Empowering Adult Learners with Technology in the Classroom

1. Inviting Technology into the Classroom Alycea Snyder REEA Webinar

2. Session objectives • Reframe ideas on what it means to be “not paying attention” during class time • Relate to students who learn better hands-on, and recognize how tinkering with gadgets can support this learning • Use tools to guide students’ activities, including online handouts, resource lists, iPad apps, and more Work with technology, not against it.

3. Once upon a time… • I was recruited into tech support. “I have a room full of brilliant techies, and not one of them can help somebody on the phone.” • I learned how to learn technology • I was not a techie... Technology should make life simpler.

4. I look for these… • Simple • Intuitive • (and whenever possible) Free Technology in a classroom… • Minimal risk to execute • Minimal hassle to set up

5. The Right Tool, The Right Way • Choose the right tool • The most basic tool that will accomplish what you need to accomplish • TRY: Review blogs • Use the tool correctly • TRY: Take the tour • TRY: Start with YouTube • TRY: 5min.com Simple tools used correctly can be very powerful

6. Adults are self-directed • Simulations • Role-playing • Case studies • Solve immediate problems

7. Adults are self-directed

8. Instructors of adult learners Traditional Classroom Management • Instructors are more resource, less lecturer • Role is to facilitate information exchange Evolved Adult-Oriented Structure

10. Energized by activity • Busy, lively atmosphere • Accustomed to multi-tasking • Love the background buzz

11. Provide Resources

12. Adult learners are self-directed. • Information is abundant • Instructors are not the only resource • TRY: Direct students to the best resources and let them explore

13. QR Codes • Instant gratification • Creation is easy • Big payoff • Flexible options for results TRY: Create QR code using Kaywa http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

14. WordPress • Easy to sign-up • Upload additional files • Link directly to resources • No limit to amount of content • Potential as marketing tool TRY: Add resources to WordPress blog • http://alyceasnyder.wordpress.com/

15. Direct Student Focus

16. Give students something to do • Links to follow • PDF document to highlight • Resources to investigate

17. The goal was to learn information There was simply less information.

18. Now…

19. The goal has changed Learning  Navigating • When the goal is memorization, taking written notes on paper makes sense. • Now, students sift throughand organize information.

20. Evaluation Re-definewhat it means to learn Synthesis Analysis Application Comprehension Knowledge

22. Evalu-ation Instant application Synthesis • The tools to learn hands-on are already in their hands. • Analysis, synthesis, and evaluation occur more easily in context. Whereshould students focus? On integration of the material Analysis Application Comprehension Knowledge

23. Create an Ideal Environment

24. Invite technology • TRY: • Set the expectation • Provide the wireless password • Reconsider break times • Check the lights • Listen to what you say • Students are looking down • Deliver the entire message out loud

25. Support Future Learning

26. Identify, streamline, and prioritize TRY: Pinterest http://pinterest.com/ • Corral good ideas into one place • Pinterest is public • Resources are ready and waiting • One, easily-shareable public forum • Ready for student access • Organic marketing tool

27. Questions?