Classroom technology integration into the English Language Arts (ELA) classroom can be a game-changer. It not only engages students but also offers a plethora of benefits, making your teaching more effective and enjoyable. But not every tool, no matter how awesome it sounds, is right for YOUR classroom. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the advantages of using technology- specifically Educational Technology websites like IXL or NewsELA in your ELA classroom and provide practical strategies for seamless implementation.
Engagement at Its Best
One of the key advantages of integrating technology into the ELA classroom is its ability to captivate students’ attention. You’ve likely observed how students are naturally drawn to screens and gadgets. Educational technology leverages this attraction by infusing fun and interactivity into learning. It’s like having a secret ally to keep students engaged, and as a teacher, that’s one less battle to fight! You don’t have to feel like you’re putting on a show to keep students engaged, because the learning platform has (hopefully) already done that for you. Educational websites can also serve as a sort of “brain break” when you need some down time from instruction, and students just need a chill day that also includes practicing very necessary skills. I needed tools at the ready when I was feeling burnt out from all the teaching and mom-ing things.
Breaking Monotony with Variety
On that note- we know that ELA can sometimes feel like a series of grammar drills and writing exercises, which can become monotonous. Classroom technology integration can be a breath of fresh air, offering a diverse range of resources and activities. It breaks up the routine and makes learning grammar or writing more exciting. Technology platforms that are more streamlined & cohesive can also help concepts actually “stick” better for students. Giving students this guided freedom with technology gives them more “buy-in” to the content as well.
Instant Feedback for Effective Teaching
In the digital age, feedback is just a click away. Educational technology provides teachers with timely, relevant, and actionable feedback. This feedback is invaluable for refining your teaching methods and guiding future lessons. It allows you to see precisely where students might be struggling and adapt your instruction accordingly. I have used ed tech platforms that have made my teaching so much easier, and I have used platforms that my school paid for that made teaching a concept harder because the data it provided was minimal, and incredibly hard to find.
Just because something is online does not make it inherently better. My district spent thousands of dollars on standardized test prep materials both with paper books and online practice platforms. The content was the same, but the book was so much easier because I could let students practice for 10 minutes, grade as a class, and get quick feedback from them by raising hands (I know this isn’t always the best way to collect data but for my students, their specific needs and the content- it worked for us). The same content on the company’s online platform was incredibly hard for students to navigate, the suggested skills just weren’t aligned with similar tests I assigned on the platform- it was just a time-sucking mess.
Building Responsible Learners
Classroom technology integration also imparts a sense of responsibility to students. They feel trusted to use technology for their education. This trust fosters a positive teacher-student relationship, where students take ownership of their learning journey. Little things like this with students go a long way. I was lucky enough to have the GoGuardian capabilities at my school which helped me keep students on task. If your school doesn’t invest in that software, circulating the room is also a way to help build responsible learners of all ages.
Enhanced Learning Outcomes
With technology, you can quickly identify areas where your students need more support. My favorite educational technology platforms have allowed me to pinpoint the specific writing skills my students struggle with, all without drowning in a sea of papers. I use these platforms to assign targeted skills homework and follow up with whole-class discussions and individual check-ins. The result? Improved learning outcomes and a more efficient teaching process. Woo! I love saving time and not taking home 180+ papers!
Technology Implementation Strategies
1. Define Your Goals for using educational websites in your eLA classroom
Begin by clarifying your goals for using technology. Do you want to assess writing skills, provide skills practice, or align a game with your curriculum? Knowing your objectives will help you choose the right tools and activities. Otherwise, using a tool without an end goal can often waste your time.
2. Consider Data Insights and how it will inform your teaching
Think about how the data generated by technology can inform your teaching. Use this information to tailor your instruction and support each student’s unique needs. Is the platform easy to learn or will you spend more time learning the platform than what the data and content is worth?
3. Teach Tech Skills to your ELA students
Don’t assume that students know how to navigate every platform. Teach them how to use the technology effectively. Remember, introducing new platforms may take more time than expected. We think our kids know all the things about technology- but students still need to be set up for success. This rings especially true for your students who want to do every single thing correctly all the time.
4. Choose the Right Moment to use ELA Tools
Decide when to integrate technology into your lessons. Plan which day and how it fits into your unit’s sequence. Consider having warm-up activities before students dive into online learning. This can remind them of how to use the platform, or to see what they already know about a topic.
5. Evaluate Classroom Technology and Adapt
After a few uses, assess how well the technology is working for your classroom. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on feedback and observations. If it doesn’t work, don’t feel bad about abandoning the tool. Remember- technology is supposed to help us work smarter, not harder!
Managing Classroom Technology Integration
Set Expectations for student use of classroom technology Early
Before students start working with technology, discuss your expectations for responsible use. Make your guidelines clear to ensure a productive and respectful learning environment. Warm expectations always serve as reminders that you are holding your students to high standards- and that you know they can meet those standards.
Facilitate use of technology, Don’t Dictate
As students use technology, your role shifts to that of a facilitator. Circulate the room, ensuring everyone is on track. Consider what early finishers will do and whether screen surveillance tools might help manage behavior. Use time that students are working to review data, and course-correct your instruction and who you help, if needed.
Prepare for Hiccups when using new educational technology in your classroom
When introducing new technology, anticipate challenges. Familiarize yourself with the technology beforehand, let students know you’re learning together, and have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected.
Classroom technology integration into the ELA classroom can be a transformative experience. Embrace the opportunities it offers, and you’ll discover new avenues for engaging your students and fostering their love for learning. With thoughtful planning and the right mindset, technology can become an indispensable ally in your teaching journey.
I’m So Glad You’re Here,
Kameo
