teachers can select apps that meet the appropriate ability and skill level of the class.
Educators seeking to blend digital art into their curriculum should gain some familiarity with digital art tools as a starting point. With a litany of graphic and digital artists now sharing their tips of the trade, take advantage of the various beginners guides such as “Teach Yourself Digital Art” and this “Must Have Starter Kit”.
Most graphic artists offer a spectrum of equipment to choose from, offering something for each budget. Pen tablets are the preferred method for professional digital artists, but many of the web-based software programs work adequately with laptops, Chromebooks, and a classroom set of mice. For those teachers with an ample budget to purchase drawing tablets, this Essential Picks site reviews various options of individual and bundle options.
Collaborating...
Read more: Cultivating Creativity by Incorporating Digital Art Into The Classroom
In this era, we can all agree that technology is a key player in the success of every industry, and the education sector is no exception. From software tools to hardware tools, technology is playing a critical role in how teachers and students collaborate, access educational resources, communicate, and improve the overall academic processes.
Technology devices like the Microsoft Surface have been specifically designed to provide teachers and students with the resources needed to bring learning to life in the classroom. The use of Microsoft Surface in the classroom ensures that students have access not just to classroom learning materials, but also to other supportive tools like Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365.
Here are ways in which using Microsoft Surface in the classroom can improve the learning experiences for teachers and students.
Improves Blended Learning
Blended learning is fast gaining traction in many learning institutions across the country and the world at large. It combines technology with traditional teacher-to-student learning.
This could be done in a face-to-face mode such that as the teacher is teaching, more instructions could be given on the Microsoft Surface devices in the classroom for students to follow. It could also be done at the end...
Read more: Bring Learning to Life by Incorporating Microsoft Surface in the Classroom
If you have ever wanted to take your students back in time to show them that history is as interesting as you tell them, then you need to learn more about using Virtual Reality (VR) technology in the classroom. This post will take you through everything you need to know before you start buying VR supplies. We will start with the differences between Augmented Reality (AR) and VR, the benefits of VR, and how it can help your students learn more.
A general rule in learning is that students remember 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, and 50% of what they both see and hear. They remember 80% of the things they experience personally. To take advantage of this level of remembrance, you need to utilize VR and AR technology because it is one of the only ways to give the students a personal experience in the classroom.
What is the difference between AR and VR anyway? They are two new technologies shaking up the world of education. AR is software that projects a layer on the surroundings of the user. The software can project parts of the surroundings, project an object, and much more but the...
Read more: Show your Students the World using Virtual Reality
Incorporating surveys into the classroom could bring valuable feedback, especially about the way you teach. Understand that your students can give valuable insight as well. Since they experience your teaching firsthand, they can provide the most honest and valuable feedback compared to anyone else.
It can be instrumental in improving your teaching style. Moreover, it can foster a healthier and friendlier relationship between you and your students. Here’s how you can make that possible through surveys.
Why Incorporate Surveys Into the Classroom?
Instead of asking questions about your teaching quality individually, you can hand out surveys with qualitative questions. Besides, your students will feel free to state their opinions and offer feedback to sound more honest when no one is watching or listening directly to their answers.
By making it clear that there is no pressure on them, they can share their opinion honestly. And we intend to help you receive said feedback. Keep reading to check out a few tips on incorporating surveys into the classroom.
Benefits of Incorporating Surveys Into the Classroom
Incorporating surveys into the classroom offers many benefits. It brings a lot of engagement for students as they assess their learning experience, course content, etc.
Furthermore,
Read more: A Simple Guide to Incorporating Surveys into the Classroom
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13100641/akrales_180913_2950_0146.jpg)
Even before the pandemic forced students to the screen for educational instruction, both parents and teachers began questioning the right amount of screen time for their children. The concerns for too much screen time circulating among parent and teacher bodies mainly point back to both physical and mental health. A 2020 Pew Research report, “Parenting in the Age of Screens” confirms the alarm stating, “Fully 71% of parents of a child under the age of 12 say they are at least somewhat concerned their child might ever spend too much time in front of screens, including 31% who are very concerned about this.”
Undoubtedly, the pandemic catapulted students into a screen-time-saturated world, further amplifying the worry around too much screen time. Screens became the gateway for socialization, activities, and, of course, education.
Educators began harnessing technology in new and unfamiliar ways to engage students on the screen. From becoming fluent in screencasting, to designing engaging asynchronous formative assessments, teachers began using technology as a powerful tool for instruction. Additionally, the pandemic improved the bridge to student access in many districts who may have struggled before. Most schools moved to 1:1 models making access to devices ubiquitous.
As in-person learning resumed...
Read more: A Balanced Approach on Screen Time in the Classroom
In recent years, the use of educational technology in physical education (PE) has been widely promoted across all levels of academic institutions with research budgets also being driven into the intersection between PE and tech, tellingly with the establishment and publication of the National Education Technology Standards for teachers. With the increase in attention around the use of tech in PE, there emerges a phenomenal opportunity for educators and students to reap the benefits of innovation in an environment that is yet to be maximized. It should be noted that the desire to use technology is not necessarily a new one; the use of pedometers and heart rate monitors has occurred for many years, but the introduction of technology described as ‘smart’ is where the headroom for innovation in PE truly lies. But with any emerging technology, there is initial uncertainty as to whether the tech provides a gateway to the future of its teaching, or whether it is a passing fad that is not delivering on its promise (think 3-D glasses). On top of the risk for educators in investing and adopting a technology with a short lifetime relevance, there is also the uncertainty that the benefits of using...
Read more: Technology in Physical Education: How to Deliver on Its Potential