The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

  • Partnerships Between IT and Physical Security Improves Campus Security

  • Tips for Using Twitter in the Classroom

  • Writing and Reading Goals For the First Grade: Everything You Need to Know

  • Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

  • Why Cultural Appropriation is Wrong

  • Differentiated Reading Instruction: Everything You Need to Know

  • 13 Ways to Differentiate Instruction

  • Assessing Your Students’ Reading Progress: Everything You Need to Know

Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & Innovation
Home›Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech›9 Indiana teachers on how technology changed the way they teach

9 Indiana teachers on how technology changed the way they teach

By Matthew Lynch
June 8, 2017
0
Spread the love

Originally posted on Chalkbeat by Hayleigh Colombo

Putting a Google Chromebook in the hands of a middle school student isn’t enough to take your classroom into this century. Using technology smartly — to complement and foster learning — has to be taught.

That’s what a few of the more than 400 teachers, librarians, and administrators who descended Thursday on Wayne Township’s Chapel Hill 7th and 8th Grade Center for Google Ed Camp said today. They spent the day asking each other technology questions, getting ideas for lesson plans and learning from each other.

While they were at it, Chalkbeat asked teachers from around Indiana the most surprising ways technology has changed the way they teach. See their responses here.

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

1. Kathy Hicks-Brooks, Ben Davis High School librarian

“I had heard that maker spaces (areas where people are encouraged to collaborate and use new technology to work on projects) were the way that public and school libraries were heading. Adding a maker space changed the whole library. Kids who never knocked on my door are now in here and they’re creating. During lunchtime, instead of everybody hanging out, they’re making things. A lot of the puzzles are tied to the curriculum. It really took off.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

2. Zach Meyer, special education teacher at Shelbyville Southwestern High School

“It gives me the ability to differentiate. I know right away which kids are getting it and which kids aren’t. It’s instant data collection. Data drives everything. It’s something we used to have to do using a gut feeling.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

3. Leslie Preddy, librarian at Perry Meridian High School

“The biggest change I have seen is our kids actually need more help. It’s overwhelming and you want to believe everything that’s in print. The kids are reading and don’t understand how to interpret and evaluate and analyze what they’re reading. It’s a challenge.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

4. Pete Just, Wayne Township Chief Technology Officer

“Ten years ago I was frustrated. We were putting devices in classrooms. We knew they had power but we didn’t know how to harness it. It’s starting to change the way students learn, and how teachers are looking at their roles. They’re looking at their role as a facilitator which allows for more differentiated learning.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

5. Katherine Russo, 8th grade science teacher at Lawrence Township

“It’s getting kids to want to read. I found they’re a lot more likely to read on the computer than in a book, which is weird. They’re more likely to write you a complete thought. Anything you can do to take something off their hands is something they enjoy.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

6. Martin Van Zant, Ben Davis High School graphic arts teacher

“You’ve got to be ahead of the kids and they’re super fast. The challenge is teaching them how to use the devices responsibly. They’ve grown up with technology but they’ve never been shown how to use it properly.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

7. Fay Miller, business teacher at Royal Center schools

“When I look at the kids, this is their wheelhouse. I learn from them. Feedback is quicker. You can send a message to the kids. We communicate that way.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

8. Nathan Davidson, former technology manager at Wayne Township schools

“I’m surprised that it hasn’t caught on quicker than this. It’s hard to change a mindset and understand that technology is important. We’ve got fantastic tools available. The exciting thing is the opportunities that are ahead.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

9. Andrea Milender, teacher at Mill Creek East in Clayton

“What amazes me the most is watching the kids’ adaptability with it all. Adults struggle with change. Kids are ready to dive in and do it. They amaze me with how much they teach each other.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

1. Kathy Hicks-Brooks, Ben Davis High School librarian

“I had heard that maker spaces (areas where people are encouraged to collaborate and use new technology to work on projects) were the way that public and school libraries were heading. Adding a maker space changed the whole library. Kids who never knocked on my door are now in here and they’re creating. During lunchtime, instead of everybody hanging out, they’re making things. A lot of the puzzles are tied to the curriculum. It really took off.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

2. Zach Meyer, special education teacher at Shelbyville Southwestern High School

“It gives me the ability to differentiate. I know right away which kids are getting it and which kids aren’t. It’s instant data collection. Data drives everything. It’s something we used to have to do using a gut feeling.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

3. Leslie Preddy, librarian at Perry Meridian High School

“The biggest change I have seen is our kids actually need more help. It’s overwhelming and you want to believe everything that’s in print. The kids are reading and don’t understand how to interpret and evaluate and analyze what they’re reading. It’s a challenge.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

4. Pete Just, Wayne Township Chief Technology Officer

“Ten years ago I was frustrated. We were putting devices in classrooms. We knew they had power but we didn’t know how to harness it. It’s starting to change the way students learn, and how teachers are looking at their roles. They’re looking at their role as a facilitator which allows for more differentiated learning.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

5. Katherine Russo, 8th grade science teacher at Lawrence Township

“It’s getting kids to want to read. I found they’re a lot more likely to read on the computer than in a book, which is weird. They’re more likely to write you a complete thought. Anything you can do to take something off their hands is something they enjoy.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

6. Martin Van Zant, Ben Davis High School graphic arts teacher

“You’ve got to be ahead of the kids and they’re super fast. The challenge is teaching them how to use the devices responsibly. They’ve grown up with technology but they’ve never been shown how to use it properly.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

7. Fay Miller, business teacher at Royal Center schools

“When I look at the kids, this is their wheelhouse. I learn from them. Feedback is quicker. You can send a message to the kids. We communicate that way.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

8. Nathan Davidson, former technology manager at Wayne Township schools

“I’m surprised that it hasn’t caught on quicker than this. It’s hard to change a mindset and understand that technology is important. We’ve got fantastic tools available. The exciting thing is the opportunities that are ahead.”

PHOTO: Hayleigh Colombo

9. Andrea Milender, teacher at Mill Creek East in Clayton

“What amazes me the most is watching the kids’ adaptability with it all. Adults struggle with change. Kids are ready to dive in and do it. They amaze me with how much they teach each other.”

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearninggamificationInnovationSTEMTechnology
Previous Article

We asked five Colorado teachers how they ...

Next Article

Ask an Expert: Technology and child development

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Cyber-safety or cyber-maturity? Teaching ethics in a virtual world

    July 28, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Best of the Best ListsOnline Learning & eLearningPersonalized Learning

    The Tech Edvocate’s List of 20 Must-Follow Elearning Twitter Feeds

    February 5, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Kids teaching robots: Is this the future of education?

    July 1, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Best of the Best ListsEdTech & Innovation

    20 Math Apps for Students of All Ages

    March 21, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Trailblazing Companies in Edtech: Knewton

    July 25, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Can ed-tech inequality be solved by roving buses with Wi-Fi and loads of equipment?

    July 5, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 27, 2023
  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 27, 2023
  • Partnerships Between IT and Physical Security Improves Campus Security

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 26, 2023
  • Tips for Using Twitter in the Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 26, 2023
  • Writing and Reading Goals For the First Grade: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 26, 2023
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.