Technology, pedagogy, and content are all deeply connected in a 21st century classroom. The need for students to be comfortable using technology is huge in order to be successful in a world full of apps, gadgets, and tools. I try to incorporate the use of technology for two main reasons: promote collaboration and ease of data collection.
Since the CAASPP test is given all through a computer medium I knew that students needed to engage with technology in order to be as comfortable typing as using a pencil. Their familiarity with technology would also, in theory, ease a portion of stress associated with test taking. Students have grown up in a world of technology. They have not known a life without smartphones or tablets. With this in mind I turned to GoNoodle to show students interactive videos about breathing and focusing. Breathing is a simple way to reduce blood pressure and increase focus. Before tests students take the Westside Test Anxiety Scale through Google Forms. This is convenient and easy for teachers since the data is collected and sorted automatically. Based on students’ scores the teacher can assess how students are feeling before taking a test. Being in the classroom together creates a strong shared experience for students much like the bond between co-workers or family. They learn to become strong on their own and encourage each other.
2 Comments
Jennifer Perkins
6/23/2019 07:46:58 pm
Hi Catie! I agree that technology and 21st century skills are essential to incorporate into our teaching. I especially agree with what you wrote about the importance technology plays in student collaboration and data collection. It has been so awesome to get instant feedback via programs Google Survey! I think it is fantastic that you have focused on easing testing anxiety because is such a prevalent problem among our students.
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Tess
6/25/2019 03:01:58 pm
TPACK and Test Anxiety and CAASPP are all playing on the same field! Let me explain how I see it. CAASPP causes anxiety for teachers and kids. Period. The fact that kids have to write long passages to explain their thinking causes a lot of anxiety. If we as teachers prep our kids with a lot of pre-CAASPP tech instruction in word processing, we've alleviated some of that stress. Kids don't have to worry about navigating word processing features because they have been exposed to it. Our capstone projects are related!
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Catie GoldsteinInnovative Learning Master's Student. Teacher. Napper. Dog Petter. Archives
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