Vicki's Tech Hub

I am often asked how to integrate technology into learning when students don't know how to use it. My answer is always the same: Technology should always be a tool used to advance understanding, motivation, or engagement and NEVER the focus of the lesson. So, how do I ensure technology is the tool rather than the star of the show? It starts with the learning objective. Image Credits: 588ku Before I even think about the tech, I ask myself, "What do I want students to learn?" Whether mastering a math concept, exploring a scientific principle, or improving writing skills, the focus is always on the learning outcome. Technology simply becomes the bridge that helps students get there. Maybe that bridge is an app, a digital timeline, or a 3D design, but whatever it is, it's there to support the lesson, not take over. Technology doesn't have to be flashy.   Belie...

  This year, I introduced my 4th-grade students to digital storytelling, and the results were nothing short of inspiring. Their very first video project was an autobiographical account that brought together their interests, passions, and the things that inspire them. By integrating this video creation with their ongoing 3D print project, students could see the power of storytelling come to life through multiple forms of expression. Photo Credits: greenbook.org The process began with the students designing a 3D print: the first letter of their name as the base, with 4 to 8 objects placed on top that symbolized what they loved and what made them unique. Each object told a story—whether it was a favorite hobby, a beloved pet, or an important memory. The beauty of this project was in its simplicity. The letter and objects allowed students to see how personal narratives can take on visual forms. Once the 3D prints were completed, we transitioned into the digital storytelling component. ...