Beyond our Walls: Using Technology to Connect

Beyond our Walls: Using Technology to Connect

“Technology will not replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational.”  -George Couros

Technology alone does very little, but in the hands of a great teacher, technology is no longer “technology” but an essential tool that connects students to everyone and everything around them.  Video calls via Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. Video calls can connect your students with authors on World Read Aloud Day, connect with experts for Genius Hour, and connect with professionals during the Hour of Code.

One experience that our students participate in is World Read Aloud Day. TODAY! It is one of my most favorite days of the year. Kate Messner, a children’s author, has taken this task to connect authors with students and teachers FOR FREE via Skype or Google Hangouts! This is an amazing experience for both students and teachers. It shows students that authors are people just like them, and inspires students to keep writing, because you never know what you might grow up to become. 

Genius Hour is a fantastic time to use video calls. Students can gather real-time information from live experts. This experience makes the learning personal and gives the students confidence and added support throughout the process.

During the Hour of Code I host a girls coding club for our 5th grade girls. In the past, we have connected with professional women in computer science careers. The women we connected with gave us invaluable information about why they love to code and inspired our students to continue to learn.

If you are looking for a digital learning month challenge, I would suggest setting up a video call TODAY! These experiences last a lifetime and inspire students to read and write with purpose, dig deeper into research, and take a risk in a career they may not have ever known about.

Written By:
Jessica Homan
Library Media Specialist
Noble Crossing Elementary
Twitter @MediaSpecJess
Blog