When most of us were growing up, laser pointers were on the cutting edge of teaching technology. In the classroom, educators used low-tech tools like the chalkboard and overhead projectors to get their point across.
We all know it’s a whole new world for our kids, with the invention of iPads and other gadgets with accompanying educational apps. We discussed the wide range of resources available for educating kids today during a chat in The Motherhood with Kim Smith, VP of Education at PBS, and Christina DeYoung, PBS LearningMedia and WGBH.
“As an educator, I can vouch for the vital role of technology in the classroom as a tool to increase student achievement, engagement, and to bring the real world into our classrooms,” said Elena of Ciao Mom.
Classrooms of the 21st Century
New classroom tech ranges from Smartboards – which are used as chalkboards or white boards but operate by touch – to iPod touches for math drills and handheld devices that students can use to respond to questions.
“My kindergartener uses the computer to indicate his lunch choice – buying (and which meal), buying milk, or packing,” said Amy of Teach Mama. “And our school uses a daily TV show, so that is broadcasted in the classrooms, and most days the kids spend at least 30 min in one of their ‘choice labs’ or free computer rooms.”
Michele of Scraps of My Geek Life said her kids have had a similar experience. “It’s funny because my husband and I will always say, ‘Can you see what is on the chalkboard?’ and my kids will look at us like, ‘chalkboard?'”
“93% of teachers believe that interactive whiteboards enrich classroom education,” said Kim Smith, VP of Education for PBS, but “it’s surprising to see how many whiteboards are not being utilized in a way that would make the learning more engaging. Good professional development and teachers embracing technology is key.”
Educational Apps
Beyond the technology itself, there are the programs used for teaching.
“My 5 year old loves Stack the States to learn about geography,” said Emily of West of the Loop. “We also like games that have an educational component like Where’s My Water, which teaches about fluid dynamics (really!) and Cover Orange, which also teaches about physics.”
“You can find lots of free educational game apps on Google Chrome, including ‘PBS Kids Play!'” said Karen of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.
Christina DeYoung of PBS LearningMedia, along with several others, recommended “Super WHY! We’ve got lots of resources on PBSLM.”
Using PBS LearningMedia
“One challenge with technology in the classroom is that teachers need the right professional development to learn how to best integrate the tools. We have aimed to make PBS LearningMedia simple to use,” said Kim Smith.
And that helps homeschooling parents adapt, too. “Homeschoolers have used PBS content for many years – on-air and DVD,” Kim acknowledged. “They are really embracing the digital platform.”
Christina DeYoung of PBS LearningMedia had several simple suggestions for those getting started with using the site:
1) Sign Up. It’s FREE and easy to register!
2) Browse the Content. There are resources from favorite shows like Frontline, American Experience, Sid the Science Kid, and even Curious George… PBS LearningMedia has resources across K-12 covering all subjects. We’re the strongest in science with ELA social studies right behind. We’re also growing! Over 200 resources are added per month, and we’re working to add more PBS favorites for elementary students in particular.
3) Search and Save. The site has flexible features filters for searching and saving what you find, including a feature called “My Favorites,” which allows teachers to save resources in a personal area. Teachers can add custom keywords to organize the resources they way they see fit, and add notes for students. Provides a high level of customization.
“The resources look like they are extensive! It makes a teacher’s life so much easier to have great quality content in one place,” said Elena of Ciao Mom.
Agreed Karen of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires, “With budgets being cut everywhere, this free resource is wonderful!!”
For more on PBS LearningMedia, check out their Facebook page and website.
Take a Comment. Leave a Comment.