Low Tech Ideas
Appropriate Technology
Our Instructional Technology Center (ITC) offers a wide range of technologies. Fellows have full access to the facility that offers iPad check out, digital video assistance, computer labs and a host of other digital technologies. Our ITC also offers non-digital technologies, such as a die cut letter machine (the device that cuts block letters out to put on bulletin boards), laminating service, duplication and document binding. Given that some of our Fellows for 2013 were coming from resource challenged schools, we wanted to make available some low-tech options as well. During our first workshop we toured the facility to look at all of the options.
We demonstrated the self-service die cut machine and pointed out the other services such as binding and lamination. During the next six weeks Fellows could be found in the ITC cutting out letters to take back with them to us on their bulletin boards. We suggested they laminate the letters so that they could have multiple sets that could be reused. Several Fellows took advantage of this.
We also demonstrated the technique of creating handouts and worksheets in a word processing program, and then laminating them so that students can write on them with dry erase markers or grease pencils. Students used images from the Internet and a color printer to build worksheets. The laminated sheets can be used, wiped clean, and reused. This proved to be a popular idea. As recently as week 5 Fellows were picking up laminated worksheets. As one Fellow from Ecuador told me: “I plan on using these forever.” Hopefully not, but still, in areas where resources are difficult to obtain and use, this seemingly old technique proved quite valuable to many.
We recommend doing this early in the time on campus so that there is time to mail heavy paper based packages home.
We demonstrated the self-service die cut machine and pointed out the other services such as binding and lamination. During the next six weeks Fellows could be found in the ITC cutting out letters to take back with them to us on their bulletin boards. We suggested they laminate the letters so that they could have multiple sets that could be reused. Several Fellows took advantage of this.
We also demonstrated the technique of creating handouts and worksheets in a word processing program, and then laminating them so that students can write on them with dry erase markers or grease pencils. Students used images from the Internet and a color printer to build worksheets. The laminated sheets can be used, wiped clean, and reused. This proved to be a popular idea. As recently as week 5 Fellows were picking up laminated worksheets. As one Fellow from Ecuador told me: “I plan on using these forever.” Hopefully not, but still, in areas where resources are difficult to obtain and use, this seemingly old technique proved quite valuable to many.
We recommend doing this early in the time on campus so that there is time to mail heavy paper based packages home.
Link Shrinkers
Another low-tech tool was the use of the link shrinkers http://tinyurl.com and http://bitly.com. Because Fellows often copy URLs and paste them into lesson plans to print and distribute to their students, they often end up with long, difficult URLs. Link shrinkers create a permanent alias in an easy to type short link out of long complicated links. This one simple, often over looked tool, can make an enormous difference in the implementation of the Internet in the classroom.
Strategies as Technology
We define technology broadly, back to its Greek root Techne. We understand that technology can be something that has a physical presence, or something that plugs in, as it is often defined, but that it can also be an advancement in thought. Strategies were introduced to the Fellow during the pedagogy workshop. Using video demonstrations, handouts, and activities, a series of low technology tools were introduced:
- The Stoplight Method--an End-of-Lesson-Assessment. Demonstrated on the Teaching Channel video system:
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/daily-lesson-assessment?fd=1 - "My Favorite No," a formative assessment lesson opener. Demonstrated on the Teaching Channel video system:
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/class-warm-up-routine?fd=1 - The Peer Assessment Ladder of Support, a grid to guide helpful peer feedback. Paired with Teaching Channel video peer support example:
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/peer-teaching--2?fd=1 - Stopwatch Classroom Pacing. Demonstrate on Teaching Channel:
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/effectively-manage-instruction-time