Technology-based Instruction with Advanced Assessments

Technology-based instruction along with advanced evaluation techniques are two interesting ideas I would apply in my classroom to enhance learning. Adding technology to a lesson will promote active and engaged learners through visually stimulating activities. I would choose the best technology activity for each lesson that matches the curriculum standard. For example, Excel could be used to create a pie chart to illustrate recorded data in a science activity. I would also put the lesson into practice by using technology as a tool to expand the lesson’s objective. Technology should be implemented in the classroom to help students grasp the concepts they are learning not for just for the sake of using technology. Students still need to learn to listen and take notes for the initial information. Technology can be used to take the students to another level of active learning as well as support the teacher. I would use technology to evaluate student’s knowledge by replacing paper and pencil assessments. Ideally I would like do away with standardized tests and assess students learning in other, more creative ways. The minute you say test students cringe and often times their learning isn’t accurately reflected due to anxiety. I would like to incorporate as many technologies as possible to make test taking enjoyable instead of dreaded. To do this, I would choose a technology that best fits each unit assessment. I want to make my classroom unique through the use of technology such as lasers, Christmas lights, stereo, LCD projector, PowerPoint, etc. For example, I would use PowerPoint as opposed to the typical paper and pencil tests student are accustomed to. Hopefully, by providing a different mode of assessing, student’s test anxiety will be reduced. For all of us “going green” individuals, it has the added benefit of being a nearly paperless test. I believe technology will help me achieve my goal of removing standardized tests from my science curriculum.