EDU: 630 Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement

  Using the Kahoot! game replaces a typical handwritten mini or pre-test to keep students engaged during the first week of classes, while various schedule changes are happening. Also helping them to get to know me as their teacher. This technology helps students to see their results instantly and see where they rank against other students in the class. Kahoot! is a tool that motivates and activates students' learning because it can test their knowledge, reiterate important concepts, and help them retain information. It also provides instructors with the ability to further create class discussion and student-to-student interaction.

What benefits and or challenges are associated with gaming in the classroom? Computer Based learning is how computer programs are used as a toll to deliver learning material (Roblyer & Hughes 2018). Game-based learning is used to accomplish a specific learning outcome. Game-based learning is considered an effective way to bring about behavioral changes since learners learn by doing and up-skilling themselves (Hurix Digital, 2021). Gaming can be constructive in the classroom. Various games have been created with the intention to decrease language barriers and increase learning in second language learners, increase social skills, and intensify problem-solving skills. Gaming can improve productivity and critical thinking, but we should not discount the skill of being able to research a particular subject. Research develops attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving skills.   Do you have any strategies that you use to make gaming productive?   Gaming in my class...

 Data Collection Data collection plays a huge role in education. As stated in Roblyer & Hughes (2019), data collection and analysis tools are heavily relied upon to collect, process, analyze, and visualize various datasets. As teachers, we gather data for assessment and instructional purposes as well as local and state divisions. Districts are implementing various forms of technology that help to collect data so that it is readily available to enhance learning in the classroom. Robyler & Hughes (2019) goes on to mention that with the pandemic, teachers have been exposed to different apps and technology that they can use to implement in collecting data. Moreover, the article explains that when selecting technology, teachers should be aware of how the technology is going to be used and what they expect to get from it (Nieves 2021). In many cases, technology can be tailored to the needs of the organization that will be using it. My district has implemented a system that tracks...

Balancing a standards-based curriculum that caters to the individual needs of students requires teachers to do their homework. Initially, teachers should collect performance and content standards which is what students should come to you knowing in comparison to what they will be expected to learn. This process includes teachers needing to plan by going through each lesson piece to ensure understanding and planning the best approach for student understanding that doesn’t sacrifice rigor or standards. However, some roadblocks can occur. Teachers need data that shows what each student has mastered and what areas they struggle with. Using various computer programs can help to bridge the gaps in students who may be at different levels of learning. (Roblyer & Hughes 2019) define these programs as personalized learning systems. These personalized learning systems give teachers critical information that allows them to fill the gap between receiving the student performance data and being a...

 Hi!  I am David Sayles, Jr. I was born in Richland, Ms, and currently reside in Dallas, Tx.  I am a second-year educator. I currently serve 7th Grade English students. I received my bachelor's degree from Jackson State University in Industrial Technology. I love tech and prefer Apple products. I currently use various forms of technology in the classroom. Students have Chromebooks which make it easy to use Google Classroom and other Google platforms to diversify the setting.