Lego Education is on the rise to takeover classrooms. It's a great way to get students engaged in a lesson and interested in STEM Education. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and has gotten lots of attention in school looking to build on the curriculum of the students.
According to The Center for Engineering Education Outreach or CEEO, at Tufts University, they stumbled upon the Control Lab Interface that connects to the computer through a serial port and controls LEGO motors and lights and reads from LEGO sensors. The program was created for all aged students. "Kindergartners have used LabVIEW and the LEGO bricks to build their own town and automated a bus stop at each house" (Erwin 2000). "College juniors learned about statistical analysis, sampling theory, and report writing whiling enjoying the versatility the LEGO bricks have to offer" (Erwin 2000). But how does one exactly create a program that can be easy for 5 year olds to use while still being able to entertain 20 year olds? "The ultimate goal was to develop software that has a low entry level and high ceiling without either extreme feeling overwhelmed" (Erwin 2000). The program is set up in levels so that you can grow with the program. "The computer becomes another tool rather than the central focus of the project. the software and the hardware have a very low entry level but very high ceiling" (Greene 2013). The next big software tool is LEGO MINDSTORMS. "The true power of LEGO MINDSTORMS and the LabVIEW programming environment is not simply to enhance the pre-existing curriculum, but actually to transform the learning environment into one of an inventor's workshop or engineering design firm" (Green 2013).
iPads are a great tool for the classroom and help engage students during lessons as well as free time in the classroom as well as at home. There are so many useful apps to download for free or for a small fee. And the great thing is that there are so many apps that benefit teachers as well as students.
The iPad app I chose is called Life of George. This app works with iPhones, iPads, and iPods as well as a the game Life of George and Legos. It's an interactive game combining Lego blocks with your electronic device. George shares pictures of his travels and challenges you to recreate the picture as you try and race the clock. You take a picture of your model with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod and George will let you know if it's correct.
I would use Life of George at a station with a small group that would be part of a whole group lesson. I would also have Life of George available in my math games bookcase so that students would be available to play with it whenever they had some free time. If I were going to use Life of George in a lesson, it would be included in an addition unit but during a Spring Time theme because George's pictures are mostly Spring and Summer themed.At the station, I would have a Life of George box for each student. The box comes with a mat as a set of Legos. Each student in the station would also need their own iPad with the Life of George app downloaded. Life of George would not only help the students counts how many Legos they needed but also help them with colors and shapes. Life of George is a great tool to help develop or strengthen fine motor skills. This game also builds teamwork when more than 1 student is using the game. Players are also rewarded points for speed and accuracy so it would develop a healthy competition for the students to beat their previous records as well as their classmates.
When most children think about going to school they think about tests, worksheets, and lectures from their teachers. But we are now in the 21st century and our classrooms need to reflect that. There is lots of technology that teachers can use in the classroom such as: SMART boards, vokis, pixton, ebooks, and webquests. However, there is one piece of technology that seems to benefit lots of students and that is the iPad.
The iPad is so useful in the classroom and can serve many purposes. Apple designed an easy product that can do advance tasks. Not only can the iPad take pictures, record notes, show directions, set appointments, and store a library of books, but it can also teach you how to count and how to tell time. There are so many great apps for teachers and even parents to download to help students further their education. The nice thing about having iPads in the classroom or even at home is that most apps are free! Now, there are some apps that cost between $0.99-$20.00, so of the apps are worth the cost and others are perfectly fine with just downloading the lite version of the app. And it is very easy to download apps on the iPad.
I think using iPads in the classroom is a great idea because it gets the students involved and engaged in learning and they're able to do it in a fun way. And because they're using an iPad, they will think they are playing a game instead of learning something new. There are so many great apps on the app store and many teachers will be glad to share useful apps that they use in the classroom.
Here are some of my favorite apps to download:
Stack the States: Children learn about the 50 states as they come to life on the iPad in a colorful game.
Hickory Dickory Dock: Children learn about reading a clock while being entertained by a playful mouse.
Meegenius: A fun and easy-to-use library of e-books for children to enjoy.
Smarty Pants School: This apps offers a carefully-structured series of games and activities designed to strengthen children's early reading skills.
Students need to be engaged in the classroom, if they're not engaged then they are not learning. Some people might question having iPads in the classroom but teachers need to think of it as another way for students to learn new information. It's not there for the students to play games with, it's there for the students to learn. Krista Stockman, a FWCS Spokesperson, says that iPads will be apart of a specific curriculum. "Just like we use computers everyday in our work, or use an iPad, or an iPhone, or any of those devices for work reasons that's what we expect students to be able to learn to" says Stockman.
Located in Short HIlls, New Jersey, Pingry School of Excellence and Honor understands the importance of having iPads in the classroom of grades Kindergarten- 12th grade. One teacher describes having iPads in the classroom as, "Hands on, immedicate, and connected to what you're doing." Teachers need to understand that students love "hands on" activities and it's a great way for them to learn. By using an iPad, students are able to hold the work in their hands and see results immediately. Another teacher says that, "Gratification is immediate." I think that is a great way to describe iPads. Students need instant feedback otherwise the work they do is forgotten. With immediate feedback and gratification, their work holds importance to them.
Technology is a great way to engage students about new information in a unit. It gets the students thinking outside the box and lets them become the teachers. And because it's the 21st century, a teacher does not have to use a computer power point as the only technology tool to teach the students, that is unless that's the only technology tool in the classroom. Other pieces of technology can incluse, iPads, Pixton, Blogger, Pinterest, Twitter, Glogster, SMART Notebook, and Webquests. Along with those listed there are so many more which is all the more reason to use it in a classroom because there are so many useful pieces of technology.
In an article written by Maya Prabhu, a study was taken these results, "Some reported that the focus of the lesson had changed, moving away from them as the teacher, towards the resources they were using. Some teachers felt the resources enabled a more collaborative environment to emerge, where they were working with students to constructn problems and devise methods to solve them." Using technology in the classroom creates a positive atmosphere for the students.
When using technology in the classroom, students see their work as a game rather than an assignment. "In Lisa Parisi and Christine Southard's fifth grade class, students use Vokis as part of the Time Zone Experiences Wiki as well as with the other blog and wiki-based projects to showcase their knowledge about the various topics they are studying." Another teacher was quoted to say, "For math, I would use a Voki to explain the problems to my class. For example, if I wanted them to guess a number I was thinking of, my Voki would give clues."
I think technology in the classroom is a great tool for students and teachers to enhance learning in the classrooms. The more chances the students have to learn in a fun and exciting way, then the more I believe the student will be willing to learn. Teachers need to incorporate technology to engage the students' minds. One of my professors, Dr. Linville, has always said, "If you don't have an engaged learner, you don't have a learner." I think this statement is so true. if a student is bored with the material then he or she is not going to try their best to complete the work, they will complete it with little effort. An engaged student, will use the resources they have been taught and really evaluate their work.
LabLearner in Philadelphia: What Does St. Denis School Think of the LabLearner Program?
In this podcast, LabLearner is used at St. Denis School in Philadelphia where the Principle, a teacher, and two students are interviewed to discuss their thoughts on the LabLearner program. This podcast was very helpful to further understand how LabLearner works and what the advantages are of the program. It's one thing to hear the founder of LabLearner discuss the program, but it's another to hear what schools actually think of the program.
My Thoughts
I think LabLearner would be an excellent program for schools to use. I never liked going to my science classes because I always thought they were boring. Had I attended a school that used LabLearner, my previous statement would be different. I think it's very important for students to be engaged during class and LabLearner allows students to dig right in to the information and find things out for themselves rather than being lectured about new information.
Thoughts from the Principle:
Jacqueline Coccia is the Principal of St. Denis' and is in her first year under the LabLearner Program. She discusses how she had to spend a lot of time researching the program and what advantages it would have over using textbooks. Textbooks are very expensive when they need to be replaced and can sometimes cause confusion for teachers when trying to interpret information to students. Mrs. Coccia says that when the school uses textbooks that every class learns differently based on the teacher. This is because everyone learns differently and one teacher might understand a topic better than another so it's most likely that the students of the 1st teacher will understand the concepts better than the 2nd teacher. This can cause problems when students are tested on the curriculum because they are expected to learn the information and apply it. But with the LabLearner program, every student is taught the same way and is able to comprehend the information better. Students are able to make complete thoughts when using LabLearner. Mrs. Coccia has noticed that the students have improved in their writing and math skills because of LabLearner. She says that LabLearner has helped in a number of ways and is very pleased in the program's success. The most important part of LabLearner is that the teachers must be 100% committed to the program so that the students get the best results from the program.
{The video below is from another Principal and her thoughts on LabLearner.}
Thoughts from a teacher:
Teachers need to be comfortable and well qualified to teach elementary science. But, they generally feel they don't have the expertise or confidence that they really need. With LabLearner that all changes. When the teachers are first introduced to LabLearner they must attend several workshops that explain how the program works and what they should expect. LabLearner experts discuss the program through a detailed powerpoint that helps train the teachers about the new program. Next, the teachers meet with their grade level and discuss what their grade will be working on in each cell of the program and the techniques needed to complete the labs. Angela, the teacher that was interviewed, said that she and the other teachers were very nervous at first but after the first year they grew very comfortable with the problem. Angela discusses that the program stresses the importance of the pre lab so that by the time the lab starts, students don't need help and are able to work in their groups to complete the lab. She also says that their is tons of support in this program. There is support through the program itself, a support number, and a binder to refer to. The materials are given so teachers don't need to spend their own money on supplies which all teachers can appreciate. Angela says that the step-by-step instructions in the lab manuals offers stress free learning for the students and teachers. it's a great teamwork system.
Thoughts from the students:
LabLearner wanted to get a 1st hand view on LabLearner results so they interviewed two 6th grade students, John and Paige, and asked them some questions about the program. The students agreed that getting acurate measurements in the labs are very important because even with the slightest change in number, the results of the lab would be incorrect. Paige discussed how she liked working in groups of 4 or 5 because when she couldn't find the answer to a problem in the cell, her classmates were supportive and helped her find the answer. John was constantly mentioning how math is apart of science and how in order to do one, you must use the other. The students exaplined that the program is made up of "cells" or lessons and in each cell there is 4 labs to be completed. Every cell experiment involves math. Before the cell starts, you muct complete a pretest and it doesn't matter what grade you recieve on it, it's more to see how much you know going into the lab. Next, you complete the labs and after that you take a post test. This is why the pretest is so important because the teachers are able to see how far you've come by just completing the cell. The students really enjoy LabLearner and look forward to attending each class. And don't forget, there is something you do everyday that revolves around science!
Useful Links:
Read about a North Dakota School District adopting the LabLearner Program here.
"Designed by scientists and teachers, LabLearner is a 100% hands-on science education system that includes a fully equipped in-school laboratory, complete curriculum, lesson plans, assessments, and teacher professional development."
The LabLearner website is very easy to manipulate through with lots of options to explore. And of course it's very teacher friendly. LabLearner was founded by Dr. Keith Verner and targets students in PreK-8th grade. Students are able to learn science through hands-on activities because after all, science is learning.
What you get with LabLearner:
When you purchase the LabLearner system, you also gain access to our national network of LabLearner teachers. Through LabLearner Teacher, you will be able to connect with teachers, discuss ideas, and get constant updates/support from LabLearner!
What’s Included:
• In-school laboratory with authentic science equipment and supplies. (The LabLearner laboratory is set up by LabLearner staff. LabLearner students use the same equipment used in university labs.)
• CELLs (Core Experience Learning Labs), which are used as the science curriculum.
• Teacher and administrative professional development with ongoing personalized attention.
• Access to the LabLearner Teacher network.
• A simple replenishment ordering system with minimal costs to completely replenish all CELLs.
• Consultation on funding and payment options to make LabLearner a reality for your school or district today!
Science is made up of questions that can be answered with more questions. Students should be asking questions and engaged during science so that they are learning. In this podcast that I watched, students from the Gesu School in Philadelphia were learning science through the LabLearner process. Teachers go through and teach the vocabulary first and then set up the lab so that the students can use and understand the vocabulary while they are completing the lab. The teachers and LabLearner agree that science must be hands-on so that students are engaged. Teachers and parents need to teach children at an early age that science is everywhere, not just in the classroom. Students need to learn to ask questions and apply their previous knowledge to this new learning process. Teachers need to ask students questions and observe students' work to make sure students understand what they're doing and to see if they are learning. Science is much easier "to do" rather than read. It's one thing to read a chapter about a science topic and then complete an experiment based off the topic then it is to try and understand something just through lecture and reading.
I think LabLearner is a great tool for schools to use if they can afford it because they make science fun and students look forward to science because they know they will be tested on information that was previously taught all while doing experiments with their classmates.
The Science of Learning:
In this podcast, Dr. Keith Verner introduces the importance of the "Information Processing Model." Dr. Verner believes in teaching students through cognitive learning systems. When students are taught new information, it's all about what goes in to the brain and stays in long-term memory. But, unfortunately most information that is taught is constantly leaving our brain and is forgotten knowledge. This is why homework and a quick review the following day is so important. No new information can come in without being compared to information we already know and stored in our long-term memory. Most short term memory doesn't make it to long term if it is not consolidated, it's lost and forgotten. For information to remain in long-term memory, new connections between nerve cells and the brain or neurons have to be made. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise all help with learning and the physiological process of how we learn. We must remember that learning is science. Teachers mold the shape of learning for their students so they must be certain the information they share is important so that the correct information is stored and not lost. Executive functions oversee the handling of new information. An example of this is when students re-read information to understand it better. Attention is required through the whole process of learning. Inputting information into the brain does not mean learning is going to happen. This is why teachers need to make the students engaged through the whole lesson so that they are concentrating and taking in new information.
Dr. Verner stated, "A major goal of education is to facilitate through information processing, the accumulation of important memories in the long-term storage of students."
Students must use stored information to solve problems and hypothesize to create new information and knowledge. Hands on science experiments help with this type of learning.
How to Use Technology in Your Classroom With a Focus on Social Studies:
Technology is a great tool to be used in a classroom and when properly used, engages students and helps them learn. A Smart Board can be easily used through the day but especially during Social Studies. If you are working on a project about another city, state, or country then google earth is a great place to view the area. There are a lot of great apps for the iPad out there now that can create flash cards or ask you questions to prepare you for a test. It's amazing what's out there for children these days but it's up to the teachers who must be willing to try new things so that they can teach their students something new.
Reflect on Your Experiences:
I was really hoping to see technology used in my practicum setting but unfortunatly my teacher doesn't use it because the school can't afford it. My teacher is also a little apprehensive about using her computer so she doesn't know how to do much which I'm sure is the reason she doesn't use the computer that much during the school day. The only time I see the students using the computer is during Literature Centers and what they are doing on the computer is just a age approproate game. I wish that I was able to see the technology take place so that I would better understand how I could use it.
When I was in middle school my teachers had just gotten Smart Boards put in their classrooms. I remember them being so excited to use this technology in their classes and even though they were a little overwhelmed by the Smart Board, they tried their hardest to learn how it worked so that we would benefit from it. I remember being more interested in lesson because of the Smart Board because we were able to do so much on it and the information came up so clear where as if the information was being written on the board you had to make sure you sat in front just so you could read what the teacher was writing. I think that with the Smart Board it allowed a lot of time for class discussion because the teacher was no longer wasting time writing information down on the board, she was able to devote more time answering questions.
Future Use of Technology in Your Classroom:
In my future classroom I hope to have a few pieces of technology in my room to use when I teach. I would love to own a Smart Board because I feel as though I could create such fun lessons based on that piece of technology and I feel as though the students would be more engaged as learners. I would love to have virtual field trips and explore the world through google earth. There is so much we can do with technology in the classroom that to have the technology and not use it to it's potential is a shame. I have my own iPad and I would even bring that in once or twice a week to either assess or build prior knowledge on a topic. I would love if my students could just play some games on it too, just enough for them to get comfortable using the iPad. I think that since I grew up with having a computer in the house and eventually getting my own, I want my students to learn how to use a computer right from the start. And to do that I need to model it for them and teach with the computer and share information about the subjects we studying through technology.
