{"id":2901,"date":"2015-09-21T11:40:34","date_gmt":"2015-09-21T16:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stgwww.capella.edu\/blogs\/cublog\/?p=2901"},"modified":"2017-02-13T10:05:34","modified_gmt":"2017-02-13T16:05:34","slug":"how-k-12-teachers-are-incorporating-technology-in-the-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stgwww.capella.edu\/blogs\/cublog\/how-k-12-teachers-are-incorporating-technology-in-the-classroom\/","title":{"rendered":"In the Field: How K-12 Teachers Are Using Technology in the Classroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

The use of technology in K-12 classrooms is on the rise. In a 2015 survey<\/a> of 400 teachers, 53% indicated they were currently using blended learning\u2014a mix of online learning and classroom instruction.<\/p>\n

Capella University asked educators in various school districts how they were using technology in their classrooms. The answers depended heavily on budgets, locations, and the grade level each teacher represented. Some spoke of 1:1 ratios; others provided broader examples of its use.<\/p>\n

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How Do You Use Technology in the Classroom?<\/h4>\n

\u201cMy school has a 1:1 iPad ratio<\/strong>, meaning every student has one. This has allowed me to do research projects and other activities more effectively. Whether it is math, reading, writing, or another topic, there is an application that I can use to incorporate into my lessons. These applications are usually very engaging for most of my students and they are able to figure out the technology within minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cA teacher has to be attentive to what each student is doing so that [they] are not getting distracted by things that do not pertain to the lesson. [But] overall, I would say that iPads have made lesson planning easier and make long-term planning easier as well. You can sync the devices with a <\/em>SMART board<\/em><\/a><\/strong> to make a presentation, create videos, etc. They have allowed me to be more creative and innovative with how I plan my lessons.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Danny, Elementary Teacher, Minnesota<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe have a <\/em>SMART board<\/em><\/strong><\/a> that we use all day long. My classroom has two iPads that can be used during language arts, math, and free choices \u2013 there are many good learning and creative apps.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Sara, Kindergarten Teacher, Minnesota<\/p>\n

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\u201cOur kids regularly use <\/em>Google Docs<\/em><\/strong><\/a> \u2013 a wonderful tool for writing. Students can collaborate on writing and share their documents with each other for peer edits. This is also how they submit their written work to me. Google Docs works as a portfolio, of sorts, for the students. There are many interactive websites for kids to make learning \u2018fun\u2019 \u2013 virtual tours of historic places, \u2018build your own castle\u2019 and virtual science labs.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Alan, Middle School Teacher, Wisconsin<\/p>\n

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\u201cI have a computer, iPad, and television<\/strong> that all connect to my TV and computers in the library. I can introduce new vocabulary and show pictures. My students are English Language Learners \u2013 pictures are the key to helping them the most. Learning should be fun and engaging, and technology helps me do this.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Reba, ELL Elementary Teacher, South Korea<\/p>\n

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\u201cIn my classroom, we use laptops and a <\/em>SMART board<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. The laptops are a great tool to help measure the student\u2019s academic performance in math, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and science. The <\/em>SMART board<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is able to display pictures, videos, and audio clips, while also allowing the students to manipulate the information and search for answers. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTechnology keeps the students on task, motivated, and engaged. It\u2019s an excellent learning tool for all students. My students love it, and so do I.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Lorraine, Special Education Teacher, Virginia<\/p>\n

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Classroom Technology is a Growing Trend<\/h4>\n

Technology helps students better access information and prepare for a digital world, and there are many online resources<\/a> to help teachers set up 1:1 or blended learning classrooms for ongoing success.<\/p>\n

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Capella offers advanced degrees in education technology to prepare K-12 educators to integrate digital techniques into instructional plans. Learn more about:<\/em><\/p>\n