The use of technology is evident in the world, so as educators we naturally want to make that same use of technology both relevant and purposeful in the classroom. However, there are times where teachers may find the use of technology is cutting into their instructional time due to questions about how to use an app, where to click or how to upload a document - all technical aspects of how an app works. We know we want to focus on the learning, so how do we as educators maximize our instructional time while still integrating technology effectively? Insert student tech experts! This can be a game changer in your classroom.
Student tech experts are trained by a teacher or maybe a teacher librarian to use a specific app which is used on a consistent basis in class. All students in the class know who the tech experts are due to their leadership and the badge on the wall with their name noted. It’s truly an empowering role for students!
How do you decide who will be a tech expert? We’ve decided this based on student interest and encouraged those who show natural understanding of using technology. I’ve also had times throughout the year where students can sign up to become a trained tech expert. Simply hang up a chart, explain the purpose of the training and leave a marker near by for students to sign up! Then hold a 20 minute training session for those students, allowing them to explore, providing a challenge to complete and holding a conference at the end to see that they have a true understanding of how to use the app effectively. Sometimes sessions might need to be spread out over a few days or you may need to give students a few days to complete the challenge. Either way, it's completely flexible and beneficial for all!
What apps are students trained in? This completely depends on the tools you are using in class. What technology tools are you using to enhance or redefine instruction? What apps are students using on a consistent basis? These should be the tools that students can help support! Student tech experts have the ability to explain how something works, not what content or information should be put into the project. Teachers are fulfilling their role as a guide on the side, focusing on the academics while tech experts are supporting the mechanics of an app as needed.
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