Phase 2 — Get Tech Savvy and Become a 2-for-1 Teacher

Post #2.2 — I am Iron Man

Teachers should not use tech to save the world, but they should use tech to maximize their classroom’s full potential.

One aspect that I like to share with other teachers at workshops is that I am a 2-for-1 teacher. I often joke that I am a “physical aid for my digital self.” The digital teacher part of me lectures my students on video and the physical part of me is an aid for students who have individual questions. While an individual student asks me a question, all the others are continuing on with their own lectures. That is because technology has allowed me to develop the super power of being in multiple places at once. Let me discuss the origins of my super power.

THE NEED

In order to individualize my classroom I needed to deliver multiple lessons all at once and assist multiple students all at once. Traditionally, physically I would deliver the same lesson to a group of students. One lesson for one group. However, I needed to deliver different lessons to many individuals. Underneath his suit, Iron Man is just an ordinary guy. His suit, with its technology, allowed him to become the super hero he was in comics. I needed an Iron Man approach.

THE TECH

Iron man could not be the super hero he was without his suit and its tech. Likewise, I could not individualize my classroom without my tech. My technology is not as complex as Iron Man’s, but on the plus side, my tech is real, not fictional like Iron Man’s. Here is a list of tech that I use:

• Screen recorder — The screen recorder I use is OBS. It is free to download from the internet and easy to use.
• Digital Whiteboard — I use SmartNotebook for my whiteboard. This is not free, but a free option out there is Google’s Jamboard.
• Pen and Tablet — I use a Wacom Bamboo Tablet. I purchased this 10+ years ago, and it still works today. I do not need any special features on my tablet, just something to basically write with.
• Video Editing — If a video is going to consist of several different clips or I want to add some special effects, I use WeVideo to edit my videos.
• Word processor — I used Microsoft Word in the past, but currently use Google Docs to create my notes, worksheets, quizzes, test, etc.
• Hosting site — You need a place to house your content. I design my own webpages and host my own site. This is not a viable option for many, so I would recommend using Google sites and/or Google Drive. Also, many schools and teachers I know use CANVAS.

DEVELOPING THE SUPER POWER

To become a 2-for-1 super hero, I completed the following steps.

1. Create your notebook/workbook — In order to create videos, you need content and problems to make videos of. Either create a notebook/workbook from scratch or purchase one.
2. Create videos — Once you have your content, then start recording videos. I struggled at first. Developing a flow between working with the tablet, screen recorder, and video editor took some time. But, you will develop a rhythm and once you do, it becomes second nature.
3. Organize and house the content for student access — This area is where a ton of organization is needed. I will develop a future podcast to specifically address this, but for now, please send me any questions you may have.
4. Develop your power — Developing your super power will be a constant daily practice of refining and improving your environment.

I post this phrase in my classroom: movement is life. The second you “settle down” with what you do is the second that your classroom will fail to meet its full potential. I have said it in other posts and will say it again: appropriate use of technology is the key to educational reform. It’s time for teachers to suit up.