How are preservice teachers using technology in the classroom?

I just finished reading literacy practicum teachers' final lesson plans and reflections from this semester, and the many ways they used technology overwhelmed me with joy! These preservice teachers used over 50 technology tools, apps, and websites with children in grades K-5. They used the iPad we required them to get as a teaching tool in ways that empowered their students to use them as a learning tool. Students used iPads, iPods, laptops, and desk tops to create projects across the curriculum: e-books, online research, graphic organizers, formative assessment, poetry videos, vocabulary 4 squares, augmented reality vocabulary videos, and visual demonstrations of learning.

Here are the tech tools they used and recommend. How many of them do you use?

Popplet                  Plickers                 PebbleGo            Prezi                TradingCards
KidBlog                Venn Diagram       AirPlay               YouTube         ReadWriteThink
YouTube               Educreations         Inspiration           ebrainstorm     Google Speech
Storybird               PiktoChart             Kahoot                TeacherTube   StoryboardThat
ShowMe               Google Docs          SeeSaw                email               TouchCast
PuppetEdu            Storyjumper           jump codes          Aurasma          ChatterPix
Google Earth        PowerPoint            Apple TV             Elmo                Kahoot
Wonders               Stopwatch              Calculator            QR Codes        CNN St News
PebbleGo             Dragon Dictation    Haiku Deck          Socrative         GglSafeSearch
Socrative              Symbaloo               Khan Academy     Little Writer    GoNoodle
Quizlet                 ClassroomClipart   Classroom Dojo    ClassManager  EPIC!            

These preservice teachers noted how much they learned this semester about integrating technology in teaching. Here are a few comments that reflect those stated by many:

"I believe it is important for students to know how to use technology because it enables different ways of thinking and learning. For example, it allows for different types of media. For some students, they have complex and detailed ideas in their head, but struggle to find the right words to explain them. Technology allows for incorporation of pictures, video clips, and voice memos. It provides alternative ways of expression and understanding." Julianne,Grade 1

"The students were empowered to use a new piece of technology, the iPad, that they had previously only used for games and not in a classroom setting...This was empowering because the students were able to create their own Venn diagram and other graphic organizers for the first time and in a new and creative way. The students had limited experience with graphic organizers so this review was good scaffolding and helped them learn how to create an extremely helpful text comprehension tool."  Ben, Kindergarten

"It is important for teachers to experiment with the technology before introducing it to the students.  My CT and I made a demonstration video, and had it not been for this, I would have struggled implementing it for the students.  Additionally, we must be flexible when using technology because there is always the possibility for glitches or problems with it.  I also learned that you have to take risks with technology; it may not always work out, but the possible benefits technology has to offer is worth the risk.  It engages students and creates excitement about learning.  I have found that when technology is utilized efficiently, it is a powerful tool that enables rich learning to occur." Julianne, Grade 1

"Students surprise me with how much they know and can do with technology. They love when I bring my iPad or computer out and love using it. This lesson empowered students because it showed them a different way to take notes. We didn’t have to write our notes down but I wanted to, in order to save time for when they recorded their voices. That way they already knew what they were going to say." Morgan, Grade 4

"This class was really helpful to me as a future educator...I used technology to record student’s work or learning and also used it to help them research topics and during math. My favorite way that I was able to incorporate technology was during shared reading. Although it took a lot longer to prepare than other lessons, I was able to use the Show Me app to take pictures of the story we were reading and write down the questions from that page and project it for them to see. This helped keep the students on the right page and it gave them the opportunity to see what questions they should be thinking about before I asked the questions, this way everyone was prepared and given the opportunity to answer a question if I called on them. The most important thing that I learned from this course was not to underestimate what students at a young age are capable of doing. I was very hesitant to get students who are 6 and 7 years old the opportunity to have their own laptop or hold my iPad but they definitely knew a lot more than I thought." Jade, Grade 1

These preservice teachers and their cooperating teachers took risks together and their students benefited. All learned from each other! I can hardly wait to see how these teachers will integrate technology across the curriculum next year, and how you will use it with your students!