OutSome of the web 2.0 tools that I viewed were twitter, symbaloo, popplet, flipgrid, AWW whiteboard, and outliner. These are tools that I either started to explore or have never used before and have tried them for the first time. I have used Popplet in a previous class and revisited the tool because it was listed on the Bloomin apps page. This tool would benefit my students when it comes to comparing terms in science or social studies or comparing books. This tool would foster collaboration and critical thinking when responding to different text, share ideas about alternate endings. Making it public would allow students to edit and add to it, but by making it public, you risk outsiders adding to it. For older students, you can invite them using an email. For my students, they are too young to have an email account.
Symbaloo is a sight that I started to develop and never used it. Students would be able to save websites and easily visit them on this site. This tool would be a great way to keep all of the sites you use in your classroom in one area for your students to access. The link can also easily be shared with parents, students, and other teachers. This can foster collaboration, but no critical thinking. Just a sight that houses other sites in one area for students to locate. AWW whiteboard was another app I checked out and I was not a fan personally. First off, too many adds, which I do not like to student use. You can draw and create designs on a blank white page, or add a photo into the background, and type and doodle onto the page. It was difficult to place the picture in the proper place. Students could share the board and collaborate on it, but I did not find it very useful.
Flipgrid has become something that I have recently become interested in. I have started posting videos on Flipgrid for students to view and respond to. One recent one that students completed was an interview with their parents about inherited traits and learned behaviors. I had students interview their parents about what traits were inherited from them and what was learned from them. This fosters collaboration and creativity. Students are able to respond to other classmates videos after viewing them. Students have also created posters and projects at school and used Flipgrid to share their experiences and newly acquired skills. This is a great tool for so that parents can view what students are doing in school. The one problem I ran into is if the students are under 13, they must complete a contract that parents need to sign. Outliner I thought was a valuable note taking tool. Students can collaborate on note taking while reviewing online resources such as power points, articles, and videos. I can personally see it working best for me in science and social studies. You can have students take sections of the notes, and create a certain part, having each students responsible for a different section.
Many teachers do not use the BYOT options. There are several reasons why teachers do not agree with BYOT. For one, teachers feel that they are responsible for the devices that the students bring to school. Another reason is that teachers do not feel that students will be responsible enough to access what is required of them, and not use their devices inappropriately.
Teachers of younger students know their students do not have their own devices and do not try to ask parents to supply any. Students and parents sign contracts before bringing their devices to class. All devices are kept together in a basket until needing them for an activity or assignment. Students are not permitted to use devices that they keep on their person. If they choose to use their device during school hours, the teacher must have the student’s device in their possession.
Trying to make other teachers aware of the benefits of BYOT is a personal goal of mine and of my administration team as well. One main reason is the cost of technology. Our district does not have money to spend one technology devices for all students, and I believe that this is the next best idea. Having students bring in their own devices will help teachers use technology lessons in their classrooms. Teachers can create WebQuests and have students complete them in a smaller ratio than our current situation. Sharing how to manage the classroom using BYOT, and making sure students are using them appropriately, will be a focus of mine.
Troubleshooting has not been an issue of mine this school year. I have learned that some websites are approved for teachers and not approved for students to access. I had to make some adjustments during these activities, but it did not set me back on the lesson. I showed students the websites on the board and students were still able to complete the activity. From the beginning to the school year, contracts were given to students and parents, and rules were set on how to use student devices. Based on my current experience, only two students lost their BYOD privileges in 5th grade due to inappropriate use on the school bus. Because of their situations, administrators told students they were not allowed to have them in school anymore. I have not had any classroom issues.
Rogers, D. (n.d.). BYOD in Schools: A Beginner's Guide. Retrieved from
https://www.schoology.com/blog/byod-in-schools-a-beginners-guide
Kiger, D., & Herro, D. (2015). Bring your own device: Parental Guidance (PG) suggested.
TechTrends, 59(5), 51-61.