What Comes First: the Curriculum or the Technology?

It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when handing a student a calculator to work through algebraic equations caused many teachers and parents great consternation. It makes you wonder what type of pushback the creators of the abacus faced! In both cases, while the tools students were using may have been more advanced than previous generations’, the goal remained the same – to enhance classroom learning. But before moving forward with technology integration, every school must first have a great, robust and adaptable academic curriculum. Photo via Flickr Creative Commons by Brad Flickinger A Few Questions to Consider We live in an era where schools are praised simply for putting iPads in the hands of their students. Regardless of the technology, what’s the most important lesson for students to learn? Think Curriculum Enhancements, Not Technology Implementations 1) Learn How Students Are Using Technology at Home 2) Don’t Use Technology for the Sake of Using Technology In Short

Student Engagement with Blended Learning: 9 Unique Ideas There are many different ways to engage students, and one of those ways is through blended learning options. By using blended learning ideas in the classroom, students often learn more easily because they are interested in the activities and the knowledge. Presenting information to students the right way can be the key to seeing them develop a higher level of interest for anything they need to learn. Here are nine ways to achieve meaningful student engagement with blended learning. Help Students See the Relevance of the Work When students don’t see the point of what they are asked to do, they are far less likely to do it. Collaborate and Problem-Solve During Class Meetings Because blended learning incorporates face-to-face and online learning options, students have an opportunity to do things on their own and also to work with their instructor and the other students in the class. Mobile Learning Tools Should Always be Available Avoid “Busy Work” by Meeting Individual Student Needs