Tag Archives: student involvement

Using Technology to Get Ahead

Did you know technology is a top priority for students and is one of the main factors they consider when choosing their college?

In the past year alone, there has been a significant increase in the amount of students who say they use technology on a daily basis-a 12% increase to be exact. The younger generation is better connected than ever, and the development of new, innovative products is only going to grow.  Not only is the use of technology in the classroom a great way to enhance learning, but it also provides students with essential skills they will need for the competitive job market they will be facing after they graduate. Here are some reasons (directly from students!) that you should integrate technology into your classroom:

  • It provides them with the opportunity to take the lead on projects and makes them accountable
  • Better engages them in the learning process, helping them retain the material
  • Allows them to better access their notes and classroom materials when using web-based programs

Out next few blogs will incorporate new ideas of ways you can integrate technology in your classroom utilizing tools available at your fingertips. So be sure to be on the lookout for these tips and tricks, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like assistance on incorporating these tools in your classroom!

Get on-board the Twitter train

When Twitter first came out, some people loved it and some loved to not like it. Is it necessary to be so infatuated with a person that you want to know their every thought? Well, Twitter has evolved to something beyond reading about how celebrities feel about last night’s episode of The Bachelor. Twitter is being used by professors at universities all over the world, and is really proving itself to be an effective communication tool.

With its free cost and growing popularity, Twitter can be used by professors to communicate with students and promote more involvement and interaction with class material. Make announcements, brainstorm topics, share websites and information, or follow current events and leaders across the world.

In addition, apps can be used in conjunction with Twitter to facilitate communication between group projects, poll others for feedback, keep notes and tweets together, and much more. Twitter boasts a variety of tools, apps, and opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Check out the links below for more tips on how to integrate Twitter into your classes.

http://academhack.outsidethetext.com/home/2008/twitter-for-academia/

http://www.suite101.com/content/using-twitter-for-educational-purposes-a287131

http://bestonlineuniversities.com/2009/13-enlightening-case-studies-of-social-media-in-the-classroom/