technology class assignments

• Health Science
• Business Education
• Computer Applications
• Career Readiness
• Teaching Strategies

«  View All Posts

Digital Citizenship | Google Apps | Coding and Programming | Technology Curriculum | Microsoft Office | Middle School | Lesson Plans | Digital Literacy

Middle School Technology Lesson Plans: Where to Find Them

• Share This Article

September 20th, 2022 | 8 min. read

Brad Hummel

Coming from a family of educators, Brad knows both the joys and challenges of teaching well. Through his own teaching background, he’s experienced both firsthand. As a writer for iCEV, Brad’s goal is to help teachers empower their students by listening to educators’ concerns and creating content that answers their most pressing questions about career and technical education.

Print/Save as PDF

If you’re a new middle school computer applications teacher, you’re facing many choices for technology lesson plans for your students. Making the right choices for your classroom can seem overwhelming since learning basic computer and technology skills will set them up for later success.

Thankfully, finding the right resources isn’t as difficult as you might think. Four of the most popular topics taught in middle school technology classes are:

• Website Creation and Beginner Coding Lessons
• Digital Citizenship Lessons
• Google Suite Lessons
• Microsoft Office Lessons

In this article, you’ll find an example resource for each topic and where to find additional lesson plans so you can choose the most appropriate materials for your program.

1. Website Creation and Beginner Coding Lessons

Example: TechnoKids Intermediate Resources

An excellent resource for middle school technology lesson plans in coding and website creation comes from TechnoKids. TechnoKids publishes K-12 curriculum to help students understand key technology and computer science concepts.

While TechnoKids offers several different lesson options, middle school teachers will find their Intermediate resources the most appropriate for their students. Designed for learners in grades 6-9, the resources assist students in learning some of the most popular topics within a middle school technology class.

These materials are available individually or as an intermediate-level collection. The TechnoKids Intermediate lesson plan options include:

• Website Creation
• Entrepreneurship
• Personal Finance

One strength of the TechnoKids lessons is that it makes complex computer coding simple and accessible for students, so it’s great for middle schoolers who are just starting to learn these skills.

How Much Do These Technology Lesson Plans Cost, and Who Are They For?

If you only want a single TechnoKids project to use in your classroom, you’ll pay $40. You can also buy the entire Intermediate Curriculum Collection for $295, which includes access to more than a dozen projects.

TechnoKids is an excellent fit for instructors who want to emphasize computer coding and website creation since the resources make learning these skills accessible to younger learners.

Teachers who don’t think they’ll use all the materials in the collection may want to focus on one or two projects or look for a set of lesson plans that’s a better fit.

Related Resources to Teach Coding

• 5 Top Middle School Technology Curriculum Options
• Top 5 Free Middle School Computer Science Resources to Teach Coding

2. Digital Citizenship Lessons

Example: Common Sense Education

Technology teachers often look for lesson plans to teach digital citizenship and literacy skills. Addressing these topics in a middle school classroom is critical to ensuring students can safely, responsibly, and respectfully use technology going forward.

Common Sense Education is a nonprofit organization that helps students and families understand and responsibly use media. Their Digital Citizenship resources provide ready-to-teach lessons for K-12 teachers that were developed in partnership with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

The Common Sense digital citizenship lessons are divided into six categories:

• Media Balance and Well-Being
• Privacy and Security
• Digital Footprint and Identity
• Relationships and Communication
• Cyberbullying , Digital Drama, and Hate Speech
• News and Media Literacy

You’ll find a lesson for grades 6, 7, and 8 for 18 middle school digital citizenship lessons for each of these topics. You’ll also find take-home resources to share with families.

As a nonprofit organization, Common Sense Education provides its lesson plans for free.

You could easily supplement your existing materials with these resources if you cover one or more of the lesson categories in your technology classes.

However, consider additional materials to build a complete technology curriculum if you're covering these areas in more depth.

Related Resources to Teach Digital Citizenship

• What Is Internet Safety and Why Is It Important to Teach?
• 4 Best Digital Citizenship Lesson Plans for Middle School
• Top 4 Digital Citizenship Activities for Middle School
• The 5 Best Cyberbullying Resources for Middle School  

3. Google Suite Lessons

Example: Google Drive Bundle from Gavin Middleton

Because they’re easy to use and allow for quick, web-based collaboration, more and more teachers include the Google suite of applications in their middle school technology lesson plans. One example of a quality Google lesson plans provider is Gavin Middleton.

Gavin Middleton is a notable computer applications resource provider on Teachers Pay Teachers, the marketplace where instructors can buy, sell, and share classroom resources.

His Google Drive Bundle is a set of resources designed to help teach the Google Suite of applications for students in grades 6 and up.

These lesson plans cover all of the fundamentals of using Google applications, including:

• Files, Folders, and Sharing within Google Drive
• Google Docs
• Google Slides
• Google Sheets
• Google Drawings
• Google Forms
• Updates and Add-ons in Drive

When you use each lesson plan, you’ll be able to give your students a working knowledge of applications they’ll use for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and file sharing.

Gavin Middleton’s lesson plan bundle costs $19.95, a 40 percent savings over purchasing each of the resources individually.

If you cover the Google Suite in your technology lessons, there’s a high chance you’ll benefit from these materials. Considering the bundle contains over 500 pages of content, you’ll be able to teach many classes using just these resources.

Related Resources to Teach Google Apps

• How to Teach Google Docs in Middle School  
• Top 3 Google Docs Lessons for Middle School
• 3 Best Lesson Plans for Teaching Google Sheets in Your Middle School Classroom  
• 3 Places to Find Google Sheets Activities for Middle School Students
• Top 3 Google Slides Lesson Plans & How to Use Them

4. Microsoft Office Lessons

Example: Microsoft Office Mega Bundle from TechCheck Lessons

Microsoft Office lessons remain popular in many middle school technology classrooms because they introduce students to a suite of productivity tools they can use throughout their careers. A solid place to start is with TechCheck Lessons, another reputable seller offering lesson plans through Teachers Pay Teachers.

Designed for grades 7-11, TechCheck’s Microsoft Office Mega Bundle includes an incredible 856 pages of resources.

The bundle includes an extensive amount of Microsoft Office lesson plans and activities:

• 33 Word lessons
• 35 PowerPoint lessons
• 20 Excel lessons
• 9 Outlook activities

In the bundle, you’ll also receive other lesson plans to teach your students essential computer skills like keyboarding and digital citizenship.

The TechCheck Microsoft Office Mega Bundle is available for $45. With 856 pages of content, you should be able to teach an entire course on these computer applications. On the other hand, if you need just a few lessons on a specific Microsoft Office topic, you can purchase individual units from within the TechCheck Bundle.

These lesson plans are of great value for a teacher focusing on the Microsoft Office application suite and provide a wealth of content you can incorporate into your middle school technology classes.

Related Resources to Teach Microsoft Office

• 3 Top Places to Find Excel Lesson Plans for Middle School
• How to Teach Microsoft Word for Middle School
• The 4 Best PowerPoint Lesson Plans for Middle School
• 4 Best Microsoft Office Curriculum Resources for Middle and High School

Meet Your Technology Lesson Plan Needs with a Comprehensive Curriculum

Covering technology topics in a middle school classroom can often feel overwhelming. Whether you’re covering digital literacy or computer coding, you must give your students appropriate resources to help them learn and grow.

Depending on the subjects you need to cover, any of these technology lesson plans could be an excellent choice for your middle schoolers.

However, we’ve often heard from educators that students learn best when they have continuity in the learning process.

If this is true in your classroom, consider a comprehensive curriculum system, such as Business&ITCenter21 from AES. When you teach with a curriculum system, you’ll be able to cover a range of technology subject areas while providing consistency and continuity for your students.

Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom: A Guide for Educators

• January 23, 2020

Technology has done more to change school curriculum and practices than nearly anything else—and in such a short amount of time! While it can be hard to keep up with every trend in educational technology, the mindset you have when it comes to classroom tech matters just as much as which ones you use. By learning to view it as a means of enhancing your lessons and resources, you can provide your students with tools and opportunities they may not otherwise access.

So, why and how should you use technology in your classroom? Read on to discover the impact of technology in education and how to get the most from its unique benefits.

What Is the Proper Role of Technology in the Classroom?

Even with the latest and best digital technology, classrooms will not benefit unless the students and faculty understand how to use it.[15] In fact, educational technology should never be viewed as a perfect resource to teach your students everything they need to know to succeed. Instead, view it as a tool that can inform and supplement lessons, and even then, only if teachers and administrators are well trained in its use.

While technology can be an excellent resource in a classroom, it’s important to set limitations. Technology—no matter how good—should never be a substitute for face-to-face interaction with a teacher or classmates.[4] Technology is best used to augment non-digital lessons rather than the other way around. The goal when using technology should be to enhance your teaching rather than replace it.[6]

Benefits of Using Tech and Digital Media in Education

With the help of technology, you can introduce your classroom to opportunities and resources they may not otherwise be able to access.[5] In fact, this is one of the greatest ways technology has changed education. You may not be able to take your students to one of NASA’s space centers to witness a rocket launch, for example, but you can teach them all about rockets using resources on NASA’s website . Video clips, educational games, and virtual simulations are just a few examples of technology resources you can use to engage and educate in the classroom.

Plus, the vast majority of today’s careers require at least some digital skills (which include anything from complex skills like coding to simpler ones like composing and sending emails). Using tech in class can prepare students to successfully enter the workforce after graduation.[4] Even though the technology is likely to change from their early school years to the time they start their first career, teaching digital literacy in elementary school is a great way to get students started.

Why else is understanding how to use technology in the classroom important? Using technology alongside non-digital lessons can have many academic and behavioral benefits for your students, including:[2,7,11,12]

• Longer attention span
• Increased intrinsic motivation to learn
• Higher classroom participation and student engagement
• Greater academic achievement
• Stronger digital literacy

And finally, the benefits of classroom technology can expand far beyond the classroom and right into your students’ homes.[4] Rather than handing out paper worksheets, you can send your students online lessons or activities to complete at their own convenience. This practice provides better flexibility, plus the opportunity for you to provide audio or video clips alongside homework assignments. Additionally, if you have under-resourced students in your classroom, you may be able to supplement the resources available to their families by providing take-home technology.

How to Get the Most from Technology in Schools

One of the major concerns parents and educators have with classroom technology is how to limit excessive screen time. The American Association of Pediatrics suggests the following screen time recommendations by age. Keep these guidelines in mind when you teach lessons that involve screen time in your classroom:[17]

• 2–5 years old : No more than one hour of high-quality digital activities or programming
• 6 or older : Consistent limits to prevent screen time getting in the way of sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors

Whenever possible, prioritize active digital screen time over passive.[16] Active screen time, like playing an educational game or learning a new digital skill, engages a student’s mind or body in a way that involves more than observation. Passive screen time—think watching a video or listening to an online lecture—involves limited interaction or engagement with the technology. Active digital activities are more likely to help your students experience new concepts, and they encourage your class to work together during the lesson.

Although teachers at under-resourced and rural schools are less likely to use technology, any tech you have available can greatly add to the opportunities you provide your students.[13, 18] Technology can remove some of the physical or financial barriers to educational resources and experiences.[17] If you’re unable to go on a field trip, for example, you can access plenty of virtual field trips at no cost.[16] Use the technology you do have to supplement your lessons and provide students with information you may not otherwise be able to access.

And finally, use school technology to teach your students digital citizenship .[14] Broadly defined, digital citizenship is the safe, ethical, informed, and responsible use of technology.[16] It encompasses skills like internet safety, setting healthy screen time habits, and communicating with others online. Lessons that involve digital citizenship can help a student use technology responsibly well beyond their elementary school years.

6 Quick Tips for Using Technology in the Classroom

The benefits of technology in education can revolutionize your classroom, but only when used intentionally. All it takes is a little time and personal training to help you understand the ins and outs of useful classroom tech.

Keep these six strategies and ideas in mind to help you get the most out of your classroom technology:

• Always use technology or learning programs yourself before trying it with your students so you can troubleshoot any issues in advance.[9]
• Most of today’s students are digital natives and have grown up around technology for their entire life. Listen to what your students know about technology and ask them for tip. They may just teach you something new![8]
• Use digital resources (like apps, texts, or social media groups) to keep parents informed about class activities and upcoming assignments.[5]
• Prioritize active digital activities, like online learning games or interactive lessons, over passive activities (like watching a video).
• If you’re an administrator, schedule a faculty training session on how to use your school’s technology and answer any questions.[10]
• Focus your technology-based lessons on teaching your students digital citizenship , or skills that will help them thoughtfully and effectively navigate digital media.[14]
• Groff, J., and Mouza, C. A Framework for Addressing Challenges to Classroom Technology Use. AACE Journal, January 2008, 16(1), pp. 21-46.
• Levy, L.A. 7 Reasons Why Digital Literacy is Important for Teachers. Retrieved from usc.edu: https://www.rossieronline.usc.edu/blog/teacher-digital-literacy/.
• Van Dusen, L.M., and Worthen, B.R. Can Integrated Instructional Technology Transform the Classroom? Educational Leadership, October 1995, 53(2), pp. 28-33.
• Rosenberg, J. Technology in the classroom: Friend or Foe? Retrieved from huffpost.com: hhttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/technology-in-the-classro_2_b_2018558..
• Venezky, R.L. Technology in the classroom: steps toward a new vision. Education, Communication & Information, 2004, 4(1), pp. 3-21.
• Buckenmeyer, J.A. Beyond Computers In The Classroom: Factors Related To Technology Adoption To Enhance Teaching And Learning. Contemporary Issues in Education Research. April 2010, 3(4), pp. 27-36.
• Bester, G., and Brand, L. The effect of technology on learner attention and achievement in the classroom. South African Journal of Education, 2013, 33(2), pp. 1-15.
• Reissman, H. 7 smart ways to use technology in classrooms. Retrieved from ted.com: https://ideas.ted.com/7-smart-ways-to-use-technology-in-classrooms/.
• Edutopia Staff. How to Integrate Technology. Retrieved from edutopia.org: https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-implementation. Winters-Robinson, E. How Tech Can Engage Students, Simplify the School Day and Save Time for Teachers. Retrieved from edsurge.com: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-10-15-how-tech-can-engage-students-simplify-the-school-day-and-save-time-for-teachers.
• Couse, L.J., and Chen, D.W. A Tablet Computer for Young Children? Exploring its Viability for Early Childhood Education. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 2010, 43(1), pp. 75-96.
• Filer, D. Everyone’s Answering: Using Technology to Increase Classroom Participation. Nursing Education Perspectives, 2010, 31(4), pp. 247-250.
• Friedman, S. How Teachers Use Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved from thejournal.com: https://thejournal.com/articles/2019/04/15/how-teachers-use-technology-in-the-classroom.aspx.
• Mace, N. 8 Strategies to Manage the 21st Century Classroom . Retrieved from education.cu-portland.edu: https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/using-classroom-technology/.
• Keswani, B., Patni, P., and Banerjee, D. Role Of Technology In Education: A 21st Century Approach. Journal of Commerce and Instructional Technology, 2008, 8, pp.54-59.
• The Office of Educational Technology. Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education: 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update . Retrieved from tech.ed.gov: tech.ed.gov/files/2017/01/NETP17.pdf.
• Courville, K. Technology and its use in Education: Present Roles and Future Prospects. 2011 Recovery School District Technology Summit, 2011, pp. 1-19.
• Klopfer, E., Osterweil, S., Groff, J., and Haas, J. Using the technology of today, in the classroom today: the instructional power of digital games, social networking, simulations, and how teachers can leverage them . The Education Arcade, 2009, pp. 1-20.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics Announces New Recommendations for Children’s Media Use. Retrieved from aap.org: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Announces-New-Recommendations-for-Childrens-Media-Use.aspx.

More education articles

National Poetry Month: Elementary Classroom Activities & Picture Books

Every April, the literary world comes alive with rhythm and rhyme as we celebrate National Poetry Month. For elementary school teachers, this month is an

Bridging the Trust Gap in AI: Ethical Design and Product Innovation to Revolutionize Classroom Experiences

Written by Leah Dozier Walker Executive Vice President of Equity & Inclusion at Waterford.org The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds tremendous promise across the

24 Activities, Teaching Strategies, and Resources for Teaching Students with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodivergent condition that affects communication, behavior, and learning. Psychologists use the term spectrum disorder because symptoms and support needs

50 Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Awards Waterford.org a $10 Million Grant

Learning Space

Teachable Moments

Stay Connected

Edu News | January 26, 2022

24 stem lessons you can quickly deploy in the classroom.

Calling all teachers pressed for time, substitutes looking for classroom activities that don't require a lot of prep, and others hoping to keep students learning in especially chaotic times: We've got a new collection of lessons and activities that you can quickly deploy.

Read on to explore our collection of Quick and Easy STEM lessons and student activities , organized by grade band. Get everything you need to guide students through standards-aligned lessons featuring connections to real NASA missions and science as well as links to student projects, which can be led by teachers or assigned as independent activities.

Grades 9-12

Explore More

Make a Paper Mars Helicopter

In this lesson, students build a paper helicopter, then improve the design and compare and measure performance.

Subject Engineering

Time 30-60 mins

Student Project: Make a Paper Mars Helicopter

Build a paper helicopter, then see if you can improve the design like NASA engineers did when making the first helicopter for Mars.

What Tools Would You Take to Mars?

Students decide what they want to learn from a robotic mission to Mars and what tools they will put on their robot to accomplish their goals.

Subject Science

Rockets by Size

Students cut out, color and sequence paper rockets in a simple mathematics lesson on measurement.

Subject Math

Rocket Math

Students use rocket manipulatives to help them develop number sense, counting, addition and subtraction skills.

Tangram Rocket

Students use tangrams to create rockets while practicing shape recognition.

Time 1-2 hrs

Student Project: Build a Rover and More With Shapes

Use geometric shapes called tangrams to build a rover and other space-themed designs!

Time Less than 30 mins

Student Project: Build a Rocket and More With Shapes

Use geometric shapes called tangrams to build a rocket and other space-themed designs!

Mineral Mystery Experiment

Students explore the science behind an intriguing planetary feature by creating saline solutions and then observing what happens when the solutions evaporate.

Grades 2-12

Time 2 sessions of 30-60 mins

Student Project: Do a Mineral Mystery Experiment

Dissolve salts in water, then observe what happens when the water evaporates.

What Do You Know About Mars?

Students decide what they want to learn from a robotic mission to Mars.

Melting Ice Experiment

Students make predictions and observations about how ice will melt in different conditions then compare their predictions to results as they make connections to melting glaciers.

Parachute Design

Students design and test parachute landing systems to successfully land a probe on target.

Planetary Poetry

In this cross-curricular STEM and language arts lesson, students learn about planets, stars and space missions and write STEM-inspired poetry to share their knowledge of or inspiration about these topics.

Student Project: Write a Poem About Space

Are you a space poet, and you didn't even know it? Find out how to create your own poems inspired by space!

Ocean World: Earth Globe Toss Game

Students use NASA images and a hands-on activity to compare the amounts of land and surface water on our planet.

Simple Rocket Science Continued

Students gather data on a balloon rocket launch, then create a simple graph to show the results of the tests.

Spaghetti Anyone? Building with Pasta

Students use the engineering design process to build a structure to handle the greatest load and gain first-hand experience with compression and tension forces.

Student Project: Building With Spaghetti

Use spaghetti to build a tower modeled after the giant structures NASA uses to talk to spacecraft.

Simple Rocket Science

Students perform a simple science experiment to learn how a rocket works and demonstrate Newton’s third law of motion.

Soda-Straw Rockets

Students study rocket stability as they design, construct and launch paper rockets using soda straws.

Student Project: Make a Straw Rocket

Create a paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw – then, modify the design to make the rocket fly farther!

Rocket Activity: Heavy Lifting

Students construct balloon-powered rockets to launch the greatest payload possible to the classroom ceiling.

Design a Robotic Insect

Students design a robotic insect for an extraterrestrial environment, then compare the process to how NASA engineers design robots for extreme environments like Mars.

Student Project: Design a Robotic Insect

Design a robotic insect to go to an extreme environment. Then, compare the design process to what NASA engineers do when building robots for Mars!

How Far Away Is Space?

Students use measurement skills to determine the scale distance to space on a map.

Student Project: How Far Away Is Space?

Stack coins and use your measurement skills to figure out the scale distance from Earth's surface to space.

Planetary Travel Time

Students will compute the approximate travel time to planets in the solar system using different modes of transportation.

The Ring Wing Glider

In this simple engineering design lesson, students turn a piece of paper into an aircraft wing and then try to improve upon their design.

Student Project: Make a Paper Glider

Turn a piece of paper into a glider inspired by a NASA design.

How Do We See Dark Matter?

Students will make observations of two containers and identify differences in content, justify their claims and make comparisons to dark matter observations.

Grades 6-12

Let's Go to Mars! Calculating Launch Windows

Students use advanced algebra concepts to determine the next opportunity to launch a spacecraft to Mars.

Find our full collection of more than 250 STEM educator guides and student activities in Teach and Learn .

For games, articles, and more activities from NASA for kids in upper-elementary grades, visit NASA Space Place and NASA Climate Kids .

Explore more educational resources and opportunities for students and educators from NASA STEM Engagement .

TAGS: Lessons , Teachers , Educators , Parents , Substitutes , Activities , Students , Science , Engineering , Quick and Easy

Kim Orr , Web Producer, NASA-JPL Education Office

Kim Orr is a web and content producer for the Education Office at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her pastimes are laughing and going on Indiana Jones style adventures.

Teaching Commons Conference 2024

Join us for the Teaching Commons Conference 2024 –  Cultivating Connection. Friday, May 10.

Integrating AI into assignments

Main navigation.

Here we offer strategies and perspectives on integrating AI tools into assignments and activities used to assess student learning.

Creating your course policy on AI

• An effective syllabus works to motivate learning, define goals, explain course structure, and provide support to students as they learn.
• Be clearly stated and specific
• Clarify the context or conditions of allowable AI use
• Explain processes and consequences for non-compliance
• Have a thoughtful pedagogic rationale in support of student learning
• Connect to support resources
• Show support for student well-being

Outcomes for this module

In this module, we will analyze activities and assignments used for assessing learning, provide student-centered perspectives, and offer strategies for developing assessment activities and assignments that integrate student use of generative AI chatbots.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Describe why your assessment activities are meaningful to learners.
• Identify and clarify the learning objectives of your assessment activities.
• Identify relevant strategies that can be applied to assessment activities in your course.
• Empathize with student perspectives on using AI in course assessment activities.

Warm-up with a metacognitive exercise

As you begin to explore, think about what you already know and the opinions you may already hold about the educational aspects of AI chatbots. This metacognitive exercise can help you identify what you want to explore and what you already understand. Making connections to what you already know can deepen your learning and support your engagement with these modules.

Begin with the prompt, “Describe an assignment or assessment activity that integrated technology in a way that was effective and engaging for your learning,” and respond to the poll below.

Unpacking your assessment activities and assignments

When designing or adapting an activity or assignment used to assess learning, whether you integrate AI or not, we encourage you to consider two questions: why is this meaningful, and what are students supposed to learn from it?

Define why it is meaningful

Students can learn better when they are motivated and can make meaningful connections to coursework (Headden & McKay, 2015). We might assume that students’ motivations focus on their grades, but that assumption does not provide the full picture, and when applied in isolation it is not likely to sustain deep learning. Articulating what makes an activity meaningful, motivational, and memorable for students can help you create an engaging activity or assignment that enhances student learning and motivation.

Concerning AI chatbots, perhaps the activity or assignment addresses AI in ways that prepare students for future careers, enhance their social connections, or touch upon broader issues they care about. We encourage you to talk with your students about what they find meaningful to inform the design of your activities and assignments. What leads them to want to engage?

Also, reflect on why the assignment is meaningful to you. Is it simply convenient to implement (and standard in your experience as a student and teacher) or does it connect to something deeper in your pedagogy? Perhaps the assignment reinforces the norms and values that you share with other professionals in your discipline, allows you to connect with students in more meaningful ways, builds foundational skills for other parts of the curricula, or explores emergent opportunities and challenges with AI for your field.

Define what students are intended to learn

Next, identify and clarify the underlying learning objectives of the assignment or activity. The objective should describe the observable skills or behaviors students will have learned to perform after completing the activity. Clearly articulated learning objectives can help you develop activities that support learning and assessments that accurately measure student learning.

When thinking about AI chatbots and how they impact writing, you might ask yourself, “What are the underlying learning objectives being addressed through writing?” Instructors may assign writing tasks to assess how students engage with content. In the past, teachers could assume with good reason that a student producing coherent writing must have engaged with the content to generate writing that makes sense. However, we might also question this assumption about the automatic connection between coherent writing and deep engagement. The advent of generative AI has certainly exacerbated this.

Do you ask your students to write to demonstrate and reinforce content knowledge? Do they write to analyze and critique a position? Do they write to formulate arguments and cite evidence? Do they write as a form of creative expression? When you think about the available options, you can likely develop many ways for students to learn and demonstrate these skills with or without writing. Ultimately, honing in on the underlying learning objectives can help you integrate generative AI tools into an assignment.

Students can benefit from understanding how AI works and the educational opportunities and challenges that it presents. Consider offering the content in the modules in this guide to your students as supplemental reading or as part of a class activity.

Strategies for implementing AI into activities and assignments

As you think through how you might address or integrate AI tools in an assessment activity or assignment, we encourage you to consider a range of possibilities related to the specific aims of your course and the needs of your students. Here we offer a variety of pedagogical strategies for you to consider. We present these strategies in the context of students using AI chatbots, but they also apply to contexts without AI. Remember why your assignment is meaningful in relation to your learning objectives to help you select appropriate strategies.

Leverage multiple modalities

Consider ways to diversify when and where you assess student learning and the formats students use to express what they’ve learned.

Use more in-class assignments

Strategies like the flipped classroom model assign lecture content as homework and use the in-class time for learning activities (Lage et al., 2000). You can use this in-class time to integrate more low-stakes assessment activities during which you can better guide students toward using AI in ways that support learning.

Multiple modes of expression

Students may differ in how they can best articulate what they know. Using multiple modalities of expression, such as having students complete assignments that require speaking or graphic representations instead of only written text, stands out as an established strategy within the Universal Design for Learning framework that could apply here. While chatbots primarily generate written text, other AI tools can generate music, graphics, and video. You can thus create assessment activities that integrate multiple modalities at once.

For example, if you are assessing students’ understanding of cultural exchange in the ancient world, students might create a mind map or timeline to visually represent important trends, events, or concepts covered in the assigned readings. AI might then be used to generate images of artifacts, portraits, or cityscapes based on historical descriptions.

Make grading practices clear

Consider ways to clarify for students how they are being graded and what is expected of them.

Require robust citation

Have students learn about and adopt more robust citation practices, especially if they use AI tools for writing. You might begin with conversations about what plagiarism entails and why ethics matter in higher education and your discipline. Then connect students to resources on citation and documentation .

If you and your students decide to use AI tools, you can find style guidelines about citing AI-generated text for APA style and MLA style . These guidelines advise writers to cite the AI tool whenever they paraphrase, quote, or incorporate AI-generated content, acknowledge how they used the tool (for brainstorming, editing, and so on), and vet secondary sources generated by AI. For example, students could include citations for AI in the Works Cited section of their work and also include a statement describing why and how they used AI chatbots.

Establish and communicate clear assessment criteria

Try to bring assessment activities, learning objectives, and evaluation criteria into alignment. For example, if your objectives and assessments center around students proposing a solution to an open-ended problem, then the evaluation criteria might touch upon the feasibility, impact, or comprehensiveness of the proposed solutions. The criteria can vary a lot depending on your content and course, but your students benefit when you communicate these criteria and the purpose and reasoning behind them (Allen & Tanner, 2006).

For example, when integrating AI chatbots into a writing task for students, you might put more weight on the quality of their ideas and the validity of cited sources and less weight on structure, grammar, and word choice. You might then create a rubric that you discuss with students in advance so they have a clear understanding of what will guide you in assessing their work.

Assess learning throughout the course

Consider ways to assess student learning throughout your course as opposed to assessing mostly at the end of the course.

Emphasize the process

You may be able to more effectively assess student learning during the different stages of the process as opposed to assessing learning based on their finished work (Xu, Shen, Islam, et al., 2023). Whether or not students use AI tools, they can benefit from segmenting a large project into smaller components with multiple opportunities for feedback and revision. Also, consider how you might adjust grading criteria or grade weights to put more emphasis on the process.

For some steps in the thinking process, such as brainstorming ideas, formulating a position, and outlining a solution, allowing students to use AI tools might benefit their process. For example, you might have students begin with low-stakes free-writing, such as brainstorming, then use AI chatbots to explore possible areas for further investigation based on the ideas students generate through their exploratory writing. Students might then critique and revise the AI-generated ideas into an outline.

Leverage formative feedback

Teachers provide formative feedback to students throughout the learning process to stimulate growth and improvement. Formative feedback can help students identify misunderstandings, reinforce desirable practices, and sustain motivation (Wylie et al., 2012). You and the teaching team might provide feedback directly to students or you might facilitate students giving feedback to each other. You might then assess how students follow up on feedback they receive.

You can use AI tools to inform your feedback to students or generate feedback directly for students. AI tools could provide instant, individualized feedback efficiently and frequently, supplementing the feedback provided by your teaching team. For example, you might share your existing assignment, rubric, and sample feedback with the chatbot and give it instructions on when and how to give feedback. Importantly, you should review feedback generated by chatbots for accuracy and relevance. Refine and save the prompts that work best. You might later share the prompts you’ve developed with students so they may use them to generate feedback themselves.

Make assignments more meaningful

Consider how you might make your assignments more relatable and meaningful to your students.

Personalize assessments

When done thoughtfully, connecting assessments to the personal experiences, identities, and concerns of students and their communities can help to motivate and deepen learning (France, 2022). You might also connect assignments to contexts specific to Stanford, your course, or your specific group of students.

With AI, you or your students might generate practice questions on topics that came up during a specific class discussion or generate analogies for complex concepts based on their interests and backgrounds. You might ground an assessment activity in local contexts, such as having your engineering students propose a plan to improve Lake Lagunita.

Use real-world assessment tasks

Assignments that leverage real-world problems, stakeholders, and communities that students are likely to engage with in their work lives can be motivational and valid ways of evaluating a student’s skills and knowledge (Sambell et al., 2019).

For example, students might work with real (or AI-simulated) business or community partners to develop a prototype product or policy brief. Students might have more time to work with those stakeholders and refine their proposal concepts if they can use AI tools to assist with time-consuming tasks, such as summarizing interview transcripts, writing a project pitch statement, or generating concept images.

AI itself might provide a relevant topic of study for your course. For example, you might examine AI as part of a discussion in a course about copyright and intellectual property law. Or you might analyze AI companies such OpenAI or Anthropic as case studies in a business course.

Assess more advanced learning

Consider ways you might assess more advanced or wider-ranging learning goals and objectives.

Emphasize metacognitive reflection

Metacognitive reflection activities, where students think about what and how they learn, can help students improve their learning (Velzen, 2017). You might use polls, discussion activities, or short writing exercises through which students identify what they already know about the topic, what they learned, what questions remain, and what learning strategies they might use for studying.

AI chatbots can help guide the reflection process like this reflection tool being developed by Leticia Britos Cavagnaro at Stanford d.school . Or perhaps students complete some activities with AI, then reflect on how it benefits or hinders their learning, and what strategies they might use to best leverage AI for learning.

Prioritize higher-order thinking

While students should develop mastery over foundational skills such as understanding concepts, identifying key characteristics, and recalling important information, practicing higher-order thinking skills, such as solving complex problems, creating original works, or planning a project, can deepen learning. For example, you might frame student essays as a defense of their views rather than a simple presentation of content knowledge. You might adjust assessment criteria to prioritize creativity or applying skills to new contexts.

Prioritizing higher-order thinking can encourage students to use AI tools to go beyond simply generating answers to engaging deeply with AI chatbots to generate sophisticated responses. Students could conduct preliminary research to find reliable sources that verify or refute the claims made by the AI chatbots. AI chatbots might then generate feedback, provide prompts for further reflection, or simulate new contexts.

Putting it all together

Here we offer a practical example: first, a typical assignment as usually designed, and then how you could enhance the assignment with some strategies that integrate AI chatbots.

When thinking about your course, start with small changes to one assignment and steadily expand upon them. Try to use AI chatbots for your other work tasks to build your fluency. Talk with students and colleagues about how the changes to your course work out concerning student engagement and learning. When integrating AI into an existing assignment, begin with an assignment that already has clearly defined learning objectives and rationale. Begin by using AI or other technology to supplement existing parts of the process of completing the assignment.

More examples of AI assignments

• AI Pedagogy Project from metaLAB (at) Harvard
• Exploring AI Pedagogy from the MLA-CCCC Joint Task Force on Writing and AI
• TextGenEd: Continuing Experiments, January 2024 Collection from WAC Clearinghouse

Example of an assignment without AI

Currently, your students in an epidemiology course write essays summarizing the key concepts of an academic article about the socio-determinants of diabetes . This assessment activity has meaning because it focuses on a foundational concept students need to understand for later public health and epidemiology courses. The learning objective asks students to describe why socio-economic status is a strong predictor for certain diseases. Students write a five-page essay about a disease that can be predicted by socio-economic status including at least three additional citations. Students complete the essay, which counts for 30% of the final grade, before the final exam.

An example of an assignment that integrates AI

Using some of the strategies in the above sections, you might redesign this assignment to integrate the use of AI chatbots. Keep in mind that you would likely make small changes to a major assignment over multiple quarters. Consider some of the ideas below.

A meaningful assignment

The redesigned assessment activity carries more meaning to students because they might have personal experience of some communities adversely affected by these kinds of diseases, and public health issues like this intersect with other social injustices that students have expressed concern about.

Learning objectives

The objectives of the assessment activity include that students will be able to:

• Describe how this disease affects particular communities or demographics
• Explain the difference between correlation and causality regarding socioeconomic status and the disease
• Propose a public health intervention that could help to address this issue

Assignment elements with AI

Students generate explanations of medical terminology in the selected articles to aid with reading comprehension. They generate several analogies for the core concept that apply to their own life experiences and communities. Students share these analogies in a Canvas forum graded for participation. Instructors provide general feedback in class.

Informed by the article, students then prompt a chatbot with biographical stories for two fictional characters from communities they care about incorporating differing socio-economic factors. Then they guide the chatbot in generating a dialogue or short story that illustrates how the two characters could have different health outcomes that might correlate with their socio-economic status. Students might use AI image generators for illustrations to accompany their stories. Students submit the work via Canvas for evaluation; the teacher shares exemplars in class.

Using an AI chatbot prompt provided by the instructor, students explore possible ideas for public health interventions. The provided prompt instructs the chatbot only to help students develop their ideas rather than suggesting solutions to them. With the aid of the chatbot, the students develop a public health intervention proposal.

Assignment elements without AI

Students discuss the differences between correlation and causation, critically analyze the generated characters and stories, and address any biases and stereotypes that surfaced during the activity. You facilitate the discussion with prompts and guidelines you developed with the aid of AI chatbots. Students write an in-class metacognitive reflection that you provide feedback on and grade for completion.

Students draw posters that summarize their proposed intervention. They critique and defend their proposals in a classroom poster session. Students complete a peer evaluation form for classmates. You evaluate the posters and their defenses with a grading rubric that you developed with the aid of an AI chatbot.

Students write an in-class reflection on their projects summarizing what they have learned over the length of the project, how the activities aided their learning, and so on. This is submitted to Canvas for grading and evaluation.

Student-centered perspective on using AI for learning

When thinking about integrating generative AI into a course assignment for students, we should consider some underlying attitudes that we, the authors, hold as educators, informed by our understanding of educational research on how people learn best. They also align with our values of inclusion, compassion, and student-centered teaching. When thinking through ways to integrate AI into a student assignment, keep the following perspectives in mind.

AI is new to students too

Like many of us, students likely have a wide range of responses to AI. Students may feel excited about how AI can enhance their learning and look for opportunities to engage with it in their classes. They may have questions about course policies related to AI use, concerns about how AI impacts their discipline or career goals, and so on. You can play a valuable role in modeling thoughtful use of AI tools and helping students navigate the complex landscape of AI.

Work with students, not against them

You and your students can work together to navigate these opportunities and challenges. Solicit their perspectives and thoughts about AI. Empower students to have agency over their learning and to think about AI and other technologies they use. Teaching and learning are interconnected and work best in partnership. Approach changes to your teaching and course to empower all students as literate, responsible, independent, and thoughtful technology users.

Look at AI and students in a positive light

Education as a discipline has repeatedly integrated new technologies that may have seemed disruptive at first. Educators and students typically grapple with new technology as they determine how to best leverage its advantages and mitigate its disadvantages. We encourage you to maintain a positive view of student intentions and the potential of AI tools to enhance learning. As we collectively discover and develop effective practices, we encourage you to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook. We should try to avoid assuming that most students would use generative AI in dishonest ways or as a shortcut to doing course assignments just because some students might behave this way.

Assess and reinforce your learning

We offer this activity for you to self-assess and reflect on what you learned in this module.

Stanford affiliates

• Go to the Stanford-only version of this activity
• Use your Stanford-provided Google account to respond.
• You have the option of receiving an email summary of your responses.
• After submitting your responses, you will have the option to view the anonymized responses of other Stanford community members by clicking Show previous responses .

Non-Stanford users

• Complete the activity embedded below.
• Your responses will only be seen by the creators of these modules.
• Course and Assignment (Re-)Design , University of Michigan, Information and Technology Services
• ChatGPT Assignments to Use in Your Classroom Today , University of Central Florida

Works Cited

Allen, D., and Tanner, K. (2006). Rubrics: Tools for Making Learning Goals and Evaluation Criteria Explicit for Both Teachers and Learners. CBE - Life Sciences Education. 5(3): 197-203.

Ashford-Rowe, K., Herrington, J., & Brown, C. (2014). Establishing the critical elements that determine authentic assessment. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 39. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2013.819566&nbsp ;

Bijlsma-Rutte, A., Rutters, F., Elders, P. J. M., Bot, S. D. M., & Nijpels, G. (2018). Socio-economic status and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 34(6), e3008. https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.3008&nbsp ;

CAST. (n.d.). UDL: The UDL Guidelines. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://udlguidelines.cast.org/&nbsp ;

Exploring AI Pedagogy. (n.d.). A Community Collection of Teaching Reflections. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://exploringaipedagogy.hcommons.org/&nbsp ;

France, P. E. (2022). Reclaiming Personalized Learning: A Pedagogy for Restoring Equity and Humanity in Our Classrooms (2nd ed.). Corwin.

Headden, S., & McKay, S. (2015). Motivation Matters: How New Research Can Help Teachers Boost Student Engagement. Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED582567&nbsp ;

Hume Center for Writing and Speaking. (n.d.). Documentation and Citation. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://hume.stanford.edu/resources/student-resources/writing-resources… ;

Lage, M. J., Platt, G. J., & Treglia, M. T. (2000). Inverting the Classroom: A gateway to creating an inclusive learning environment. Journal of Economic Education, 31(1), 30-43.

metaLAB (at) Harvard. (n.d.). The AI Pedagogy Project. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://aipedagogy.org/&nbsp ;

MLA Style Center. (2023, March 17). How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/&nbsp ;

Office of Community Standards. (n.d.). What Is Plagiarism? Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://communitystandards.stanford.edu/policies-guidance/bja-guidance-… ;

Sambell, K., Brown, S., & Race, P. (2019). Assessment to Support Student Learning: Eight Challenges for 21st Century Practice. All Ireland Journal of Higher Education, 11(2), Article 2. https://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/view/414&nbsp ;

The WAC Clearinghouse. (n.d.). January 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://wac.colostate.edu/repository/collections/continuing-experiments… ;

U-M Generative AI. (n.d.). Course and Assignment (Re-)Design. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://genai.umich.edu/guidance/faculty/redesigning-assessments&nbsp ;

Van Velzen, J. (2017). Metacognitive Knowledge: Development, Application, and Improvement. Information Age Publishing. https://content.infoagepub.com/files/fm/p599a21e816eb6/9781641130240_FM… . ISBN 9781641130226. 

Wylie, E. C., Gullickson, A. R., Cummings, K. E., Egelson, P., Noakes, L. A., Norman, K. M., Veeder, S. A., ... Popham, W. J. (2012). Improving Formative Assessment Practice to Empower Student Learning. Corwin Press.

Xu, X., Shen, W., Islam, A. A., et al. (2023). A whole learning process-oriented formative assessment framework to cultivate complex skills. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10, 653. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02200-0  

Yee, K., Whittington, K., Doggette, E., & Uttich, L. (2023). ChatGPT Assignments to Use in Your Classroom Today. UCF Created OER Works, (8). Retrieved from https://stars.library.ucf.edu/oer/8  

You've completed all the modules

We hope that you found these modules useful and engaging, and are better able to address AI chatbots in your teaching practice. Please continue to engage by joining or starting dialogues about AI within your communities. You might also take advantage of our peers across campus who are developing resources on this topic.

• Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
• Accelerator for Learning
• Office of Innovation and Technology , Graduate School of Education

We are continuing to develop more resources and learning experiences for the Teaching Commons on this and other topics. We'd love to get your feedback and are looking for collaborators. We invite you to join the Teaching Commons team .

Learning together with others can deepen the learning experience. We encourage you to organize your colleagues to complete these modules together or facilitate a workshop using our Do-it-yourself Workshop Kits on AI in education. Consider how you might adapt, remix, or enhance these resources for your needs. 

If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected] . This guide is licensed under  Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 (attribution, non-commercial, share-alike) and should be attributed to Stanford Teaching Commons.

Want a daily email of lesson plans that span all subjects and age groups?

Subjects all subjects all subjects the arts all the arts visual arts performing arts value of the arts back business & economics all business & economics global economics macroeconomics microeconomics personal finance business back design, engineering & technology all design, engineering & technology design engineering technology back health all health growth & development medical conditions consumer health public health nutrition physical fitness emotional health sex education back literature & language all literature & language literature linguistics writing/composition speaking back mathematics all mathematics algebra data analysis & probability geometry measurement numbers & operations back philosophy & religion all philosophy & religion philosophy religion back psychology all psychology history, approaches and methods biological bases of behavior consciousness, sensation and perception cognition and learning motivation and emotion developmental psychology personality psychological disorders and treatment social psychology back science & technology all science & technology earth and space science life sciences physical science environmental science nature of science back social studies all social studies anthropology area studies civics geography history media and journalism sociology back teaching & education all teaching & education education leadership education policy structure and function of schools teaching strategies back thinking & learning all thinking & learning attention and engagement memory critical thinking problem solving creativity collaboration information literacy organization and time management back, filter by none.

• Elementary/Primary
• Middle School/Lower Secondary
• High School/Upper Secondary
• College/University
• TED-Ed Animations
• TED Talk Lessons
• TED-Ed Best of Web
• Under 3 minutes
• Under 6 minutes
• Under 9 minutes
• Under 12 minutes
• Under 18 minutes
• Over 18 minutes
• Algerian Arabic
• Azerbaijani
• Cantonese (Hong Kong)
• Chinese (Hong Kong)
• Chinese (Singapore)
• Chinese (Taiwan)
• Chinese Simplified
• Chinese Traditional
• Chinese Traditional (Taiwan)
• Dutch (Belgium)
• Dutch (Netherlands)
• French (Canada)
• French (France)
• French (Switzerland)
• Kurdish (Central)
• Luxembourgish
• Persian (Afghanistan)
• Persian (Iran)
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Portuguese (Portugal)
• Spanish (Argentina)
• Spanish (Latin America)
• Spanish (Mexico)
• Spanish (Spain)
• Spanish (United States)
• Western Frisian

sort by none

• Longest video
• Shortest video
• Most video views
• Least video views
• Most questions answered
• Least questions answered

How do gas masks actually work?

Lesson duration 04:31

311,195 Views

AI’s single point of failure - Rob Toews

Lesson duration 11:34

216,482 Views

Why can't you put metal in a microwave?

Lesson duration 05:49

857,339 Views

When AI can fake reality, who can you trust? - Sam Gregory

Lesson duration 12:05

122,411 Views

What the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know - Al Gore

Lesson duration 25:45

739,468 Views

Whoever builds something here will be rich beyond measure

Lesson duration 05:04

341,503 Views

What happens if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode?

Lesson duration 04:55

3,001,917 Views

1816: The year with no summer

Lesson duration 05:53

436,369 Views

We're building a dystopia just to make people click on ads - Zeynep Tufekci

Lesson duration 22:56

731,229 Views

What happens if an engineered virus escapes the lab?

Lesson duration 05:42

746,928 Views

Ethical dilemma: Should we get rid of mosquitoes?

Lesson duration 05:27

730,042 Views

Are insect brains the secret to great AI? - Frances S. Chance

Lesson duration 09:33

70,464 Views

How will AI change the world?

Lesson duration 05:56

1,788,766 Views

Why a sausage can do what your gloves cannot

Lesson duration 05:06

1,525,311 Views

The 4 greatest threats to the survival of humanity

Lesson duration 05:24

486,218 Views

How do jetpacks work? And why don't we all have them?

Lesson duration 05:03

286,791 Views

Yes, scientists are actually building an elevator to space

Lesson duration 05:19

791,842 Views

How to get better at video games, according to babies

Lesson duration 05:14

543,075 Views

The surprisingly long history of electric cars

Lesson duration 05:20

503,449 Views

Why don’t we cover the desert with solar panels?

Lesson duration 05:25

4,661,020 Views

How we can detect pretty much anything

Lesson duration 05:55

320,199 Views

Iceland's superpowered underground volcanoes

Lesson duration 05:21

472,633 Views

How to practice safe sexting - Amy Adele Hasinoff

Lesson duration 14:26

153,211 Views

Could we build a wooden skyscraper?

Lesson duration 04:57

1,380,391 Views

Integrating Technology in High School

Creative educator lesson plans can help you provide your high-school students with an engaging and creative approach to content learning..

Depending on your student's abilities, you may also want to explore middle school lesson plans.

Infographics

Students will create an infographic poster to share knowledge and data about an issue they are studying.

Hero's Journey

Students will create an eBook identifying and explaining the events in a hero's journey in a text they are reading.

Publish a Digital Magazine

Students take the lead and design and create their own digital magazine.

Design a Book Cover

Students create a new cover design for a book they are reading to demonstrate comprehension and explore character, plot, setting, symbolism, and conflict.

Do Judge a Book by Its Cover

In this lesson, students build visual literacy and engage in close reading as they investigate the text and imagery on book covers to evaluate whether they are worth reading.

Take Reading SERIESly

In this lesson, students investigate the potential of a book's characters, plot and themes and develop a proposal for turning it into a series.

Fastballs, Free Throws and Physics

Students will create an animated video that showcases how physics concepts apply to their favorite sport.

Here's to Your Health

Students will research a health issue, write an essay, and transform their argument into a public service announcement.

Don’t Let the Earth Down

Students will write persuasively on a conservation issue and create a public service announcement to promote their cause.

Commemorative Ceremonies

Students develop a ceremony to honor a person or commemorate an event in history.

Virtual Museum

In this lesson, students create an online museum for their community.

The President's Team

In this lesson, students nominate literary characters for each seat in the President's cabinet.

Artifact Interviews

Students will research a historical person or event and retell the story as an animated interview with an artifact from that time or place.

Political Cartoons Then and Now

Students will analyze and share the history of a political cartoon and then create their own cartoon about a current event.

Animated Chemical Bonding

Students create animations to demonstrate understanding of a chemical process.

Pop-up Plaza Proposal

In this lesson, students craft a proposal for a pop-up plaza or parklet where community members can relax, reflect and connect.

Persuade with Emotional Appeals

Students will build persuasive skills and media literacy as they explore techniques of propaganda and develop commercials that persuade viewers.

Video Biographies

Students complete research on a historical figure and create a video biography of that person.

More sites to help you find success in your classroom

Share your ideas, imagination, and understanding through writing, art, voice, and video.

Rubric Maker

Create custom rubrics for your classroom.

Pics4Learning

A curated, copyright-friendly image library that is safe and free for education.

Write, record, and illustrate a sentence.

Interactive digital worksheets for grades K-8 to use in Brightspace or Canvas.

Professional Learning

Digital Storytelling

21st Century Classrooms

Project-based Learning

Teaching and Learning

Informational Text

English Language Aquisition

Language Arts

Social Studies

Visual Arts

© 2024 Tech4Learning, Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

© 2024 Tech4Learning, Inc | All Rights Reserved | https://www.thecreativeeducator.com

• Our Mission

Integrating Technology Into Content Learning

Setting up a context for learning apps and other tools through all subject areas makes tech literacy relevant.

Embed Technology Throughout Content

The first year that Meyer Elementary School had a technology teacher, they focused on learning basic computer skills and tools, such as email, apps, and programs. Student learning of technology skills was disconnected from what they were learning in other classes.

This year, Meyer's technology instructor teaches tech through various content areas, presenting technology use as something purposeful, connected to their learning, and relevant to real-world situations.

"When they have a contextual tie to what they're doing in class, it lends validity," says Jeff Dahl, Meyer's technology teacher. "I can take those opportunities, teach them a tool, and hit content information at the same time."

How It's Done

Make technology applicable to other class assignments.

Instead of teaching only computer and web skills, as in their first year, Meyer Elementary has been embedding the classroom curriculum from other content areas into technology instruction.

"What I’ve been trying to do in my new position," explains Jeff Dahl, Meyer's technology teacher, "is go to teachers and remind them, 'Hey, I want to take some of your burden. If you’re going to cover bats this month, let the kids create a presentation on bats in my class. If you’re going to do a research project, let me help the kids with how to construct a Google search.' Not only does it help the classroom teachers and us meet the curricular needs of the students, but also it lends credibility when the kids see that we’re not making presentations just to make presentations."

Collaborate With Other Teachers

"The way we use our technology is very purposeful," says Donna Barrier, Meyer's principal. "We try to make that integrated as much as possible so that everything students do is pushing them towards a goal."

A big part of Meyer's tech integration program boils down to collaboration and communication. The teachers need to communicate and collaborate effectively so that Dahl can supplement their lessons in his class.

Here are two collaboration tips from Meyer educators:

Create a Google Doc

Dahl and Barrier created a Google Doc where students and teachers can share their ideas and begin collaborating with one another.

A Google Doc:

• Is easily shared across grade levels and buildings
• Isn't dependent on people meeting in person
• Enables collaboration that fits into everyone's schedule

Mary Krenke, a Meyer third-grade teacher, shares what's coming up in her curriculum on the Google Doc. She asks Dahl for his ideas on what he can teach to tie her curriculum into his class.

Although Dahl is the technology teacher, he isn't the only person who gives feedback. Many teachers will share the assignments that they're preparing, and other teachers, Dahl, or Barrier will add suggestions on how to integrate technology into those lessons.

Utilize Casual Spaces

"There are projects that grow out of just talking in the staff lounge, casual conversations at the copier in the hallway," observes Dahl.

The staff lounge isn't solely for sparking new ideas, but it can be great for quick, in-person, follow-up conversations to supplement the Google Doc.

Embrace Discomfort

Before Meyer integrated learning technology with content, the school's technology focus was on the how-tos of learning a program or an app. Now, with the current approach to tech integration, students must call upon their critical thinking skills.

When Dahl's first-year technology students were introduced to choice in their projects, it was uncomfortable for a lot of them. Their focus was no longer on the elements of using a program like Powerpoint, but instead on researching and reflecting about content, along with the option of using various presentation tools. And while students weren't accustomed to open-ended projects that allowed them to choose how they would learn, they adapted.

"This year, right from the get-go," recalls Dahl, "I came at my second year students with a project involving some digital storytelling, and I gave them four different application options that they could work through. We talked about the pros and cons of each one, their ideas, and which application best suited their specific ideas -- and they really embraced it this year."

Barrier notes that not only are the kids more confident in using technology, but they're also learning that there are many ways to solve a problem or complete a task, and that if three people do it differently, each way can be correct, and no better or worse than the other.

"We want all of our students to learn the content, of course," she explains, "but we want all our students to learn how to be learners for the rest of their lives. Students get to see each other choosing different ways to learn."

Apply the SAMR Model

When Meyer Elementary first introduced technology, they focused on using it to teach technology separated from content, and on remediation for differentiation in the classrooms.

Since then, they've adopted the SAMR model, created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura (PDF). Defined by Puentedura, the four levels are:

• Substitution: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change.
• Augmentation: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement.
• Modification: Technology allows for significant task redesign.
• Redefinition: Technology allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable.

"It’s not about substituting and using programing just for remediation or just to express a learning product that we could have done in writing," says Barrier, "but it’s to be able to give students additional ways to express their learning, to go out and find information, to learn how to pull that together, to be able to use their own voice in making a product that will show what they’ve learned. Going forward, students need to know how to learn."

Tech Integration In Action

"One of the things that I really embrace is reading and writing in the English language arts curriculum," acknowledges Meyer's technology teacher. "I’ve been looking for the last year or two at how that translates into a technology classroom, and a lot of people see technology as the downfall of reading and writing. 'Do we need handwriting?' 'Do we need to be able to write and read?' 'Can’t we just watch these things on YouTube?' And I don’t think that’s true. I think that these two things can coexist."

Dahl brought ELA curriculum and technology together with a personal narratives project called "Scar Stories."

"Today, we're going to start a new project," announced Dahl to his class. "We're going to start working on scar stories. It's nonfiction; it really happened. And it's a story that belongs to you. Narrative is a story -- personal narrative, your story. We want sensory words: feelings, touches, tastes, smells, sounds. Action is key. And then the 'So what? Who cares?' You crashed your bike, so what? What did you learn from it?"

By creating their video presentations, Dahl's students learned about key coloring technology and online video apps, like WeVideo, and then applied that knowledge to telling their personal narratives. They filmed themselves recounting their story on a green screen, or used a voice over and told their story through images.

"When I was little, like three or two, I hit my eye on something sharp in the kitchen," recounts Cassie, a Meyer Elementary student. "I had to go to the emergency room in the hospital."

Cassie described using a green screen to tell her personal narrative: "The green screen is going to change my background. It makes it look a little bit more real and interesting."

"In technology class, one of the things that I’m trying to do with our students is expose them to opportunities to communicate better, to collaborate more," concludes Dahl. "I really want our students to become creators of the web rather than consumers of the web."

Meyer Elementary School

Per pupil expenditures, free / reduced lunch, demographics:.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Live Event: Cool Ways to Teach with Graphic Novels!

9 Collaborative Technology Projects Your Students Will Love!

If your classroom is far from a 1:1 environment (more like 1:32), it can be hard to find great technology projects that really work.

If your classroom is far from a 1:1 environment (more like 1:32), it can be hard to find great technology projects that really work. Here are some simple tech tools students can use to create awesome projects. Students can work together in cooperative learning groups or independently depending on your access to technology in your school district. Bonus: They’re all free!

Inkle   is a fun digital storytelling tool for students. Rather than having students use Microsoft Word, change things up by having them create a digital book. Students will love adding images to make their story come to life! Cooperative learning idea: Students can collaborate and create a Choose Your Own Adventure story! Each child adds a paragraph to the story and at least two options for readers to choose from. They insert images by adding the link to an image they like online. This Web 2.0 tool is free and the children’s work can be saved and shared.

2. Story Bird

With Story Bird , kids can choose images and invent their very own unique story to go along with the pictures. Students must use their inference skills to depict an image. What is the character feeling? Where does the story take place (setting)? What’s the plot? It’s up to kids to decide after they carefully examine every detail of their image. There is no right or wrong answer.

Cooperative learning idea:  Have students share a computer and agree on an image. Then they go off and depict the image as they see it. The students can then compare and contrast their results.

3. Build Your Wild Self

New York Zoos and Aquarium / Wildlife Conservation Society has an interactive game called  Build Your Wild Self!  Students choose different body parts and limbs for their creature. Then, they choose a habitat. When they’re all finished, the site describes each attribute they chose. For example, orb spider eyes: “You have six eyes, but you can’t see very well. You use your keen sense of touch to track down prey.” 

Cooperative l earning idea:  Have students work together to build a “wild self” and write a paragraph describing what their animal would eat, their animal’s habitat, exceptional characteristics and talents, as well as their unique adaptations. You could also group students into teams to create a habitat that would be suitable for all of their animals!

4. Blabberize

Blabberize is a free tool that makes photos come to life! Students upload a photo, create a mouth and record whatever they would like their image to say!

Cooperative learning idea: Students can take turns talking. This tool can be used to give a history or science report. Students could describe an animal’s adaptations by making the animal they researched talk!

5. Little Bird Tales

Students can create digital books, add or draw photos and insert their very own voice with Little Bird Tales ! You could have each student create a page to create a class book. Click here for an example.

Cooperative learning idea: Older students can work in teams and create a digital book for a presentation. This is a great project for students who don’t enjoy giving oral presentations.

6. What if? Genie

If students aren’t feeling inspired, have them ask the story genie ! The genie randomly generates a “what if?” question for kids. The “what if?” questions are crazy and imaginative, ones kids would have a blast writing about! Hit the genie square to generate a question.

Cooperative learning idea:  Students can share a computer, generate a “What if?” question, then go off and write! Then they can compare and contrast their results.

7. Free Rice

Have students make a difference by practicing their math, chemistry, anatomy, geography, foreign language, vocabulary, grammar, humanities and even for the SAT. “For each answer they get right, 10 grains of rice is donated  through the World Food Programme to help end hunger.”

Cooperative learning idea: Students can go on Free Rice and calculate how much rice they donated as a group and create a graph to show their weekly results. This can be an ongoing project throughout the year. Groups can compare and contrast their results.

A free Animoto account lets students create 30-second videos, which can be challenging!

Cooperative learning idea: Have students explain something in 30 seconds through music and images. Above is an example of a water cycle video.

How many letters can you chain together to form a word? Point value: 3 or 4 letters = 1 point, 5 = 2 points, 6 = 3 points, 7 = 5 points, 8 or more = 11 points. Goal: Try to form as many words as you can before time runs out! Visit  Teacher Led  for a free letter generator!

Cooperative learning idea: Have students work in teams to create words. Then as a math project, they can create fractions (words created / how many times they rolled the dice) or graphs (compare/contrast the number of words created).

Erin Bittman is a designer turned teacher. Check out her blog E Is for Explore ! You can also find E Is for Explore! on Facebook and Pinterest .

You Might Also Like

20 Activities to Support Letter Naming Fluency

Super fun ways to practice, practice, practice! Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• TEFL Internship
• TEFL Masters
• Find a TEFL Course
• Special Offers
• Course Providers
• Teach English Abroad
• Find a TEFL Job
• About DoTEFL
• Our Mission
• How DoTEFL Works

Forgotten Password

• 25 Great Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom
• Teaching English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated April 4, 2024

In a world of continually improving educational technology, there are more opportunities than ever to integrate technology in the classroom. And, while the amount of technology available can sometimes seem overwhelming, if you know how to utilize it effectively both teachers and students benefit from it.

In this article, we take a look at 25 ways you can use technology in the classroom so that you can start making the most of technology in your teaching.

Table of Contents

How to Use Technology in the Classroom in 25 Unique Ways

Using technology in the classroom can significantly enhance the learning experience for both educators and students. By incorporating various technological tools and platforms, you can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that fosters engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking for students of all levels.

The great thing about educational technology, or EdTech as it’s commonly known, is that it can be used to assist a variety of different teaching strategies and different learning styles. So, by integrating technology in your classroom you can enable students of all ages and abilities to succeed. Plus, much of the classroom technology used by classroom teachers can also be used by online teachers to support student learning online.

Let’s take a look at the different ways you can incorporate technology in the classroom to elevate the educational experience for your students.

1. Interactive Whiteboards

If you want to foster collaboration and visual learning in your classroom, use interactive whiteboards. They provide a versatile platform to create and deliver interactive lessons and promote student-centered learning. Through interactive whiteboards students can actively engage with the content, manipulate virtual objects, and participate in interactive discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

You can include pretty much anything you can think of on an interactive whiteboard, from multimedia content and visual aids to different games and activities. This encourages active student participation and can make lessons more memorable and enjoyable, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes.

Overall, interactive whiteboards provide a dynamic platform for collaborative learning and represent a great way to integrate technology into your classroom. To get started, you can use tools like SMART Board to create interactive lessons. Visit SMART Technologies for interactive whiteboard resources.

2. Online Learning Platforms

Embrace online learning platforms such as Google Classroom or Moodle to provide a personalized learning experience. These platforms are used by many teachers and enable you to share resources, assignments, and feedback seamlessly. You can track student progress, facilitate discussions, and create a virtual space that extends the learning beyond the classroom. Explore Google Classroom for a comprehensive online learning experience.

3. Video Lessons

Leverage video platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy to provide students with on-demand access to instructional content. Video lessons can be valuable for accommodating diverse learning styles and enabling students to review materials at their own pace. Additionally, they can serve as a resource for flipped classroom models. Check out Khan Academy for a vast library of educational video content.

4. Flipped Classroom Approach

Flip the traditional classroom model by introducing a flipped classroom approach. You can use platforms like Flipgrid or Edpuzzle to create video content that students can engage with outside of class and do their own learning. This allows for more interactive and personalized in-class activities, discussions, and problem-solving sessions. Discover Flipgrid for creating and sharing interactive video lessons.

5. Educational Apps

Integrate educational apps like Kahoot! or Quizlet to make learning more enjoyable and accessible. These apps offer gamified quizzes, flashcards, and interactive activities that cater to diverse learning styles. By incorporating educational apps into your lessons, you can enhance student engagement and reinforce key concepts.

6. Online Quizzes and Assessments

Incorporate online quizzes and assessments using online quiz makers like Quizlet, Quizizz, or Socrative. These platforms enable you to create quizzes that provide instant feedback to students. This not only saves time but also allows you to identify areas where students may need additional support, which is a key part of the teaching and learning process.

Gamified quizzes and assessments can be a great way to assess individual students without making them feel too much pressure.

7. Gamified Learning

Using gamified learning platforms such as Classcraft or Kahoot! are a great way to enhance student engagement and motivation. These platforms incorporate game elements into the learning experience, turning lessons into interactive challenges. Through point systems, competitions, and rewards, gamified learning makes education more enjoyable and encourages healthy competition among students.

8. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Immerse your students in a virtual world with VR and AR technologies. Platforms like Google Expeditions or Merge Cube provide immersive educational experiences that transport students to historical sites, outer space, or even inside the human body. These technologies stimulate curiosity and create memorable learning experiences. Explore Google Expeditions for virtual reality field trips.

9. Digital Field Trips

Embark on digital field trips using platforms like Skype in the Classroom or Discovery Education. Google Street View can also be used for this if you get creative.

Digital field trips allow students to explore diverse locations, interact with experts, and gain insights beyond traditional classroom boundaries. This virtual exploration enhances students’ global awareness and provides a dynamic way to connect theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios.

Visit Skype in the Classroom for virtual field trip opportunities.

10. Digital Simulations

Utilize digital simulations to help students grasp abstract concepts in subjects like science or mathematics. Platforms like PhET Interactive Simulations or ExploreLearning Gizmos offer interactive simulations that allow students to experiment and observe outcomes in a virtual environment. This hands-on approach enhances understanding and critical thinking. Explore PhET Interactive Simulations for a variety of science and math simulations.

11. Digital Storytelling

Encourage digital storytelling through platforms like StoryJumper or Adobe Spark. These tools allow students to create multimedia stories using images, text, and audio. Digital storytelling enhances creativity, communication skills, and the ability to convey information in a compelling way. Check out StoryJumper for creating and sharing digital stories.

12. Collaborative Document Editing

If you’re doing some digital storytelling, why not try some collaborative writing and editing using tools like Google Docs or Microsoft OneNote? These platforms allow multiple users to work on a document simultaneously, fostering real-time collaboration.

By promoting collective brainstorming and editing, you enhance teamwork and communication skills and help prepare students for their future life outside of the classroom.

Check out Google Docs for collaborative document editing.

13. Video Conferencing

Utilize video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype to connect your classroom with others globally. Collaborate on projects, participate in virtual exchanges, and broaden students’ perspectives by exposing them to diverse cultures and ideas. Video conferencing fosters global awareness and communication skills. Visit Zoom for Education for video conferencing in education.

14. Podcasting

Integrate podcasting as a tool for students to showcase their research, thoughts, and creativity. Platforms like Anchor or Audacity can help students record, edit, and publish podcasts. This not only enhances their communication and presentation skills but also provides an alternative medium for expressing ideas.

Visit Anchor for easy podcast creation and hosting.

15. Coding and Programming

Introduce coding and programming to cultivate computational thinking skills. Platforms like Code.org or Scratch offer interactive tools that make learning to code engaging and accessible. Coding fosters problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and creativity, preparing students for future careers in technology. Explore Code.org for a variety of coding resources for educators.

16. Build a Class Website

Develop a class website using platforms like WordPress. A class website serves as a central hub for resources, announcements, and assignments. It provides a digital space where students and parents can access information about the course, upcoming events, and additional learning materials.

You can even build in your own eLearning solutions on the website. This will not only diversify your teaching toolkit but can also be used by other students in the school or within the wider community.

17. Create Student Blogs

Encourage students to create their own blogs using platforms like Blogger or WordPress. Student blogs provide a space for self-expression, reflection, and the development of a digital portfolio. This medium allows students to showcase their thoughts, projects, and achievements, fostering creativity and honing their writing skills.

• Establish Blogging Guidelines: Clearly outline expectations for blog content, including topics, writing style, and respectful commenting.
• Encourage Peer Interaction: Foster a supportive blogging community within the classroom, where students can read and comment on each other’s blogs, promoting peer engagement.

18. Check for Plagiarism

Integrate plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin or Grammarly to uphold academic integrity and teach students about responsible research and writing.

These tools can help you identify instances of plagiarism in student assignments by comparing them to a vast database of academic and online content. Checking for plagiarism not only ensures that students are producing original work but also fosters a culture of honesty and ethical writing.

Automated plagiarism checks also save you time, allowing you to focus on providing meaningful feedback and facilitating classroom discussions.

Additionally, the feedback generated by plagiarism detection tools can also be used as an educational tool, helping students understand the nuances of proper citation and attribution.

Explore Turnitin for a comprehensive plagiarism detection and prevention solution. By incorporating plagiarism checks into your teaching practices and assessment process, you demonstrate the importance of academic honesty and provide students with valuable feedback on proper citation and attribution.

19. Online Research Tools

Teach students to navigate online resources effectively using platforms like EasyBib or Zotero. These tools help students organize and cite sources, promoting information literacy and research skills. Incorporating online research tools prepares students for academic success and empowers them to critically evaluate information. Explore EasyBib for easy citation and bibliography creation.

20. Classroom Calendar

Integrate digital classroom calendars using tools like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook. A digital calendar helps you organize lesson plans, assignments, and important dates. It also serves as a centralized communication hub, keeping students informed about upcoming events and deadlines. Visit Google Calendar for an intuitive and collaborative calendar solution.

21. Gathering Student Feedback

Incorporate feedback platforms like SurveyMonkey or Poll Everywhere to gather student feedback and encourage student participation. These tools allow you to gather real-time insights and create interactive polls and surveys that engage students in discussions, assessments, and reflections.

Gathering student feedback enhances communication, provides a sense of student ownership, and helps you make data-informed decisions. A participatory classroom is much better than a flat classroom!

22. Online Grading Systems

Implement online grading systems such as GradeCam or Turnitin to streamline the assessment and feedback process. These platforms automate grading, provide detailed analytics, and offer a secure environment for assessing assignments. Online grading systems save time, reduce the risk of errors, and provide timely feedback to students. Check out GradeCam for efficient online grading solutions.

23. Tracking Student Progress

You can use learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard to track and analyze student progress. These systems provide valuable data on individual performance, allowing you to tailor your teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each student. By leveraging data-driven insights, you can identify areas for improvement and offer targeted support. Explore Blackboard for a comprehensive learning management solution.

24. Online Portfolio Platforms

Implement online portfolio platforms like Seesaw or Google Sites to showcase and celebrate student achievements. These platforms allow students to curate and present their work, reflecting on their learning journey. Online portfolios promote self-reflection, and goal-setting, and provide a tangible record of academic growth. Explore Seesaw for creating student portfolios.

25. Use Social Media

Social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter can be used to create an interactive and collaborative online space for your classroom. By establishing a class hashtag, sharing relevant content, and encouraging students to participate in online discussions, you can extend learning beyond the physical classroom.

Using social media fosters digital literacy, connects students with real-world conversations, and provides a platform for sharing and celebrating achievements. It can also help create a sense of community within the classroom, enabling students to share ideas and collaborate on projects.

• Establish Guidelines: Set clear guidelines for the use of social media in the classroom, emphasizing responsible and respectful communication.
• Promote Positive Engagement: Encourage students to share insightful content, ask questions, and participate in constructive discussions on social media platforms.

By incorporating these additional strategies into your use of technology in the classroom, you create a richer and more diverse learning experience for your students, addressing various learning styles and promoting digital literacy.

As you explore these tools, remember to adapt them to your specific teaching style and the unique dynamics of your classroom. With the right approach, you can embrace the transformative power of technology in the classroom and help your students learn in a more engaging learning environment.

• Recent Posts

• How to Teach English to Young Learners: 9 Helpful Strategies - May 2, 2024
• Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It? A Teacher’s Perspective - May 1, 2024
• Teaching With Blogs: A Comprehensive Guide - April 30, 2024

More from DoTEFL

45 Unique Ways to Say “Have a Safe Flight”

• Updated February 13, 2024

How to Be a Fluent English Speaker: 23 Tips to Improve Fast

• Updated January 10, 2024

19 Best Learning Management System Examples for 2024

How to Start a Tutoring Business in 2024

• Updated April 9, 2024

81 of the Most Commonly Misspelled Words in English

• Updated September 30, 2023

9 Fun Word Games For English Learners to Improve Vocabulary

• The global TEFL course directory.

Select your location

• North America English
• Brazil Português
• Latin America Español

Asia Pacific

• Australia English
• Germany Deutsch
• Spain Español
• United Kingdom English
• Benelux Dutch
• Italy Italiano

10 Benefits of Technology in the Classroom

There are many benefits of technology in the classroom. From accessibility to increased personalization and rich digital resources, teachers are learning how to use technology best to meet the needs of their diverse student population. 

In Instructure’s State of Teaching & Learning in K-12 Education Research , 86% of teachers, parents, and educators believe using educational technology resources impacts students' success. Recently, classrooms have seen tremendous growth in technology use, which has come with growing pains, but the benefits of committing to long-term technology outweigh the risks.

“Now, more than ever, we recognize that digital tools are a great way to honor, respect, and provide equitable experiences for all students. It is a great way to give them what they need when they need it.”–Nancy Brightwell, Cheif Academic Officer at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Let’s dig into some of the many benefits of using technology in the classroom today.

#1 Increases Student Engagement

Students are engaging with technology outside of school. Educators can embrace this reality and use technology to cultivate interactive and creative learning experiences for their students in the classroom. Video , for instance, can inspire and spark conversation in today’s students.

#2 Establishes Consistency

A shared environment, like a learning management system, for every student, teacher, and guardian creates a place for connection and consistency. For most of history, this place has been the physical classroom. However, modern tools can recreate this familiarity in a digital environment.

“Canvas LMS can be the single landing place where you add all the digital curricula, content, and tools to support student learning, so students don't have to go to multiple places to find what they need.” –Trenton Goble, VP of K-12 Strategy at Instructure.

#3 Opens Communication Lines

Administrators face different challenges than their students, teachers, and families. For schools to operate smoothly, each of these parties needs to feel comfortable communicating about their challenges and confident they can reach out for support. Students know they can get help outside the physical classroom, and parents stay informed about their student’s learning (i.e., by using observer status to keep a pulse on what’s happening in the classroom). Administrators can offer support to teachers and families through the avenue that works best for their community, such as:

Office Hours

Phone & Email Support

Newsletters

“Creating synchronous support made us [administrators] available to them [teachers and families]." Dr. Lisa Gilbert, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction at Kern County Schools

#4 Streamlines Feedback

To grow, students need to hear feedback from their teachers; the sooner they receive it, the better. Teachers, on the other hand, have a lot on their plate. Technology features like SpeedGrader can help teachers quickly provide feedback when and where students need it most.

#5 Eases Student Anxiety

Technology can either amplify or alleviate anxiety. Answering the Fundamental Five , such as what students need to do when they need to do it and where they can reach out for support, helps educators accomplish the latter.

#6 Allows for Data-Informed Action

The right technology gives teachers the data they need when they need it most.

“For us, the focus is on real-time formative data. That is what is most meaningful. That is what we want to be able to work around. We can respond to needs more quickly than relying solely on end-of-the-year data. That is helpful, and we need to look at it, and we need to look for patterns and trends and address the issues we see there, but for us, it is more about real-time, what is happening now .” Nancy Brightwell, Chief Academic Officer at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

A practical assessment management system is one way to access real-time information so educators can intervene efficiently.

#7 Boosts College & Career Readiness

Technology is integral to our world. Connecting students with the right technology empowers them to take ownership of their learning in the present and prepares them for future success.

“We are thinking about our demographic and want to encourage as many students as possible to pursue post-secondary opportunities. It helps our teachers to embrace ‘the why’ when they learn that all our community colleges across our state are utilizing Canvas LMS.”–Dr. Lisa Gilbert, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction at Kern County Schools

#8 Facilitates Collaboration

Classrooms without technology are bound to the time in the physical classroom for collaboration. Using technology makes students, teachers, and their families accessible beyond the confines of the building, whether through Zoom or Team meetings virtually or using Google Docs to work together on a project. Both foster collaboration and comments, version history, and activity in these tools inform teachers about who is contributing and who needs to engage.

#9 Reduces Paper Waste

Paper is still a valuable resource for schools. Estimates report that a typical school will use over 2,000 sheets of paper daily. Using digital resources and tech tools can save:

Educators' time at the printer

Students the stress of scouring folders for the correct sheet of paper to turn in

Schools the cost of ink, toner, and reams of paper

Excess paper from being thrown into the recycling bin

#10 Personalizes Learning

Each student’s preferred learning path is unique. Technology provides opportunities to differentiate instruction and personalize learning by offering students multiple assignment submission types or a variety of mediums through which to learn new material. (i.e., Videos, podcasts, articles, etc.)  

“Some things we have leveraged extensively are understanding how important digital content is and truly personalizing learning for students.”–Nancy Brightwell, Chief Academic Officer at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

How to Prepare Students for the Digital World

Schools like Kern County continue to wonder how they can better prepare students for the increasingly digital world they'll grow into. Specific examples of how to get started with technology in the classroom can help outline the next steps for putting students on the path to lifelong success.

“We are graduating our students into a [digital] world. And these are the skillsets that we need to be helping them learn and apply…Do we not have a responsibility to ensure that our students are familiar with them? So that they can focus on the content they are learning, use the tools to dig deeper, collaborate online, and do all the wonderful things that Canvas LMS allows us to do.”–Dr. Lisa Gilbert, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction at Kern County Schools

Examples of Technology in the Classroom

Many effective technology tools are accessible and built with educators and students in mind. 

The modern classroom is no longer limited to blackboards and overhead projectors. Educators power their classrooms with a wide variety of tools and platforms that enrich the learning experience for students. Let's explore some common examples.

E-textbooks are now commonplace in many of today's classrooms and accessible from any device. They come with interactive features such as multimedia, hyperlinks, and search functions. The digital shift over the years has made learning more engaging and contributed to reducing the physical weight of backpacks and promote environmental sustainability.

Online Courses

The rise of platforms like Nearpod and Khan Academy signifies the growing importance of personalize online learning content in courses. These platforms offer courses on a variety of topics, allow students to learning at their own pace by rewinding lessons and accessing learning materials from anywhere. Online courses break geographical barriers, making high-quality education accessible to students everywhere.

Learning Management Systems

Canvas is a prime example of an LMS transforming education. It is the digital hub for teachers to organize courses, grade assignments, and communicate with students. Canvas streamlines the learning process with features such as quizzes, discussion boards, and integrations with other tools loved by teachers and students. It supports learning everywhere it happens, both in the hybrid or in the physical classroom.

Graphic Design Tools

Today's classrooms are full of tomorrow's creatives. Tools like Adobe Spark and Canva allow students (and teachers!) to tap into their creativity and showcase what they know in a variety of innovative ways such as videos, infographics, and posters. Educators can similarly use these tools to customize their online classrooms and create inspiring lessons.

Tablets are a staple in many classrooms that keep students connected to the digital content they need to succeed. iPads are one example that many schools use to take their blended learning strategies to the next level.

Video Conferencing Tools

Tools like Zoom and Google Meet bring everyone together easily no matter where they're located. Teachers can also use these tools to broaden the horizons of their classroom by creating virtual field trip experiences for their students and hosting guest speakers who may not otherwise be able to attend in person.

All in all, a massive benefit of technology in the classroom is student success. To learn more about tackling the challenges associated with technology in the classroom, download your free copy of Removing Roadblocks to Teaching with Technology .

Discover More Topics:

Ebooks & Buyer’s Guides

Removing Roadblocks to Teaching with Technology

Research Reports

The State of Teaching and Learning in K- 12 Education

On-Demand Webinars

Connecting Teaching with Tech

Stay in the know.

STUDENTS  |   TEACHERS  |   SIGN UP

STUDENTS  -  TEACHERS - SHOP

Are you spending too much time planning technology skills lessons for your K-5 students?

Empower your students with essential digital skills.

Scroll down to learn more about this elementary technology curriculum.

Comprehensive Grades K-5 Technology Curriculum

Immerse your students in an innovative learning environment with our K-5 Tech Curriculum. Crafted for elementary computer lab teachers, grade level educators, and homeschooling families, this comprehensive resource comes with over 200 lesson plans and activities that seamlessly integrate into your technology curriculum.

This curriculum simplifies your lesson planning, freeing up valuable time and reducing the stress of preparing engaging computer lab sessions. From digital tool exploration, internet safety, coding basics, to fostering research skills, we ensure a robust, well-rounded tech education for your students.

With an auto-login feature and a user-friendly interface optimized for desktop learning, our curriculum offers an accessible, hassle-free experience for teachers and students alike. We provide flexible subscription plans – monthly or yearly – and the freedom to cancel at any time, ensuring we meet your budget and needs.

Experience the ease of teaching technology with our K-5 Tech Curriculum, where we combine quality, convenience, and value to enhance your teaching experience and boost your students’ digital competency.

This is ideal for a technology teacher, media specialist, tech facilitator, grade level teachers with mandatory lab time, or homeschooling family that wants educational technology lessons. All of the setup work is done for you!

This is for you if:

• By the end of the year you want students who can log in, navigate a website, access any programs, type efficiently, and use  technology to   learn.
• You want students who are  confident in using the technology  required for standardized testing. 
• You have  limited time – in one 45 minute session per week, your students can develop technology literacy while completing engaging projects.
• You need it to be nearly  effortless for YOU  and fun for your students.

Skills Addressed:

• Computer Basics and procedures
• Mouse/Trackpad skills
• Keyboarding (Typing skills)
• Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety
• Online Research Skills
• Creativity with Tech Tools
• Software Programs (Both Google Apps and Microsoft Office)
• Coding (Computer Science)

There is a detailed scope and sequence for each grade level available on this page.

1. Watch the Video

And read through the text on this page.

2. Read the Scope and Sequence

Plus check out the free sample pages!

3. See the Buying Options

K-5 monthly, yearly, and individual grade level subscriptions available.

My name is Brittany Washburn and I’m an educator obsessed with ed tech. 

This curriculum was originally created over 3 school years when I had  nothing  for materials for my technology specials. I was spending my nights and weekends scouring Pinterest and Google for ideas because I knew my students deserved engaging lessons even if I had to do everything from scratch. 

I found myself exhausted and frustrated and just knew there had to be an easier way. That is when I discovered the  magic  of having my own class website and screencasting my instructions. I created a modified-flipped-classroom before I even knew that was a thing. Students were working at their own pace and they stopped asking me to repeat instructions. I felt like I had struck gold!

Once I built out all of the lessons to meet the ISTE Standards for Students, my planning was basically done. I was finally able to keep up with all of the other aspects of teaching tech (troubleshooting, researching, extra duties, etc.) and started to enjoy the job so much more! I actually had energy left at the end of a school day since I wasn’t spending any more time on planning.

I tested and perfected the activities over the years and now I’ve made them available to you! I also still regularly update activities because I just love creating age-appropriate and standards-aligned activities.

SPECIAL OFFER: Click here  and use the code TRYK5TECH1 at checkout to subscribe and get the first month for just $1 (regularly $15 per month)!

Watch this video for full walkthrough

What you need in order to use these lesson plans:

• Subscription includes an Auto Login URL for students. Simply share the URL with students and it logs them in automatically. Great for little ones! *Cookies must be enabled on your student devices for this to work.
• Laptops or desktops are ideal (PC or Chromebooks).
• There are YouTube and Vimeo videos to supplement the lessons. If you don’t have access to Vimeo or YouTube you can accomplish the same objective by doing a demonstration yourself.
• Student instructional videos are embedded into the site via my Vimeo account. You may need to ask your school or district to whitelist Vimeo.
• Access to either Google Apps or Microsoft Software programs for students.
• Up to date web browser. All lessons have been tested in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari (desktop versions).

Each lesson or project includes:

• Lesson plan and rationale pages for the teacher (like the teacher manual but better).
• Printable and editable  lesson planning pages and rationale pages where I explain the how and why for each lesson or unit. 

The lesson plan pages come in a PowerPoint file that will easily open in Google Slides if you upload it to your drive. It is fully editable in case you need to make modifications, or you can just print the whole file and hand write your notes. 

Each lesson or project includes a web page with linked prompts, directions, and activities (like a workbook but digital).

There are several sample lessons you can look at to see how it all works:

• Kindergarten
• Keyboard Arrows
• Counting Activity
• First Grade
• Typing Practice
• Fairy Tale Activity
• Second Grade
• Build a City
• Hour of Code
• Third Grade
• Code an Avatar
• Typing Olympics
• Fourth Grade
• All About Online Search
• Make a Web Page
• Fifth Grade
• Internet Safety Project

As you can see, there is a combination of digital activities built right onto the pages and external links. 

Easy access for even your youngest students! Either use the Auto Login URL or have students practice logging in by typing the class username and password.

Everything is set up for you!

Directions, screencasts, early finisher activities, everything your students need to be successful with just an intro or demo from you!

CURRICULUM TOPICS & SUBJECTS INCLUDED

Kindergarten:

• Mouse/ Trackpad Skills
• Parts of a Computer
• Navigating a Device for Learning
• Keyboard Letters and Numbers
• Math and ELA Digital Activities to practice the mouse and keyboard
• Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship
• Navigating a device
• Keyboard familiarity and practice
• Internet Safety, Media Literacy, and Digital Citizenship
• Computer Skills
• Keyboarding to proficiency
• Computer Vocabulary
• Creation Tools for creativity with technology
• PowerPoint / Google Slides
• Word / Docs
• Excel / Google Sheets
• Internet Search and basics of online research skills
• Typing skills and proficiency
• Online Research skills
• Word processing and Typing

Internet Safety

• Google Sheets/ Excel
• Creation tools
• Research skills and practice
• Internet Safety Research Project

Spreadsheet Software

BONUS FILES INCLUDED IN THE YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION DOWNLOADS

• 4 Sets of Backup plans (great for when technology/WiFi isn’t cooperating)
• Computer Lab Management strategies
• Paper username and password practice printable
• Certificate of completion

Each grade level has specific units and skills taught. See the scope and sequence here:

Scope and sequence for each grade level.

Click on the grade level tabs down the side to see the other grades. 

SPECIAL OFFER: Click here  and use the code TRYK5TECH1 at checkout to get the first 30 days for just $1!

You can click the Member Login button to see the Homepage. From there you can look at all of the lesson titles from the menu and see the sample pages. 

Kindergarten Lessons

These are the lesson titles you will find in this resource:

Rules and Procedures

• Parts of the Computer
• How to use the Internet

Mouse Practice

• Can be used for mouse or trackpad
• Hover, click, click and drag (drag and drop), double click, right click, scroll
• Mouse and Spacebar 1-2

Keyboard Practice

• Keyboard Introduction
• Keyboard Arrows 1-4
• Keyboarding 1-2
• Sequencing, 2 lessons

ELA Practice (reviews mouse/trackpad, keyboard, and website navigation)

• Spelling Words
• Sight Words
• Typing Sight Words

Math Practice (reviews mouse/trackpad, keyboard, and website navigation)

• Counting and cardinality
• Counting to tell number of objects
• Compare numbers
• Operations and algebraic thinking
• Measurement
• Internet safety overview
• Downloading
• Screen time
• Online friends
• Unit overview

Read the blog post with FAQs for the  Kindergarten technology curriculum .

Watch these video demos:

• Mouse practice 1
• Mouse practice 2
• Keyboarding

1st Grade Lessons

• Computer Parts 3 week unit (comes with printable worksheets)
• Save to Favorites

Mouse and Keyboard Practice

• Mouse Practice (repeat as many times as needed)
• Keyboard Arrows (repeat until mastered)
• Memory Match
• Paint and Make
• Alphabet Order
• Digital activities to go with Common Sense Media Curriculum
• Private and personal information
• Netsmartz Into the Cloud videos

Computers and Academics (mouse and keyboard practice with academic content)

• Math with Computers 1 and 2
• Addition Game
• Reading with Computers 1 and 2
• Make a Secret Message
• Make a Story
• Word Processing
• Typing in Word
• Changing the Fonts
• Adding Pictures
• Writing with Computers

Presentation Software

• Adding pictures
• Fonts and text
• Slide layouts
• Research steps
• Taking notes
• Giving credit
• Group Research Project

Coding Unit

• First Grade Coding
• Conditionals Unit

Read the blog post with FAQs for the  1st grade technology curriculum .

• Math with Computers
• Research Skills
• Computer parts

2nd Grade Lessons

• Technology Vocabulary 1-3
• Typing Practice 1
• Typing Stamina Building 2-6
• Typing Lesson 7
• Layering text and graphics
• Spell Check
• Making lists
• Add slides and change layout
• Pictures and backgrounds
• Type text in a box
• Internet safety 1-3
• The Internet

Make A… Projects

• Make a Leaf Creature
• Friendly Letter
• Copy and Paste Practice
• Make a Book Cover

BONUS Activities if you have time:

• Color coded typing digital flash cards
• Tech vocab word search
• Digital breakouts
• Drag and drop practice

Read the blog post with FAQs for the  2nd grade technology curriculum .

• Google Docs
• Computer Vocab

3rd Grade Lessons

• First Day in Technology rules and vocabulary review
• Word Processing 1-5
• Word Processing Test
• Word Processing Typing
• Online safety rules
• Online communication
• Cyberbullying
• Typing Olympics (4 Weeks)
•  Color coded typing 2 weeks
• Changing the font
• Inserting pictures
• Fun with word art
• Fill in a Chart
• Make a Bar Graph
• Make your own Graph

Online Search

• Learn about Search Engines
• Internet Search 1 and 2

BONUS if you have time:

• Google Slides (or PowerPoint) Digital Stop Motion Animation Project
• Technology vocabulary activities
• Typing sight words

Read the blog post with FAQs for the  3rd grade technology curriculum .

• Word processing
• Google Sheets

4th Grade Lessons

• Lesson 1: Google log and Create a Rules poster

Technology Vocabulary

• Lesson 2: Google log and Vocabulary Review
• Geek Speak Intro: PowerPoint or Google Slides vocabulary template
• Technology Vocabulary Typing
• Multitasking (screen time)

Online Research

• How to Read a Webpage
• Search Engine Strategies
• Google Search Tips
• Judging Online Information
• Evaluate a Web Page
• Website Evaluation Activity
• Putting Information Together
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• .Copyright and Fair Use
• Intro to Publisher (research project)
• Working with Tables
• Numbering Slides
• Inserting Videos
• Color and Highlight Boxes
• Scratch Lessons 1-8

Word Processing and Typing

• Adding hyperlinks
• Page layout
• Color coded typing digital flash cards 2 weeks
• Digital Breakouts
• Chrome Music Lab Rhythm Experiment
• STEM Challenges (great for back up plans any time of year)

Check out the  blog post about the 4th grade technology curriculum

Watch some video demos of lessons:

• Adding Tables to Google Slides
• Color Coded Typing
• Technology Vocabulary Review

5th Grade Lessons

• First Day in Tech Lesson 1: Computer Rules poster
• Procedures and First Project (technology problem solving)
• Lesson 3: How to Read a Webpage
• Lesson 4: Evaluate Websites Activity
• Lesson 5: Google Search Tips
• Lesson 6: Geek Speak Project
• Vocabulary Test 1
• Internet Safety Project 6 Weeks. Research and activity creation.
• Internet Safety Lessons: Online reputation and responsibilities
• Screen Free Week

Make a … projects

• Animation Project
• Make a Wordle
• Make a Comic
• Make a Voice Recording
• Make a Picture with Labels
• Make a Puzzle
• Make a Quiz
• PowerPoint Lessons
• Transitions and Animations
• Spell check and Editing
• Citing Sources
• Color Coded Typing Digital Flash Cards 2 weeks
• Spreadsheet project (Candy Store)
• 3D Printing Module
• Extra technology vocabulary activities

Check out the  blog post about the 5th grade technology curriculum

• Editing and Spell Check
• Bonus Spreadsheet project

Enough lessons and activities for the entire School Year

For grades K-5 (based on a 45 minute class once each week)

If you have longer classes or see your students more than once a week then I recommend getting these add-ons:

• Add on Pack
• Assessment Bundle 
• Tech Teacher Planner  
• Tech Exit Tickets

Buying Options Available in Multiple  Grade Levels

Purchase a K-5 Bundle or any individual grade levels you need. 

K-5 Technology Curriculum BUNDLE Monthly Subscription

K-5 Technology Curriculum Bundle Yearly Subscription

Kindergarten Tech Curriculum Subscription

1st Grade Technology Curriculum Subscription

2nd Grade Technology Curriculum Subscription

3rd Grade Technology Curriculum Subscription

4th Grade Technology Curriculum Subscription

5th Grade Technology Curriculum Subscription

Frequently asked questions.

With your purchase you get one  class account  that all students use to access the lesson pages. Think of this website like a textbook but digital. The username and password’s purpose is to give students access to the textbook. Then from there you (the teacher) still facilitate student progress by letting them know which lesson page to go to and you’ll still collect their finished assignments for assessment. 

There are 2 options for students to log in. They can use the Auto Login URL or they can type the username and password. See the details below for each option.

Option 1:  Auto Login URL, which works like a single-sign-on link. Generate your Auto Login URL for Students from your  My Account  page. Cookies must be enabled in your browsers for the Auto Login URL to work.

• Share the auto login URL with students in a  protected  way such as Clever, Seesaw, Google Classroom, Schoology, or other learning management system, via email, or as a desktop shortcut.
• Provide a substitute teacher with the auto login URL to facilitate your classes.

YOU MAY NOT

• Put the auto login URL anywhere public, such as your school website, class website, social media, etc.
• Share the auto login URL with others who are not licensed to use the curriculum with your students.
• *If we notice an unusually large amount of traffic coming from your auto login link we will ask you to purchase an additional license.

Option 2:  Students type in the username and password. The account you made when you put through your order is the same username and password that your students will use to access their lessons. *If you already had an account on the site then that account is now your class account. See “Can I change my username?” FAQ if needed.

*Choose “ remember me ” in the login box the first time so that the browser will remember the login credentials and your students don’t have to type them every time.

A note about option 2: If the school secretary or someone else purchased the subscription for you, you’ll receive 2 emails with information about your account and with the teacher downloads. Please find those emails and follow the instructions in them for access. The  account connected to the subscription is the class account , not the one connected to the order.

The curriculum is housed on this website. Students log in to this website to access the lesson pages. The lesson plans are provided in Google Slides for the teacher (and administrators) to guide you through the curriculum.

Visit it ahead of time at  k5technologycurriculum.com/homepage  to get an idea how it works. You can find several free pages on the Samples dropdown menu. If/when you purchase access, you will create a class username and password to access all of the grade level pages.

No student data is ever collected on this website. 

The lesson plans include the correlated ISTE Standard for Students. Each lesson/unit page includes I Can Statements (objectives) that you can tie to any set of standards you use.

Both! Starting in 1st grade there are lessons to teach excel/sheets, word/docs, and PPT/slides. Your students will need access for either MS Office programs or Google accounts.

Some teacher will choose to use Google Classroom as a way to collect student assignments in order to grade them, but there isn’t a way to automatically assign one of my lessons in GC. 

While it is possible, I don’t recommend it. The whole first quarter of lessons for Kindergarten are on mouse skills and navigating a computer. Completing these lessons on an iPad wouldn’t accomplish the same set of standards. 

While the curriculum was originally designed for computer lab teachers, there are many classroom teachers, media specialists, and homeschooling families now using it with great success.

• Classroom teachers: Purchase just the grade level(s) you need and plan to give students 30-45 minutes per week to complete one lesson per week.
• Media specialists: If you work with grades K-5 you can make use of the bundle and have all of your tech skills lessons planned for the school year.
• Homeschooling families: Most homeschooling families choose the K-5 monthly subscription option if they have multiple students at different ability levels. This enables you to have full control over which lesson(s) each child completes. You can also purchase just the grade level(s) you need and have your child work through at their own pace.

In compliance with COPPA, this site does not collect any student data. Each lesson plan includes ideas for assessment, which you can implement if you give grades. I recommend keeping anecdotal records of student progress through the lessons.

The teacher has full control over which lesson students should access and collecting finished projects. The site doesn’t keep track of anything. This enables us to use it with students under the age of 13. 

This means you’ll need a way for your students to share their finished files with you. A Learning Management System like Google Classroom makes it really easy to collect files from students. 

You can also keep your own anecdotal records of student progress.  Click here to read a blog post about grading in the computer lab. 

Individual grade levels can be purchased and if you decide you need more, it is easy to add additional grade levels at any time. The only way to subscribe month by month is to purchase the K-5 bundle. The individual grade levels are all 365 day subscriptions.

Let’s make sure this will be good fit for your students.  Click here  and use the code TRYK5TECH1 at checkout to get the first 30 days for just $1! After that it is $15 per month or you can switch to the yearly subscription to get 3 months free. 

One license per school building. This curriculum was made with a technology teacher in mind, but some schools have their classroom teachers implement the lessons. The whole school can share the class account. 

If you’re a tech teacher at multiple schools and have fewer than 30 total classes, you may use the license at more than one school building. 

If you have questions about licensing, please email me before purchasing. If we find that your IP address is using an unusually high amount of server resources we may ask you to purchase an additional license.

Yes! You have complete control over your subscription from your account. If you’re not sure if this will be a good fit for you then I recommend subscribing to the monthly billing option. You can cancel it before the next renewal if needed.

I have a feeling you’ll want to stay subscribed the whole time you teach technology. The subscriptions renew automatically so you never have to worry about losing access (unless something happens like your card is declined during the renewal attempt).

I’m continually adding new content and updating outdated content. There is a bug report form if you ever find and error (like a broken link) and I’ll fix it ASAP. As new content is added, you’ll get access to it immediately on the website.

I prioritize updating the website before updating the teacher lesson plan files. Once a year you’ll want to check for updates to the teacher files by making a fresh copy of the Google Slides / PowerPoint lesson plans.

Where do I go if I have additional questions?

Email me directly at [email protected] if there is anything you need me to clarify.

Amazing Curriculum!

Wonderful lessons and activities, love using this curriculum for my classes, saves so much time, makes my job easier, constant updates.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Technology in the Writing Classroom

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Technology affects both the process and product of composition. Students often complete multimodal writing assignments that combine traditional textual elements with pictures, data visualizations, video, sound, animation, etc. Similarly, students' use of many technologies while composing an assignment can impact the final product. This is true even for technologies that aren't directly involved in the writing process in the way that, for instance, word processors are. Mind mapping technologies can help students relate ideas to one another. Graphic design programs can help students organize their ideas visually or let students write for specific audiences and contexts. Audio recording technologies can give students expressive freedom beyond the constraints of written work. Countless more examples abound.

These technologies, however, should not be introduced to the classroom without forethought. One danger inherent to any technology is that an assignment that uses that technology can inadvertently become more about learning to use the technology than about the intended learning outcomes. Thus, making sure students understand what they are being evaluated on (i.e., their work, and not necessarily their skill with the technology), have access tohelp materials, and have time to get familiar with the technology can all mitigate this danger. These strategies tend to hold true no matter the age of the students. While it's typical to assume that younger students have greater facility with technology because they are "digital natives," research suggests that that's usually not the case. Young students still need to learn to use a new technology just like they would learn any other new skill.

When handled with care, technology can be a boon to the writing classroom. Generally, the benefits of technology in gaining new literacies, learning independent problem solving skills, and showing students the wide range of applications of composition in their lives outweigh the risks. In this resource, we suggest some ways that teachers can take advantage of widely available technologies to teach writing outcomes and help students develop multiple digital literacies. 

Mindmapping

There are a number of free options for mindmapping and similar exercises online, including MindMup , Bubbl.us , and Lucidchart , but common office programs like PowerPoint can also do the job.

Stages of the writing process:

• Invention/pre-writing
• Peer review
• Visually organizing an essay or argument
• Synthesis (spatially relating different concepts)
• Reverse-outlining an existing draft to understand how the pieces fit together

Affordances:

• Mindmapping digitally allows for easier movement, erasing, and re-doing than with pen and paper
• No constraints of paper size — maps can go wherever students take them
• Can use images, links, etc. from research in the maps
• Can spatially show (and compare/contrast) the relative importance of points, check for balance in developing arguments

Activities:

• Have a peer reviewer reverse-engineer an outline of their peer's paper and let the writer compare their own outline with the reviewer's. The writer and reviewer can discuss differences between the two outlines, evaluate the reviewer's response to what the writer intends to show in the paper, and make a revision plan.
• Have students synthesize multiple sources together using a mind map; first, make a mind map for each source summarizing its points, then connect the nodes to understand how the sources relate to one another, agree, and disagree.
• Have students create an outline of their paper with a mind map. Compare outlines on the board/projector to understand how different arguments can be organized through visual shapes (narrow at the top and broad at the bottom, like a triangle; narrow at beginning and end and wide in the middle, like a diamond; etc), and what each of these shapes can do.

Collaboration

Especially when teaching remotely, collaboration on writing projects is a common part of writing instruction. Leveraging technology effectively to help facilitate collaboration can help students focus on building collaboration skills rather than focusing on getting in touch with each other, and can help teachers more effectively monitor and help with collaboration in the moment. Tools for collaboration can vary depending on what's available, but Google Docs , Slack , and various kinds of video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom ) are common tools.

Stages: 

• All stages, but especially:
• peer review/revision
• brainstorming

Purpose: 

• Sharing work among students, especially when remote teaching or in case of absences, not finishing work in class, etc.
• Responding to feedback in a way that leaves a written record
• Co-writing documents for a group project
• Brainstorming, taking collaborative notes, or creating a wiki in class
• Rather than discussing peer review or feedback verbally in class, students can write feedback down in comments in Google docs or similar word processing software for later review
• Students can assign action items by tagging their classmates ("@Purdue Pete, could you look at this paragraph when you get a chance and let us know what you think?"); teachers and students can see division of labor in who is participating the most on the document 
• Students can still participate remotely in the case of illness or other absence
• In class, students can all contribute to a class document at the same time to create a crowdsourced wiki about a topic, share notes, etc.
• Have students doing group projects write a team charter memo collaboratively, laying out expectations for how their team will work together, solve conflict, and help each other get their work done.
• Have students use separate pages in a Google doc to answer discussion questions or take notes during a think-pair-share activity, so all the notes are available to all students afterwards.
• When introducing a new technology, have students create a list of tools or functions in the technology in a collaborative document, and then assign one tool or function to each student to research and create a guide on how to use it. Assemble the guides into a wiki that students can refer to when using this technology on another assignment.

Audio Production

Writing is not a purely textual endeavor: much of the journalism we encounter is in podcast form. This is not the only audio genre whose production is intertwined with the writing process, however. For instance, pop music can teach poetry in a way that engages young students. Similarly, audio dramas that tell stories with sound design are experiencing a resurgence from the days of radio. Assigning an audio composition can be a great way to help students learn multimodal literacies while still teaching organization, structure, and argument. Additionally, because the various genres of audio composition are more commonplace or "real" for students than something explicitly tied to school, like a traditional essay, these genres can give students opportunities to engage with audience and context in new ways. Though many programs can allow students to edit audio, one free, especially easy-to-use platform is  Audacity .

• Remediation
• Reflection after writing
• Specific audience and genre characteristics help students learn to analyze a rhetorical situation and adapt appropriately
• Finding and incorporating fair use music, sounds, and effects teach students about fair use, copyright, and attribution practices in public settings outside school
• Working with speech, sound effects, music, timing, and delivery encourages students to develop multimodal literacies that interact with and build on traditional written literacies.
• Have students produce a 3-5 minute podcast remediating a previous project, like a research paper or a literary analysis. Students can write a script, record the script, and include effects, music, and edit their own speech to fit the time constraints and needs of the piece. Students can then write a short reflection detailing how they rethought their original project with a new audience and context to create the podcast, and what design choices they made to achieve those goals.
• Have students record a voiceover for a PowerPoint or other presentation deck to make a presentation remotely; students can write a short reflection describing how they made conscious rhetorical decisions in accompanying their slide deck.
• Have students record an interview with a classmate, family member, teacher, etc., and edit the interview to tell a cohesive story in 5-10 min. Students can write a short reflection describing how they came up with interview questions, how they decided which material to keep and which to trim or delete, and how they set up the story for an interested audience with music and effects.

Visual Production

Much of the writing we encounter in our daily lives is accompanied by or part of a visually designed composition; blog posts include pictures and GIFs, websites focus on usable design, marketing materials grab our attention with photos and data visualizations, and infographics condense pages of text into quickly digestible bites of information. Many free online tools such as Canva  and Piktochart  give users templates to start with and the power to customize most features. Commonly available office software also has robust visual design capabilities, and students with access to professional-grade products like Adobe Photoshop can develop facility with industry-standard technology. 

• All, but especially:
• Working multimodally encourages students to adapt to changing rhetorical contexts and audiences
• Genre conventions for visual compositions help students gain genre awareness while building visual literacy
• Generally, visual production assignments allow students to play with arrangement and meshing textual and visual elements, similar to audio production
• Since some tools have premade templates students can use as starting places, there can be less anxiety about having to start from nothing; by the same token, students learn how to make customization decisions in accordance with their audience and context
• Like audio production, using a mix of elements means students have the opportunity to learn about citation and fair use outside of a school setting
• Have students remediate an essay or other project into an infographic for public consumption (or poster, to hang in classroom for future students, etc). Students can write a short reflection describing how they decided to rework their original project into something new for a new rhetorical situation.
• Have students create a photo essay with captions; students can write a reflection discussing their choices and intentions.
• Have students redesign a book cover, poster, course syllabus, assignment sheet, or other document to be both more visually appealing and more useable; students can write a reflection describing their rhetorical choices.

• Free Resources
• Project Ideas
• Login/Register Remember Me Register

Let your students create their very own personalized stories using a variety of colorful and vibrant Illustrations that ignite creativity. Story Bird and Story Jumper are two great websites that allow students to bring creative writing into the 21st century with technology.

In these websites (which are especially great for students who are not good at drawing), students write and illustrate a story using the wide assortment of backgrounds by simply dragging and dropping a series of images onto the page.

With a classroom account, teachers can create assignments, and review and comment on submitted stories. They’ll also be able to arrange for printing and purchase of any student created work. Talk about becoming young authors!

2. Create their Own Quiz

Challenge your students to create their own quiz using Kahoot !

Kahoot is a student-response gamifying tool that lets teachers create multiple-choice quizzes and polls and is a great way to incorporate fun and games in the classroom! It provides quick, real-time results and gives students instant feedback on their devices without anyone being called out individually.

I use this platform mainly to review concepts and vocabulary. My students always ask to play Kahoot again and again so I decided to establish a Kahoot day for quick revision and informal assessments. I also have them write their own test questions and allow them to create their own Kahoot quiz and take lead during the game.

3. Produce Book Trailers

Book Trailer Project is a digital storytelling activity for middle school or high school students after they finish reading a book. Students need to take the key idea from the book to create a short video that persuades people to check out a book they have read.

Doing the book trailer project requires students to summarize, synthesize and analyze the book and put that analysis in their trailer. Furthermore, having students create book trailers is a great way to incorporate technology in the classroom and encourage reading. Thus, book trailer project is a great alternative to boring book report assignments, and can easily be done individually or in groups.

Check out this post to read the step-by-step guide in doing the Book Trailer Project.

4. Photo Scavenger Hunt

Students are handed a list of things that can be found within school grounds ranging from very easy (ex: a world map) to moderate (ex: a student reading a book) to difficult (ex: a lizard). Vary the amount of points for each level of difficulty.

Then, students are instructed to take photos on their smartphones or tablets and cross off the items they have found.  They can form teams or work individually. Each team should decide who’s phone or camera will be used to take scavenger hunt photos. It should be the same phone for all of the team photos.

The winner is the player or team that find the most items on the list.

Optional: I try to combine this activity with the elements of the Treasure Hunt game. For example, I give clues or unlock new challenges when a team has successfully emailed their photo to me.

If you want to take photo scavenger hunt to the next level, you might want to check out Goose Chase !

5. Web Quest

Webquest is an inquiry-based approach to learning and a perfect way for teachers to begin integrating Internet searches into their curriculum.  It provides an authentic, technology-rich environment for problem solving and information processing.

A web quest guides students to search the Internet for specific information. For example, in a webquest called What Is the Most Serious Problem Facing Earth? , student teams vie for funding from the fictional Help Our World (HOW) Foundation. Each team builds a case for a critical environmental concern. Which threat is the most  critical? Which team should be awarded the foundation’s $1 million grant? (see more here ).

There are tons of already-constructed webquests out there like these ones from Zunal.com or you can create your own based on your lessons. A well-designed webquest lets you turn your students loose on the web for a specific project and get results that both you and your students will love.

ALSO READ: CLASSROOM DEVICE MANAGEMENT

6. Hunt for QR Codes

This game is similar to the classic treasure hunt game except that students have to search the school for QR codes which contain questions or clues to the game.

Playing this fun activity is easy. First, I prepare a list of questions from the topics that I want my students to learn or revise. Then I create and print the QR code for each question and place them across the school.

Students are put into small teams or pairs with one person owning a mobile device. They need to download a QR code reader first which is free on App Store or Google Play. Internet connection is not required once they have the app since the QR codes decode as text files.

Now, students need to search the school for these clues and scan each QR Code to get each question. They must then work together to find the answer to this question. The team that brings the most number of answers wins the game

Try this Pokemon Go-inspired QR Hunting activity that I made!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: No-prep ESL Vocabulary Games for Young Learners

7. Generate Word Cloud

A word cloud is a list of words arranged randomly and forms into a shape. It is a great way for students to summarize information, increase vocabulary and make connections between concepts. I love creating word cloud with my students because they are fun and easy to make!

There many word cloud generators online but the ones that I like the most are ABCYa  and Word It Out .

8. Sing with Lyrics Training

Lyrics Training is an awesome website to learn a language with music! Students will watch and listen to a music video and fill in the missing lyrics of the song. The website has a huge collection of songs in all genres and caters to different proficiency levels such as beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert.

9. Present Using Infographics

Incorporating infographics in the classrooms is one of the best ways to engage students in the lesson while having fun at the same time.

Allow your students to digest complex information they have learned by creating eye-catching infographics. It can help students learn to interpret data, organize ideas, and make important connections. There are different free web-based applications that students can use to create infographics such as Piktochart  and Venngage , but my students find Easel.ly very user-friendly.

10. Celebrate Diversity via e-Pals

Help students develop real-life writing and learning experiences, learn the format of a friendly letter and the proper etiquette of online communication. By integrating a letter-exchange program in the classroom, they can also learn about other cultures, languages, and geographic areas that align with the curriculum in your school.

There is a website called  ePals connects K-12 classrooms in more than 99 countries to share content and ideas and collaborate on projects (including pen pal exchanges). Teachers create a profile with a brief description about who they’re hoping to connect with and why; and can search for partner classrooms by language, age, and keyword, and can also factor in region/country and class size. Once connected, classes can communicate through a private workspace on the site.

Setting up classes is time consuming but once they are in you are good to go. Finding classes to work with can also be time consuming and frustrating due to the lack of responses from my requests but once you are connected it is so worth how excited your classes become.

Or, in the spirit of letter exchanges, you may want to join our yearly Holiday Card Exchange Project .

11. Scene it with Storyboard!

12. Be Creative with Social Media

Using the concept of social media is one awesome way to engage students in the lesson, topic or theme. With a little creativity, teachers can bring the visual power of photos into the classroom! I developed Instagram and Facebook templates so that students can have real social media learning experience without actually having the need to log in to their accounts!

Using the Instagram template , students can create their Instagram post directly in a word processing document or hand out the blank templates to have them draw their photos.

With the Facebook template , students will be able to construct a Facebook profile for a person of study – whether a fictional character or a famous historical figure. This is a fun and highly motivating activity that will encourage your students to think deeply about characters, encourage cooperative work and great discussion, and keep students on task.

13. Publish an e-Newsletter or e-Magazine

Creating a classroom newsletter can be an excellent way for students to develop their language skills and to learn how to work cooperatively. They build vocabulary through writing and through interacting with others in the class.

Let students create a list of topics that they wish to write about in their newsletter. Allow them to work in collaborative groups and assign students roles such as “writer,” “editor,” “researcher,” or “graphic artist.”

There are many apps and websites that students can use to create their newsletter. Microsoft Publisher is the oldest one I know that is easy to use and free. It has the emphasis on page layout and design rather than text composition and proofing. Other web-based apps that are worth looking are Adobe Sparks and Canva .

They can print out the newsletter or convert it to PDF and attached to an email to share their newsletter with the school and with family members.

Are you on Pinterest? Pin this post!

EN101 Author

Related posts.

Make Learning ESL Vocabulary Fun with these 10 Interactive Websites

Top 10 ways to use Canva in your Classroom

What is FlipGrid and what activities can you do with it?

Quizalize: Differentiate and track student achievement!

5 Free Video Maker Online for Students

Article comments.

Great activities! I am excited to do the Qr code hunting with my middle school students. Thank you for sharing!

greg_faraldo

Kahoot is always a class favourite! I also let my students use online dictionary that doesn’t need an internet connection (to avoid cheating when writing essays, etc). Have you tried Wordle? It’s also a good app for making word cloud.

The digital age challenges us to use technology in ways that facilitate language learning. When teachers use technology responsibly, both teachers and students will benefit from technology in its supporting role not only in the ESL/EFL classroom but in other subjects as well.

Melchor Bernardo

You’re absolutely welcome! Let us know how your activity goes 🙂

Hi Greg! I love the offline dictionary idea! And yes, Wordle is also great on laptops. I don’t know why but it’s quite spotty (technical issues) on iPads or tablets.

to that I agree! cheers!

Thanks for this post because for some strange reason I had not been able to locate a working site that did not ask me for a lot of information about myself just to use the “word cloud” app.

You’re welcome @ghoskins I know the struggle! Sometimes its hard for students to get into or save the word cloud because some apps require too much info from the user. Word It Out is one of best and easiest app to use!

lots and lots of web 2.0 tools…truly amazing

Thank you, Fozia!

Firmansyah Kusasi

Hi Amazing, and full of inspiring activities I’ll try the web quest, qr code hunt and infogrphics which are more suitable to my class. Just suggestion..Why dont’t you give a try to video projects, and prezi presentation, and let’s see the students anthusiasm.

Thanks for the suggestion! Actually I have some videos but putting them together for a presentation takes a lot of time. I will definitely do that in the future!

And I’m glad you love the activities! Let us know how it worked for you 🙂

La caza de codigos QR me parecen interesante los empezare usar. Pero necesito mas sugerencias

Bertha Sillas

I may be teaching ESL in middle school and I appreciate the information, ideas, and resources you provide on the website.

Wow enjoy! Teaching in middle school super fun! 🙂

I will try Piktochart with my students

Wonderful suggestions! I’d love to try Lyrics Training with my music class. Thanks for your ideas ? ❤️

i think it will be very useful!!!

Syeda umme Humera

I teach history and geography to grade 8th students. The class strength is 39. Help me in different activities .specially project based. Thank you .

Radhika Jadhav

Thanks for the suggestion! Actually I will definitely do that in the future!

And I’m glad you love the activities! Let us know how it worked for you ?

Thank you 🙂

Great to hear that!

Great! Good luck with the activity!

You’re welcome! Have fun!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Privacy Policy

• Prodigy Math
• Prodigy English
• Is a Premium Membership Worth It?
• Promote a Growth Mindset
• Help Your Child Who's Struggling with Math
• Parent's Guide to Prodigy
• Assessments
• Math Curriculum Coverage
• English Curriculum Coverage
• Game Portal

25 Brilliant Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom with Ease

Written by Marcus Guido

Reviewed by Joshua Prieur, Ed.D.

Did you know?

Students at one school district mastered 68% more math skills on average when they used Prodigy Math.

• Adaptive Learning
• Game-Based Learning
• Teaching Strategies
• Teaching Tools

Delivering Content

Helping students process content, allowing students to create products, offering a unique learning experience, infographic.

Although many technology-based teaching methods and resources effectively engage students and build their skills, many educators encounter difficulties when using technology in the classroom.

Maybe a specific platform is too hard to introduce. Or maybe it won’t run on your devices. Despite the challenges, you likely want to enjoy the benefits that education technology can deliver.

Using the ones that best apply to you and your students,  consider these 25 easy ways to use technology in the classroom:

1. Run a Virtual Field Trip

If a location is out of reach due to logistical issues, you can simulate a virtual trip by buying a Google Cardboard for less than $15.

There are apps you can use to explore famous buildings, such as the Empire State Building, and natural phenomena, such as the Great Barrier Reef.

You may ask: “How will this connect with a learning objective?” You could visit a foreign landmark, holding a mock conversation in that country’s language. Or, you could study the area itself from a geographic perspective.

This can add a new, engaging element to your lessons.

2. Preview Field Trips Virtually

Similarly, you can use Google Earth to explore locations before actually visiting them.

Let’s say your class is set to go to the Zoo. Find the location, traveling through it using Street View to see which exhibits pique the most student interest. You can quickly discuss what they’re looking forward to, boosting excitement levels for the trip.

Popular field trip destinations will also have websites filled with visual media you can use to complement the preview.

All it takes is a device connected to a projector or large screen.

3. Quiet a Noisy Classroom

To make it easier to give lessons and presentations, use a tool that tracks and displays classroom noise.

For example, Too Noisy is an accurate noise meter. You’ll likely find that — without having to tell them — students will become quiet when the meter spikes.

This means most of them won’t be as disruptive when you give a lesson or run an independent work activity. They may even shush each other.

In turn, you’ll have an easier time presenting content.

4. Use Videos for Mini-Lessons

You can bolster your lesson plans by using videos as stand-alone overviews for some topics.

Also available as skill reviews and previews, there are many websites that host teacher-made video content. TeacherTube is an example of an education-only version of YouTube, covering core school subjects.

You can search for a specific topic or browse by category, quickly finding relevant videos. For example, searching for “middle school algebra” will load a results page containing study guides, specific lessons and exam reviews.

This easy way to use technology in the classroom adds a multimedia element to your lessons, which can effectively resonate with visual learners.

Research has shown that the use of animated videos can positively impact a child’s development in several competence areas including memory, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.

5. Co-ordinate Live Video

You don’t have to limit yourself to pre-recorded videos, as conferencing technology can allow subject matter experts to deliver lessons.

Whether it’s a contact from another school or a seasoned lecturer you reach out to, bringing an expert into your classroom will expose your students to new ideas and can lighten your workload.

You can add the person as a contact on Zoom, Microsoft Teams or whichever platform your school users!

Ask your students to prepare questions, helping them enjoy — and fulling participate in — this modern take on traditional lessons.

6. Play Podcasts

Playing relevant podcasts for kids can not only supplement your lessons, but engage auditory learners and act as a learning station.

Made by groups ranging from media giants to ordinary people passionate about a particular subject, you can find podcasts that are:

• Interviews with the author of a book your students are reading
• Lessons about studying techniques and strategies
• Explorations of a curriculum-related topic
• Lectures from professors

For a high school course, you may want to design a project that allows students to create and play their own podcasts. This is one of the easiest ways to use technology in your classroom — you just need a device with strong speakers.

7. Add Multimedia Elements to Presentations

Whereas slideshow presentations entirely made up of text can disengage students, ones with multimedia elements can effectively hold their attention by varying content delivery. When applicable, try to include:

• Pictographs
• Podcast clips
• Sound effects
• Short video lessons
• News, movie and television show clips

You don’t have to scour the Internet to find relevant graphs and pictographs — you can make them yourself. There are free online tools that take you through steps to input data, adjust labels and modify your design. It’s likely that slideshow presentations already play a part in your lessons, and adding different kinds of media can make them more engaging.

8. Send Adaptive Content

If each of your students has a smartphone and is always on it, why not use the situation to your advantage by delivering content through the phones? There are adaptive learning programs that students can access through tablets and smartphones.

For example, ClassK12 offers a mix of adaptive math and English exercises for students. It’s made up of mobile apps that students can download onto their personal devices.

As a teacher, you can create virtual classrooms, deliver assignments and run reports. Delivering appropriate content through such programs may seem difficult, but the process is usually intuitive and automated.

9. Share an Online Class Calendar

To keep students informed regarding the content they’ll be tackling, create and share a class calendar that details lessons and highlights important dates.

You can use a program such as Google Calendar, emailing your calendar’s hyperlink to your students or their parents. This not only keeps them informed, but helps you stay organized — you’ll quickly see if you’ve set too many due dates in a short period.

And by keeping students in the loop, you’ll help them come prepared for each class.

10. Use Virtual Manipulatives

When teaching and reinforcing some math concepts, students can use virtual manipulatives in more ways than physical ones.

For example, a 6th grade geometry activity from the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives involves using geoboards to illustrate area, perimeter and rational concepts. Although there are a few websites that provide these manipulatives, many teachers regard the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives as the most versatile and engaging. The website is made up of tasks targeted to students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. So, there should be something for your class. This method of using technology in the classroom is not only easy to run, but appeals to hands-on learners.

11. Run Learning Stations

Learning stations are a method of both delivering a range of content and giving students different ways to process it. With a device at each station, you can provide videos, podcasts, slideshows and other digital media. Students can then solve challenges to build understanding of the material. This can involve:

• Using virtual manipulatives
• Solving relevant problems in a computer game
• Recording their thoughts about, and responses to, a podcast
• Contributing notes to a group Wiki page, which this guide explains in a later section

One of the best parts of this approach? It works for classes without one-to-one device use, as students can group together at each station.

12. Provide Online Activities for Students Who Complete Work Early

Similarly, you can set up stations for students to use when they complete work early, giving them engaging ways to further process content. Set up a few devices that have videos, websites and educational games open. Take time to ensure that this material is aligned with your lesson, allowing students to delve into relevant topics. By doing so, you’ll encourage them to wisely use every bit of class time. Even those few minutes before the bell rings.

13. Save Time for Exit Tickets

Saving ten minutes at the end of class for exit tickets opens the door for easy technology use. Exit tickets can take the form of:

• Online Journal Entries  — Using an online notepad, students can write a journal entry to summarize what they learned.
• Slideshow Comments  — Sharing copies of slideshows from the day’s lesson, students can make comments through PowerPoint or Google Slides to review and expand on important points.
• Tweets  — In 280 characters or less, students can summarize the most important point they learned in class. You can easily see what they wrote by asking them to use a class-exclusive hashtag.

Exit tickets are not only quick from a student perspective, but you should find them easy to introduce and oversee.

14. Use Twitter Hashtags to Take Questions

Just as you can use a class-exclusive hashtag for exit tickets, you can use it to take questions throughout the day. By inputting the hashtag in Twitter’s search bar, you can display the feed on a screen during class or check it periodically on your device. You can choose to answer all the questions at once, or as they pop up. Either way, you don’t want to see an empty feed. Encourage students to ask inquiry questions , as well as specific ones related to lessons, presentations, homework and more. This use of technology can be especially beneficial for introverts, who may not be comfortable asking questions in front of the class.  

15. Study, Review and Critique Content on Web Pages

Here’s a technology-focused spin on notetaking: Find a web page with content reflecting or related to your lessons, and get students to make notes directly on the page. Using a program such as Bounce , you can create an interactive screenshot of any page just by inputting its URL. When students open the screenshot, they’ll see commands to create notes, feedback and other edits. In classrooms with one-to-one device use, students can do this individually. In classrooms without one-to-one device use, you can make it a group activity. Ask each group to make notes and feedback aimed at improving the web page’s content. Once each group is done, compare the edits to see which group improved the page the most. Who knew writing notes could be so engaging?

16. Use Online Mind Maps for Class Brainstorms

A digital take on brainstorming, there are websites you can use to create clear and detailed mind maps faster than written ones. For example, many teachers use MindMeister , as its features are designed for students and educators. Put the program on a screen that everyone can see. Work with your students to brainstorm ideas as a way to reinforce lessons or launch a problem-based learning exercise. It should only take a few minutes to set up this kind of classroom technology.

17. Gather Student Feedback

To encourage student input about content-processing activities, create and distribute surveys. In a few minutes, you can create forms and polls using applications such as:

• Google Forms
• SurveyMonkey
• Poll Everywhere

Students can give responses through personal or classroom devices, giving you insight about the activities they prefer. Based on the results, you may find an easy way to improve lessons.  This could even involve using new technologies in the classroom.

18. Launch a Wiki Page for a Collaborative Assignment

Collaboration doesn’t have to take place face-to-face, as you can give group assignments focused on creating a wiki page. There are many programs you can use to create wiki pages, which are web pages that different people can edit.

As a project, students can create one about a relevant topic. This process inherently encourages collaboration — students must contribute their own content to the page, editing and refining each other’s work.

This version of a group paper may also prove to be more engaging than its classic counterpart.

19. Set Up Student Blogs

Blogging can be a creative outlet for students, lending itself especially well to language arts classes and other writing-heavy subjects. There are free templates and comprehensive privacy settings on platforms such as WordPress , which you can use to host each student’s blog. As for the products they can create? Some popular options are:

• Short essays
• Diary entries from the perspective of a historical figure or character from a novel

Blogging takes some time to set up, but — once you’re rolling — it’s one of the easiest ways to introduce and use technology in the classroom.

20. Offer Open-Ended Projects

When it comes time to start a new project, give students a list of options to choose from. This way, you can appeal to their distinct learning styles and they can effectively demonstrate their knowledge. The projects can involve:

• Designing web content
• Putting together ebooks
• Creating original artwork
• Composing musical tunes
• Crafting multimedia products

Students can use widely-accessible software to complete these projects, which you may want to provide on classroom devices. This way, you can dedicate in-class time to project work while giving students some autonomy over how they use technology in school.

21. Use Online Sign-Ups

When it comes time for students to deliver presentations, using digital signup forms is an easy way to incorporate technology. Like sharing a class calendar, send students a link to a survey. It should just contain a list of dates to choose from, so they can schedule a presentation time that works for them. They’ll likely be happy to complete the project on their own paces.

22. Base Assignments on Technology-Focused Subjects

Worried that students will find it too hard to use specific technologies when creating products? Instead, you can base assignments on subjects related to software and other technology. For example, students can write guides explaining how to use their favourite computer programs. For a greater challenge, they can investigate and report how certain technologies have impacted history, politics or any other subject. They may develop a new appreciation for the technologies in question.

23. Introduce a Game-Based Learning Platform

An ambitious way to use technology in the classroom is to introduce a game-based learning platform. Most are designed to engage students, enlivening difficult topics and subjects. Research backs up other benefits, too.

For example, video games stimulate an increase in midbrain dopamine to help store and recall information, according to a 2014 article in the journal of Learning, Media and Technology .

Prodigy Education offers adaptive game-based learning through Prodigy Math and Prodigy English . Teachers can create classrooms, track student progress and deliver custom questions through plans and assignments.

You can create and sign into your free teacher account today .

If the benefits intrigue you...

Then read this five-step guide to implementing game-based learning in the classroom!

24. Play Simulations

Geared to solo and group use, online simulation games can add context and real-world applicability to your lessons. Most simulations deal with subjects such as business and economics, which require the player to have math skills higher than the elementary level. But it is possible to find ones that appeal to younger students. Regardless, as simulation programs become more advanced, they grow more engaging by teaching students how to apply their knowledge in a greater range of scenarios . And, because many of these programs work on most devices, you’ll have an easy time testing and using them.

25. Participate in a Webquest

Webquests encourage students to find and process information in engaging contexts, adding an interesting spin to the research process. These free online adventures could, for example, place students in the role of a detective. To solve a specific case, they may have to collect clues — and information — related to a curriculum topic by scouring certain sources and web pages. You can create your own adventure, but you should find webquests through some Google searches. By the end of it, your students will surprised by how much research they did.

Created by  Educational Technology and Mobile Learning — an online resource for teaching tools and ideas — below is an infographic based on this article:

Final Thoughts about Teaching Technology

Education technologies give you more ways to teach and engage students, but you must determine the best ways to use them. Depending on the makeup of your class, students may find some ideas and technologies disengaging, yet won’t want to stop using others. This list should help you find the methods and techniques that are right for you and your students.   Create or log into your teacher account on Prodigy — an adaptive math game that adjusts content to accommodate player trouble spots and learning speeds. Aligned to math curriculum around the world, it’s used by more than 100 million teachers, students and parents.

Join us in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and watch our special video tribute to educators >

Watch Reimagine Education and learn what's new with responsible AI in education ›

Transform classroom time

With Microsoft tools and free resources that help you prepare, teach, assess, track, and analyze, you'll have more time to focus on what's most important: your students.

Preparing your classroom

Whether you're creating assignments, distributing content, or tracking homework, preparation takes time. Make it more efficient with Sway, OneNote, and Teams.

Get organized with OneNote Class Notebook, featuring personal workspaces, a content library, and a space that encourages students to collaborate.

Digital storytelling with Sway

You and your students can create high-quality, interactive digital stories in minutes using your images, text, videos, and other media.

Microsoft Teams

Manage your class workflow and engage the voice of every student with Microsoft Teams.

Instruction and assessment

Make the most of your valuable instruction and assessment time with Microsoft technologies including Windows 11, Teams, and OneNote Class Notebooks.

We reimagined Windows for a new era of digital learning, helping educators unlock the full potential of every student, giving them powerful tools to learn, collaborate, and create in a secure and trusted environment.

OneNote Class Notebook

Save time and get organized with OneNote Class Notebook, featuring personal workspaces, a content library, and a collaboration space.

Measure and improve student progress

Leverage the power of data analytics to measure student progress, identify students at-risk, improve learning, and optimise resources.

With a live dashboard featuring critical student data, you can monitor progress, create interactive reports, and access data on the go.

Track student progress, updates, and key milestones in this simple, familiar format.

Track and analyze student progress with the safety and simplicity of Microsoft Azure cloud-based services.

Help whenever you need it

Free Microsoft Education product support for teachers - your one stop for help with Microsoft devices and services.

Microsoft Learn Educator Center

Get the professional development and technical skills you need to drive better student outcomes with Microsoft products and services.

Office 365 for students and teachers

With a valid school e-mail, students and teachers can get Office 365 Education, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams with free, built-in accessibility tools to empower every student.

Please enter your school email address (for example, [email protected]).

The email address you entered is not valid-please try again

Affordable, versatile devices that work within your school budget

Remote and hybrid learning drive davis school district.

Learn how Utah’s Davis School District is supporting remote and hybrid learning while putting students and educators first with new 1:1 devices, school-specific applications, and powerful collaboration with Microsoft Teams and Windows 10.

Affordable and safe devices for education

With affordable and secure devices, powerful tools for education, and free professional development opportunities, Microsoft is here to support your educators in creating inclusive online environments that help every student to learn anywhere.

• SCHOOL STORIES
• MICROSOFT LEARN EDUCATOR CENTER
• CONTACT SALES

Follow this page

• Microsoft Education Facebook page.
• Microsoft Education Twitter page.
• Microsoft Education Instagram.
• Microsoft Education Linked In page.
• Microsoft Education Pintrest page.

Share this page

• Share this page on Facebook.
• Share this page on Twitter.
• Share this page on Linked In.
• Share this page on Pintrest.