The EdTech Coach Podcast

So you're a technology coach at your school or district.  You have tons of ideas on how teachers can use various software and hardware in their classroom.  But how do your reach them?  Sure, you can try and fit professional development into their already busy schedule.  But there are other ways you can reach out to teachers and share your ideas.

In this episode, Stephen offers suggestions on how an EdTech coach can reach a school staff with their coaching.

This episode stems from a real incident.  A student was asked by her mother what she did that day.  The student simply replied, "we used the computers again." Mom became worried that all her daughter was doing was staring at a computer all day, not learning anything.  Needless to say, the parent called the school to complain that the teacher was having students sit in front of the Chromebooks all day not learning anything.

Sometimes using technology in your class can be a not so great thing.  Parents and administrators want to know how you are using those Chromebooks or iPad's in your class.

In this episode, Stephen discusses how you can avoid backlash against tech in your class from parents and school administrators.

Most classes have those students who have a lot to say or ask but are just too shy to do so.  Perhaps a student has something to offer a class discussion but there just isn't enough class time to do so.  They can still contribute to the class digitally! This is where a class backchannel can help. 

In this episode, Stephen discuss why and how to use a backchannel's in your classroom.  He also offers suggestions for apps that can help facilitate a class.  

Teachers carry around mini-computers in their pockets.  Sometimes these computers are more powerful than the school issued computer sitting on their desk.  When used with the right apps, these mini-computers can really help teachers do their job.  Why not put those smart phones to good use for your teaching practice.

In this episode, Stephen recommends apps that every teacher should have on their phone.

If you're using Chromebooks in your classroom, you should be aware of the various ways Google tools can be used in the classroom.  Most notably, how students can use those tools to take notes in the classroom.  

In this episode, Stephen discusses how students can use the different Google tools to take notes in class.

Cell phones in the classroom can have a negative connotation, but they don't have to.  Why not turn that around and use students cell phones to increase learning and participation?

These days, most students carry around powerful computers.  I'm not talking about the Chromebook or iPad they carry from class to class, I'm talking about their cell phone.  Why not use those computers (smart phone) to the benefit of the student?

In this episode, Stephen talks about ways students and teachers can use cell phones to make learning interactive in the classroom.

You just found a great app that you'd like to use in your class! The second the bell rings, you jump right in and start teaching the lesson using your new found piece of technology.  But your students have questions about using the app.  Unfortunately, your students are busy trying to figure out how to use the app rather than focusing on the content of the lesson.  Don't let this be you!

To ease students into using a new tool and avoid confusion and frustration, Stephen suggests six steps every teacher should take when integrating an app into their class.

It's testing time and you've got your students for a prolonged period of time, perhaps a couple of hours.  Or, your school uses a block schedule where you see your students just two or three days a week.  There are apps out there that can be your one-stop shop for keeping students engaged while promoting learning.  Some of these apps have a presentation component, a student work component, and a formative assessment component--all in one!

In this episode, Stephen suggests five apps that are great to use for longer periods of class time.