After creating an iPad infused lesson titled, Sight Word Safari with iPads, I had an epiphany of sorts. In years past, I would have pushed for a technology lesson with multiple layers and moving parts. I was always going for the big splash! Often times it was overwhelming for the teacher and frustrating for me. Sure some teachers were fine with the tempo I could push, but this approach didn’t reach teachers overwhelmed by technology.
With Sight Word Safari, I prepared a technology infused lesson requiring only a few moving parts.
The truth is, starting with the fundamentals and building a lesson plan out from there is a perfect approach for all comfort levels. Stripping a lesson down to the basics allows for the thoughtful addition of new wrinkles…as comfort increases.
The good news is that technology found in many schools is simple and intuitive. A device like an iPad already has minimal moving parts from the start. On/off is easy, WIFI and apps are pre-configured. The device sits ready, waiting to be acted upon.
After a year had passed, using the simple Sight Word Safari lesson as a foundation is a logical step towards deeper technology integration.
Awhile back I came across an augmented reality app called Aurasma, with a very business-like, advertising bent to it. After tinkering for a while, I deleted it and never came back to the app until I read, How to Make an Augmented Reality Word Wall.
Needless to say, Aurasma (and thousands of other apps like it) have unlimited potential in your classroom.
Aurasma was simple, intuitive and free! What is Aurasma? From Wikipedia:
“Aurasma’s image recognition technology uses a smartphone’s or tablet’s camera to recognize real world images and then overlay rich media on top of them in the form of animations, videos, 3D models and web pages. Both businesses and individuals use Aurasma to create and share their own augmented reality experiences as well as to discover hidden digital content around them. Teachers are among the most active group using the platform.”With a strong foundation and comfort level in the basics, swapping out a QR Code reader for an augmented reality app like Aurasma becomes easy. We altered the concept of Sight Word Safari to incorporate Aurasma and the students were excited to take a Sight Word Safari! Here is a brief write up, along with photos, from the lesson using Aurasma.
In closing. I think my main points are…
For teachers, take that first step using available technology in your building. Strip down the technology down to the basics and build out lessons at your comfort level and pace.
For support staff, be supportive of all stages of technology integration in your district or school! The growth you’ll witness from teachers with the least comfort level with technology, will become the best part of your day!