IN Upper St. Clair Fall 2018 | Page 45

individual student falls “off track,” teachers utilize that information to determine a course of academic intervention. This form of individualized learning is being employed across the country with positive results. Adaptive Learning Technology / Resources Addressing individual learning gaps continues to be at the top of priority lists for student achievement in the classroom. Adaptive learning technologies have already proven successful in the classroom and are a growing piece of the education puzzle. As the infrastructure needed to support these types of initiatives is more easily accessible and widespread, te achers are finding ways to incorporate these technologies into blended learning programs, according to EdTech Update. IoT in the Classroom You may be unfamiliar with the term IoT (Internet of Things), but you likely use it every day. IoT is a network of devices connected to the internet that deliver real-time insights to connected devices, such as cell phones, laptops, or even your television. These “smart” devices offer a unique benefit in the classroom in the form of interactive whiteboards, e-books, 3-D printers, security cameras, and attendance tracking systems. Use of IoT can remove barriers to learning such as location, language, and economic standing. A recent TEDx article highlighted a Fargo, North Dakota, teacher, Kayla Delzer, and her use of technology in the classroom. She believes it can revolutionize education, but only if used correctly. “Using technology simply for the sake of using it is wasteful,” Delzer says. “If tech doesn’t transform your classroom, your teaching or your students’ learning, skip it.” One easy rule of thumb: If a project can be done using paper or pencil but you’re doing it on a computer or device, it’s not transforming your classroom. The possibilities for technology in the K-12 classroom setting are endless and, if implemented correctly, change the course of education as we know it. Change in Educator Practices / School Infrastructure Although technology is getting all the hype for being a game changer in the education industry, the real success comes from teachers and their active role in ensuring the proper employment of that technology in making a difference in learning. According to Education Week, 90 percent of teachers agree that technology gives them the ability to tailor lessons and homework assignments to the individual needs of students. Yet, teachers and schools who rate their system-wide technology integration on a lower scale don’t have as much hope. Buy-in from educators, school leaders and board members, parents, and the community is critical when looking to successfully integrate new technologies into a curriculum. The change in how teachers are teaching and how students are learning requires a complete shift from room layouts and resources needed for students, to continuing teacher education Continued on page 45 > C.S. KIM KARATE AUTHENTIC TANG SOO DO LEARN ★ EXERCISE ★ LIVE WELL WHAT CAN YOU GIVE YOUR FAMILY FOR A LIFETIME? confidence just add water. ADULTS… Martial Arts is a Great Workout! Every little dose of achievement adds up to big self-esteem. • Good Health • Flexibility • Cardio Workout • Stress Relief • Self Defense Science says the foundation for a child’s cognitive growth is rooted in two key factors: a safe environment and learning through guided play. While we’re focused on the serious stuff, your family will be focused on the fun. It’s what we call The Science of SwimPlay®. PARENTS… Success Starts with a Little Effort! • Confidence • Positive Attitude • Discipline • Concentration • Self Control • Anti-bullying + INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRESSION PLANS + TRAINED & CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS + FLEXIBLE CLASS TIMES WEXFORD | 724.799.8850 PETERS TOWNSHIP | 724.942.7946 goldfishswimschool.com | BACK TO SCHOOL... STAY IN THE POOL! REGISTER TODAY! Master Bruno & Master Kim Take Advantage of this SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER: *includes free uniform $ 19 95 Serving Pittsburgh For 44 Years! www.cskimkarate.com 4705 Library Rd # 2 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-854-1616 UPPER ST. CLAIR ❘ FALL 2018 43