Here's how you can boost student learning outcomes with educational technology tools and resources.

I use tech as a tool. I use it to introduce topics, I use it for practice, for daily schedule and for fun. For example; in the morning, from 8-8:30am as students arrive, they are encouraged to check-in with their bodies (bathroon, energy, etc) and their "school tools" (pencils sharpened, have an eraser, HW out, etc). Once this is taken care of, we use the SmartBoard to "warm-up our brains". They love to do "Wordle" (one of the NY Times games, "Globle" (where students guess a country on the globe - we have a world map in class to assist) and "ClassroomScreen" or "Kahoot" has pre-made activities & games they can do. Like it or not, technology devices, programs and media are here to stay. Make it useful to you, relevant for students, and fun!

Customized learning is a powerful approach to boost student learning outcomes with educational technology tools. By leveraging adaptive software and personalized lesson plans, teachers can cater to individual students' needs, ensuring no one falls behind. This tailored approach acknowledges students' unique strengths and challenges, maximizing their potential for academic growth. Custom learning fosters engagement, motivation, and a deeper understanding of the material, ultimately leading to improved student performance and overall learning effectiveness. With the help of technology, teachers can create a learning environment that supports each student's journey towards success.

Small class sizes is still the best way to personalize learning, and tech can be very helpful no matter the class size. Several curriculum programs include an online aspect these days. I make a point to check-in with students each week, but the tech programs help by providing information (on any subject), based on their performance and helps to discuss and how to help them grow/improve and discuss with parents, factual information about how their child is performing and improving. Deciding which programs to use can be challenging based on needs (class, school, district), cost of the programs, and what data will the program provide to students, teachers, parents, school, district.

Encourage collaboration using tools like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams. These platforms facilitate group projects, discussions, and peer feedback, promoting teamwork and communication skills among students.

This is an area that I believe has some of the biggest impact and can be the most fun for the educator. Assessment aids do not have to be boring. Gamification can really help reach that valuable cognitive load. Educating yourself on the tech required for this will really unlock your creativity and help gather the necessary data to adjust your pathway forward.

I like using a variety of assessment tools. Technology can provide factual data and that is extremely helpful, especially around report card time. I also encourage creative assessments. If a student can demonstrate they have learned the information and then share it in a creative way, such as share verbally what they have learned in a presentation with slides, or a song/poem/rap. Display their learning in a poster or diagram. I give these options when appropriate to demonstrate what they have learned.

educational technology offers a wealth of interactive and multimedia tools that can transform traditional lessons into dynamic and immersive experiences. Start by incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and simulations that bring abstract concepts to life. Visual and auditory stimuli enhance retention and comprehension, catering to diverse learning styles and keeping students actively engaged in the learning process. Utilize educational games and quizzes that challenge students while reinforcing key concepts. By incorporating elements of competition, collaboration, and immediate feedback, gamified activities motivate students to participate actively and strive for improvement.

The best thing that has happened thanks to technology is that it has helped us take learning beyond the classroom. Interactive Softwares that allow teachers to design and assign creative and fun tasks to students which they can access at home or anywhere beyond the classroom are such a boon. A student who requires more practice can engage beyond class hours. And a student who wants to explore further also gets the much needed guidance and opportunity without limitation of school hours. An enhanced learning experience where the learners get to actively take learning in their own hands, guided by teacher and well supported by tech is where learning outcomes are achieved